Established
2013
Franchise Units
7
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$881,500
Home Based
No
Description
BUILT® Custom Burgers is a fast-casual restaurant concept that offers a personalized dining experience, allowing customers to create their own burgers, fries, and shakes with a wide selection of premium, hormone- and antibiotic-free proteins, cheeses, and fresh toppings. As the fast-casual counterpart to The Counter®, BUILT® Custom Burgers combines quality ingredients with a modern, inviting atmosphere, catering to the growing demand for customizable and high-quality dining options.
Since its inception, BUILT® Custom Burgers has established a strong presence in the U.S. market, with multiple locations across various states. The brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has garnered a loyal customer base and positioned it as a competitive player in the fast-casual dining industry.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Customization Appeal: In an era where personalization is key, BUILT® Custom Burgers taps into the trend by offering a build-your-own burger experience that caters to diverse dietary preferences and tastes.
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Quality Ingredients: The brand's emphasis on hormone- and antibiotic-free proteins, along with a variety of fresh toppings, appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking high-quality dining options.
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Franchise Support: BUILT® Custom Burgers provides comprehensive support to its franchisees, including training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance, ensuring a smooth and successful business operation.
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Proven Business Model: With a growing number of locations and a strong brand presence, investing in a BUILT® Custom Burgers franchise offers the opportunity to be part of a proven and expanding business model.
Background
Established: Founded in 2013, BUILT® Custom Burgers has quickly gained recognition in the fast-casual dining sector.
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Franchise Units: As of 2025, the brand operates 7 franchise units across the United States.
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Founders: BUILT® Custom Burgers was developed as a fast-casual version of The Counter®, a brand known for its gourmet burgers.
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Ownership: The brand is part of MTY Franchising USA, Inc., a subsidiary of MTY Food Group, which acquired The Counter® and BUILT® Custom Burgers in 2016.
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Market Presence: BUILT® Custom Burgers has established a presence in various U.S. states, with plans for further expansion.
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining – specializing in customizable burgers, fries, and shakes.
Support Training
BUILT® Custom Burgers offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
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Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
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Training: Franchisees undergo several days of classroom training followed by weeks of on-the-job training to familiarize them with operational procedures and customer service standards.
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Operational Support: Ongoing guidance on daily operations, inventory management, and quality control to maintain brand standards.
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Marketing Assistance: Access to marketing materials, digital marketing strategies, and promotional campaigns to drive customer engagement and brand awareness.
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Technology Support: Provision of proprietary software for point-of-sale systems and operational management, ensuring efficient business operations.
Ideal Candidate
The success of a BUILT® Custom Burgers franchise depends not only on location and investment but also on the qualities and capabilities of the franchisee. The ideal franchisee embodies a mix of business acumen, passion for quality food, and dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
1. Business Background & Experience
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Preferred Experience: Franchisees with prior experience in foodservice, hospitality, or retail management have an advantage. Experience in managing staff, inventory, and customer-facing operations is particularly valuable.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Those who have run or managed a small business or franchise before are more likely to navigate the challenges of opening a new location successfully.
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Operational Competence: Ability to understand and implement operational procedures, maintain quality control, and manage day-to-day activities efficiently.
2. Passion for Food and Customer Experience
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Commitment to Quality: BUILT® Custom Burgers emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. Franchisees should have a genuine passion for delivering premium, customizable dining experiences.
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Customer-Centric Mindset: A focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere, listening to customer preferences, and maintaining high service standards.
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Brand Ambassadorship: Franchisees should actively promote the brand, engage with the local community, and maintain consistency with BUILT®’s standards and values.
3. Investment Capability
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Financial Stability: Ability to meet initial franchise fees, total investment requirements, and maintain sufficient working capital.
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Long-Term Commitment: Willingness to invest both financially and personally for long-term growth and profitability.
4. Leadership & Management Skills
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Team Management: Ability to recruit, train, and motivate a team that aligns with BUILT®’s operational standards.
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Problem Solving: Franchisees must handle operational challenges, customer feedback, and staff issues with professionalism and efficiency.
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Decision-Making: Strong analytical and decision-making skills to optimize operations and drive profitability.
5. Location & Market Awareness
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Market Selection: Preference for locations with strong foot traffic, visibility, and a demographic that appreciates fast-casual, customizable dining.
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Community Engagement: Interest in local marketing, partnerships, and promotions to build a loyal customer base.
6. Personal Traits
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Motivation & Resilience: Willingness to work hard, persevere through challenges, and continuously improve operations.
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Adaptability: Ability to adapt to trends in the fast-casual food industry and respond to customer demands.
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Passion for Growth: Desire to expand operations or open multiple locations as experience and market demand allow.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $432,500 – $881,500 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Budget | 2–3% of gross sales (allocated for local & national marketing) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 (for initial operational expenses) |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | $250,000 – $500,000 (includes kitchen equipment, interiors, signage) |
| Expected ROI | 18–24 months (varies by location & performance) |
| Break-even Time | 18–24 months |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, delivery services, special promotions |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 7 locations |
| Other Costs | Licenses, permits, insurance, POS systems (approx. $20,000 – $30,000) |
