Harlem Shake is a vibrant fast-casual restaurant concept founded in 2012 and officially opened its first location in 2013 in Harlem, New York. The brand is headquartered in New York City, where it developed its signature blend of elevated comfort food and nostalgic décor.

After building a strong local following, Harlem Shake began franchising in 2022, giving entrepreneurs the chance to join a culturally rooted and fast-growing restaurant brand.

The franchise specializes in handcrafted smash-burgers, premium milkshakes made with real ice cream, and classic American comfort dishes.

Harlem Shake stands out by embracing Harlem’s cultural heritage, offering a retro-inspired dining room that captures the feel of a 1950s luncheonette. Its community-focused identity, strong visual branding, and social-media-friendly aesthetic help it stand apart from traditional burger chains.

Training

Harlem Shake provides franchisees with a robust and structured training program to prepare them for operating their business effectively and in compliance with the brand’s standards.

1. Initial Management Training Program: This is a mandatory course for the franchisee, all principals, and the general manager. It must be completed at least four weeks before opening and takes place at the franchisor’s headquarters or an approved location. The training is provided at no charge for up to two principals and one general manager, but the franchisee must cover travel, lodging, and other associated expenses.
2. Opening Assistance: Upon launching the business, Harlem Shake sends a trained representative to provide on-site support for up to seven days. This includes operational supervision and hands-on guidance at no cost to the franchisee. This ensures the franchise opens in alignment with brand protocols.
3. Additional and Ongoing Training: The franchisor may require attendance at additional training sessions, which can be up to four days per year and may include an annual business meeting or convention for up to three days. Although there may be tuition fees, franchisees are responsible for all related travel and accommodation expenses. Missing mandatory training is considered a breach of the franchise agreement.
4. On-Site Remedial Training: If needed or requested, the franchisor may provide additional on-site training at the franchisee’s location. This is subject to availability and incurs a per diem fee plus expenses for the franchisor’s personnel. Such training helps resolve performance issues or address new staff onboarding.

Territory Protection

Harlem Shake grants its franchisees a defined territory that is determined based on factors such as population, average home prices, household incomes, shopping patterns, and physical boundaries.

This territory, attached as an exhibit to the Franchise Agreement, gives franchisees the right to operate a single Harlem Shake outlet at an approved location. As long as the franchisee remains in good standing and complies with the agreement, neither Harlem Shake nor its affiliates will authorize another Harlem Shake outlet within that defined territory.

However, Harlem Shake retains certain reserved rights. They may operate or authorize other businesses—including those selling similar products—that do not use the Harlem Shake marks within or outside the franchisee’s territory.