Buns on Fire is a fast-casual concept offering burgers, sandwiches, and comfort sides, serving quick-service diners and late-night guests, and known for indulgent stacked burgers, playful branding, and convenient counter-service or food-truck style operations.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$255,000 - $462,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Buns On Fire is a bold fast-casual burger franchise focused on high-flavor smash burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, wings, bowls, and specialty drinks. The brand was founded in 2021, with the concept refined over two years before opening its first brick-and-mortar locations in 2023.
Buns On Fire was created to deliver crave-worthy comfort food with strong branding and an energetic customer experience.
The franchise was founded in Illinois, USA, and is headquartered in the same state. Early locations were opened in the Chicago suburban market, helping the brand establish a loyal local following. Its menu emphasizes fresh ingredients, a proprietary beef blend, and customizable options designed to appeal to a wide customer base.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Buns on Fire franchise is
$255,000 - $462,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000 to $60,000
Travel Expenses to Attend Training
$2,000 to $10,000
Real Property
$3,000 to $10,000
Build-Out / Construction
$150,000 to $250,000
Fixture Package
$20,000 to $40,000
Initial Inventory
$8,000 to $15,000
Marketing Supplies
$2,000 to $7,000
Signage
$5,000 to $10,000
Computer Hardware, Software, and POS System
$4,000 to $6,000
Insurance
$6,000 to $10,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,000 to $3,000
Grand Opening Campaign
$1,000 to $5,000
Legal and Accounting
$3,000 to $6,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$10,000 to $30,000
Total
$255,000 to $462,000
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000 to $60,000
Travel Expenses to Attend Training
$2,000 to $10,000
Real Property
$3,000 to $10,000
Build-Out / Construction
$150,000 to $250,000
Fixture Package
$20,000 to $40,000
Initial Inventory
$8,000 to $15,000
Marketing Supplies
$2,000 to $7,000
Signage
$5,000 to $10,000
Computer Hardware, Software, and POS System
$4,000 to $6,000
Insurance
$6,000 to $10,000
Licenses and Permits
$1,000 to $3,000
Grand Opening Campaign
$1,000 to $5,000
Legal and Accounting
$3,000 to $6,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$10,000 to $30,000
Total
$255,000 to $462,000
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Buns on Fire's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Buns on Fire had 2 total units in 2025, of which 0 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
The Buns on Fire franchise provides a comprehensive set of training programs to support franchisees in successfully operating their business. These programs are structured and mandatory, and they include both initial and ongoing components. Here's a summary of the training offered:
Initial Training Program Before opening the Franchised Business, up to two managers (including at least one from the ownership group) must complete a two-week training program. This training covers all aspects of operating and managing the franchise, including use of the Confidential Operations Manual. It consists of both classroom and on-the-job sessions in areas such as burger preparation, fryer use, guest greetings, and inventory procedures. This training is included in the Initial Franchise Fee.
Additional Training for Extra Trainees If training is needed for more than the two individuals initially covered, or for replacement managers, the franchisee must pay the then-current training fee per trainee, as well as cover their travel and living expenses. All training must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction.
On-Site Opening Support Franchisor representatives may travel to the franchisee’s location for approximately 14 days to provide pre-opening and/or post-opening assistance. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and applicable training fees are borne by the franchisee.
Territory Protection
The Buns on Fire franchise offers a defined Protected Territory to its franchisees as part of their agreement. This territory typically covers up to a five-mile radius around the restaurant, determined by the shortest driving distance using mapping tools.
Within this Protected Territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or allow another franchise location, ensuring a degree of territorial exclusivity during the agreement’s term.
However, the territory protection is not absolute. Buns on Fire retains the right to operate or authorize others to operate in “Non-Traditional Sites,” such as airports, stadiums, or casinos, even within the Protected Territory.
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