Established
2010
Franchise Units
25
Minimum Investment
$289,300
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$704,500
Home Based
No
Description
Killer Burger has carved out a bold identity within America’s fast-casual dining landscape by offering a burger experience that feels fresh, creative, and unapologetically flavorful. Known for its signature burgers piled high with inventive toppings, high-quality ingredients, and a fun, edgy brand personality, Killer Burger has become a go-to destination for burger lovers looking for something beyond the ordinary.
What started as a single Portland burger shop quickly grew into a regional favorite and now a promising national franchise opportunity. With a strong following across the Pacific Northwest, and expanding presence into states like Idaho and Texas, Killer Burger continues to build momentum as a premium “better burger” brand with a loyal customer base and strong operational foundation.
For entrepreneurs and investors seeking a proven restaurant concept with exciting growth potential, Killer Burger offers the perfect blend of brand distinction, strong unit-level economics, and a supportive franchise system designed for scaling.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
A Distinctive Brand in a Competitive Market
Killer Burger stands out with its creative menu, bold flavors, rocker vibe, and a dining experience centered around fun and quality — making it memorable in a crowded burger landscape.
Growing Market Footprint
The brand’s expansion across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Texas demonstrates its strong market fit and scalability across diverse regions.
Proven Unit Economics
Franchisees report attractive sales-to-investment ratios, with many units achieving competitive margins in the fast-casual category. With proper execution, the brand’s financial model offers strong long-term potential.
Comprehensive Training & Support
From site selection to grand opening guidance and ongoing operational support, Killer Burger ensures new franchisees are set up to succeed.
Flexible Store Formats
The concept can operate in traditional storefronts, suburban retail centers, entertainment venues, and high-traffic event locations — offering multiple pathways to expansion.
Background
Established Year: 2010
Founders: Thomas “TJ” Southard
Current Leadership: CEO John Dikos
Killer Burger was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2010 with a mission to elevate the American burger experience through premium ingredients, unique recipes, and a lively brand culture. Over time, it expanded from a local favorite into a growing regional chain with a dedicated fan base.
The brand began franchising mid-decade and has since expanded to roughly 25 units across the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southwest and South. Killer Burger operates within the fast-casual “better burger” segment — one of the most resilient and rapidly growing categories in the U.S. dining industry.
Support Training
Killer Burger provides a structured support system designed to help franchisees launch and operate efficiently:
Pre-Launch Support
• Assistance with site selection and lease review
• Store layout and design guidance
• Vendor coordination and equipment planning
• Pre-opening marketing and hiring support
Management & Staff Training
• A multi-week Management Training Program for franchise owners
• Training for general managers, kitchen leads, and front-of-house teams
• Classroom instruction and hands-on store training
• Operational systems, financial management, customer service standards, and compliance
Grand Opening Support
• On-site team assistance during soft opening and launch
• Staffing, operations, and customer experience guidance
Ongoing Franchisee Support
• Regular operational evaluations
• Marketing campaigns and national brand support
• Updated menu items, supply chain assistance, and technology tools
• Continued coaching to help you optimize performance
Protected Territories
Franchisees receive a protected area surrounding their store, ensuring no other Killer Burger unit operates within that designated zone.
Ideal Candidate
Killer Burger is best suited for entrepreneurs who:
• Have strong business or restaurant management experience
• Possess a passion for hospitality, customer service, and food quality
• Are comfortable being hands-on in the early phase of store development
• Have the capital to invest and operate effectively
• Understand local demographics and real estate
• Have a long-term vision for multi-unit expansion
Financially, franchisees should have:
• At least $150,000 in liquid capital
• Approximately $1,000,000 in net worth
• The ability to meet build-out and operational funding requirements
Killer Burger thrives with owners who value culture, quality, and consistency — and who are ready to lead teams in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $289,300 – $704,500 |
| Extended Investment Range | Up to $739,000 depending on location and build-out |
| Liquid Capital Required | ~ $150,000 |
| Suggested Net Worth | ~ $1,000,000 |
| Working Capital (Post-Opening) | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Brand/Marketing Fund | Typically around 1% (varies by FDD) |
| Estimated Margins | Upper teens to low 20% (performance varies by unit) |
| Sales-to-Investment Ratios | Approximately 2:1 to 4:1 based on franchisee reports |
| Break-Even Period | Generally within the first few years, depending on costs and sales |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, take-out, online ordering, catering, event-venue operations, multi-unit scalability |