1972
15
$500,000
$40,000
$1,200,000
No
Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a vibrant community gathering place that combines gourmet burgers, handcrafted cocktails, and fabulous entertainment into one unforgettable experience. Founded on the idea that dining should be as lively as it is delicious, Hamburger Mary’s has become a beloved American institution known for its inclusive, welcoming atmosphere and signature flair.
From drag brunches and karaoke nights to themed dinners and trivia, each Hamburger Mary’s location offers a unique blend of food and fun that keeps guests coming back for more. With its upbeat energy, social-media-worthy presentation, and strong commitment to diversity and equality, the brand has carved a distinctive niche in the casual dining and nightlife industry.
As an investment, Hamburger Mary’s stands out as a franchise that’s more than just profitable—it’s meaningful. It empowers franchise owners to celebrate individuality, creativity, and community while delivering strong financial returns through multiple revenue streams like food, drinks, and events.
Investing in a Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille franchise means joining a brand that knows how to make dining an experience, not just a meal. The concept’s combination of quality food, engaging entertainment, and inclusive values has helped it grow from a single neighborhood eatery into a recognized brand across the United States.
Key reasons to invest:
Unique Market Positioning: No other franchise blends casual dining, nightlife, and entertainment with a strong message of inclusivity.
Proven Concept: Decades of successful operation and franchise growth demonstrate its strong business model.
Community Engagement: Hamburger Mary’s locations thrive in socially active communities that value diversity and creativity.
Strong Brand Appeal: Its colorful atmosphere, consistent branding, and nationwide media exposure create a loyal customer base.
Multiple Revenue Streams: In addition to food and beverages, franchises benefit from ticketed shows, private events, and merchandise sales.
Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille was founded in 1972 in San Francisco, California, during a time of social change and cultural awakening. The concept was born out of a desire to create a welcoming, inclusive restaurant where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or orientation—could enjoy great food, laughter, and community. The founders envisioned a fun, casual eatery that celebrated individuality through both its menu and atmosphere, and that vision continues to drive the brand today.
Over the decades, Hamburger Mary’s evolved from a single neighborhood café into a nationally recognized restaurant and entertainment franchise. Its colorful personality, iconic “campy” humor, and lively events have made it a staple in cities across the USA. From drag brunches and bingo nights to trivia, karaoke, and cabaret shows, every Hamburger Mary’s offers a full sensory experience that keeps guests coming back again and again.
The franchise began expanding beyond its San Francisco roots in the early 2000s, opening locations in Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Houston, and Las Vegas, among others. Today, Hamburger Mary’s is operated under Mary’s Entertainment Group, which oversees both corporate and franchised units across the United States.
The brand’s strong presence in major entertainment and nightlife markets has helped it gain recognition as one of the most unique concepts in the casual dining and bar franchise industry. Its appeal spans diverse audiences—from locals looking for a fun night out to tourists seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Hamburger Mary’s has also become a symbol of inclusion and advocacy, proudly supporting the LGBTQ+ community through events, fundraisers, and partnerships with local organizations. This social responsibility, combined with its proven operational model, makes Hamburger Mary’s a truly modern franchise that blends profit with purpose.
Today, with over 15 locations nationwide and continued growth in development, Hamburger Mary’s remains committed to bringing people together through food, laughter, and fabulous entertainment—living up to its slogan:
“Eat, Drink, and Be… MARY!”
Hamburger Mary’s provides comprehensive support to ensure every franchise partner succeeds from day one. The brand’s franchising team has perfected a system that simplifies operations while maintaining the signature flair that guests love.
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection, demographic research, and lease negotiation.
Complete restaurant design and layout guidance to ensure brand consistency.
Pre-opening marketing strategy, including digital launch campaigns and PR support.
Initial Training Program:
A multi-week training program at an existing Hamburger Mary’s location, covering restaurant operations, entertainment scheduling, and staff management.
Guidance on menu preparation, inventory management, cost control, and quality standards.
Front-of-house and back-of-house staff training to maintain the signature guest experience.
Ongoing Support:
Continued marketing and advertising assistance including access to creative assets, national brand campaigns, and social media templates.
Operational consulting and field visits from franchise support managers.
Access to a centralized supplier network for consistent food and beverage sourcing.
Continuous updates to menu items, event concepts, and operational improvements.
Hamburger Mary’s also hosts annual franchise conferences where owners can share insights, learn from peers, and stay updated on new initiatives.
The ideal Hamburger Mary’s franchisee is an energetic, community-oriented entrepreneur who understands the value of delivering experiences—not just meals. They should be passionate about entertainment, hospitality, and fostering inclusive environments.
Best-suited candidates include:
Experienced restaurant or bar owners looking to expand with a high-profile concept.
Investors passionate about LGBTQ+ community engagement and diversity-driven brands.
Entrepreneurs with strong local connections who can create buzz through events and social engagement.
Individuals who thrive in fast-paced, fun environments and enjoy interacting with guests.
Operators with financial capability to support build-out, marketing, and working capital needs.
Preferred locations:
Urban and suburban areas with active nightlife, arts, or tourism—such as downtown districts, entertainment corridors, or mixed-use developments.
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $250,000 – $400,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $350,000 – $800,000 |
| Expected ROI | 20% – 25% annually |
| Break-even Timeline | Typically 24 – 36 months |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, bar sales, events, merchandise, catering |
These figures may vary depending on location, size, and market conditions. The brand’s franchise team assists in evaluating costs and returns for each market opportunity.
