--- title: "The Counter Burger Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review" description: "Explore the The Counter Burger franchise. Investment: $711K-$1.9M. 25 locations. Grade: d. Financial performance disclosed. Burgers & American Grill." url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/the-counter-burger" canonical: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/the-counter-burger" markdown_url: "https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/the-counter-burger.md" type: "FranchiseBrand" brand: "The Counter Burger" sector: "Fast Food & Fast Casual Restaurants" category: "Burgers & American Grill" investment_low: "711133" investment_high: "1939750" total_units: "26" grade: "D" operating_model: "Owner-Operator | Multi-Unit | Semi-Absentee" --- # The Counter Burger Franchise: Cost, FDD Analysis & Review Explore the The Counter Burger franchise. Investment: $711K-$1.9M. 25 locations. Grade: d. Financial performance disclosed. Burgers & American Grill. ## At a glance - **Brand:** The Counter Burger - **Sector:** Fast Food & Fast Casual Restaurants - **Category:** Burgers & American Grill - **Total initial investment:** $711,133 – $1,939,750 - **Total units (FDD Item 20):** 26 - **FranchiseGrade grade:** D - **Operating model:** Owner-Operator | Multi-Unit | Semi-Absentee - **States with locations:** AZ, CA, FL, NY, VA ## The Counter Burger — franchise facts ### What is the total initial investment required to open a The Counter Burger franchise? Total investment ranges from $711,133 to $1,939,750, depending on location, real estate, and buildout requirements. This covers franchise fee, equipment, buildout, inventory, and initial working capital for restaurant operations. ### What is the initial franchise fee for The Counter Burger, and what does it cover? The franchise fee is $35,000. This grants access to brand systems, training, and ongoing support as a member of The Counter network. ### What ongoing fees, royalties, or required contributions do The Counter Burger franchisees pay? Franchisees pay 6% royalty on gross sales, 1% to the advertising fund, and 1% for local marketing support. Technology fees are $335 monthly. ### What financial requirements must candidates meet to qualify for a The Counter Burger franchise? Prospective franchisees should have liquid capital and net worth sufficient to cover the investment range and demonstrate financial stability. Lenders typically require 20-30% down payment with SBA financing available for qualified applicants. ### Are financing options or third-party funding programs available for The Counter Burger franchisees? SBA loans are often available for qualified franchisees. Traditional bank financing, equipment leasing, and franchisor relationships with lenders can help bridge the investment gap. ### What initial training does The Counter Burger provide to new franchise owners? Training totals 954 hours: 88 hours classroom-based instruction covering operations, food safety, and customer service, plus 866 hours on-the-job training at a company or established franchised location. ### What ongoing support and resources does The Counter Burger offer after opening? The Counter provides operational manuals, field support visits, marketing guidance, and technology platform access. Franchisees also benefit from peer networking and periodic updates to systems and procedures. ### Does The Counter Burger assist with real estate and site selection for new locations? The franchisor provides guidance on site selection criteria and real estate strategies. Ideal locations feature high foot traffic, visibility, and demographics aligned with fast-casual burger demand. ### What does the day-to-day role of a franchise owner look like with The Counter Burger? Owner-operators manage staff scheduling, inventory, customer service, and quality control. Daily tasks include staffing oversight, cash management, and ensuring brand standards are maintained across all customer touchpoints. ### Can The Counter Burger be operated as an owner-operator or semi-absentee franchise? While The Counter is operationally intensive, multi-unit owners may hire general managers. However, startup owners are expected to be hands-on, especially during the first 1-2 years to establish systems and train staff. ### What type of lifestyle and time commitment should owners expect with The Counter Burger? Restaurant ownership demands long hours, including evenings and weekends. This franchise suits owners willing to be present for peak service times and actively manage daily operations to build a successful location. ### What territories or markets are currently available for The Counter Burger franchise ownership? Protected territories are granted based on market demographics and population density. Current presence in AZ, CA, FL, NY, and VA; availability in other states may depend on franchisor expansion plans and local market saturation. ### Does The Counter Burger offer multi-unit ownership or expansion opportunities? Franchisees demonstrating strong performance and operational capability can develop multiple units. Multi-unit operators typically hire management teams to oversee locations while maintaining brand consistency. ### Are area development or master franchise opportunities available with The Counter Burger? Area development agreements may be available for qualified franchisees willing to develop multiple units within a defined territory over a specified timeframe. Terms and requirements vary by location and franchisee qualifications. ### How does The Counter Burger approach unit-level profitability and financial performance? Fast-casual burger restaurants typically generate revenues of $800K-$1.5M annually with food cost around 28-32%. Net margins range from 5-12% depending on labor efficiency, real estate costs, and local market conditions. ### What sets The Counter Burger apart from competitors in its market segment? The Counter differentiates through customizable gourmet burgers, premium ingredients, and a fast-casual format that bridges quick service and full service. Protected territories and comprehensive training create a distinct operational advantage versus independent burger restaurants. ## Research this brand - Full profile: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/the-counter-burger - Compare it side by side: https://www.franchisegrade.com/compare - Check affordability against your capital: https://www.franchisegrade.com/affordability-calculator - Franchise terms used above: https://www.franchisegrade.com/tools/franchise-glossary --- *Source: [FranchiseGrade](https://www.franchisegrade.com) — independent, FDD-derived franchise research.* *Cite this page as: https://www.franchisegrade.com/best-franchises/brand/the-counter-burger* *Training, indexing and quotation are permitted — please attribute and link to the source URL above. Full-text reproduction of the whole page is not. Licensing: privacy@franchisegrade.com*