Killer Burger Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Killer Burger offers gourmet burgers made with 100% natural beef and creative toppings, along with hand-cut fries and milkshakes, providing a unique and flavorful dining experience for burger enthusiasts.

Launched in September 2010 in Portland, Oregon, Killer Burger has become a standout name in the American burger scene. With its headquarters in Portland, the brand has steadily expanded across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Texas, earning a loyal following for its inventive approach to burgers.

Killer Burger is especially renowned for creative offerings such as the signature “Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon” burger. Each menu item is crafted with a perfectly seared patty and high-quality, flavorful toppings, delivering a memorable experience for every guest.

What sets Killer Burger apart is its dedication to bold flavors and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The brand has earned the title of Portland’s “Best Burgers” five years in a row, cementing its reputation for quality and innovation.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest 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
Lease Expenses $8,000 – $20,000
Leasehold Improvements $150,000 – $350,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment $100,000 – $150,000
Computer Hardware and Software $4,000 – $5,000
Initial Training Costs (per person) $2,000 – $3,000
Security Deposits $2,000 – $10,000
Architect, Plans, and Designs $25,000 – $30,000
Signage $20,000 – $30,000
Initial Inventory/Supplies $10,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000 – $15,000
Business Supplies $500 – $1,000
Business Permits & Licenses (first year) $1,000 – $3,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums $3,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees (first year) $5,000 – $7,000
Additional Funds (three months) $20,000 – $50,000
TOTAL $400,500 – $739,000
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $40,000
Lease Expenses $8,000 – $20,000
Leasehold Improvements $150,000 – $350,000
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment $100,000 – $150,000
Computer Hardware and Software $4,000 – $5,000
Initial Training Costs (per person) $2,000 – $3,000
Security Deposits $2,000 – $10,000
Architect, Plans, and Designs $25,000 – $30,000
Signage $20,000 – $30,000
Initial Inventory/Supplies $10,000 – $20,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000 – $15,000
Business Supplies $500 – $1,000
Business Permits & Licenses (first year) $1,000 – $3,000
Insurance Deposits and Premiums $3,000 – $5,000
Professional Fees (first year) $5,000 – $7,000
Additional Funds (three months) $20,000 – $50,000
TOTAL $400,500 – $739,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Killer Burger provides a comprehensive training program for its franchisees to ensure operational consistency and high standards. The training offered by the franchisor includes the following programs:

  1. Principal Operator Training Program
    This program is provided as needed throughout the year based on the number of new franchisees, personnel requiring training, and upcoming restaurant openings. It covers essential subjects such as accounting/record keeping and marketing. Training is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, supervised by qualified staff or designated third-party trainers.
  2. Pre-Opening and Opening Assistance
    For the two weeks leading up to the restaurant's grand opening, Killer Burger staff are deployed onsite to assist with preparation and staffing. Additionally, there is two weeks of operational training immediately following the opening to ensure smooth initial operations.
  3. Management Training Program
    The Principal Operator must complete a four-week Management Training Program at least three months prior to the restaurant's opening. The General Manager and Training Coordinator are required to attend a three-week Management Training Program no later than two weeks before the opening date. This intensive program is designed to cover all aspects of restaurant management and operations.

Territory Protection

Killer Burger provides a defined "Protected Area" to its franchisees once a site is approved and established. This area is generally outlined either as a radius—typically about 1.5 miles from the restaurant’s front door—or an irregular shape, depending on geographic and urban considerations.

While the franchisor agrees not to open another Killer Burger restaurant within this Protected Area during the agreement term, this does not equate to granting an exclusive territory.

The franchisee may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned locations, or alternative distribution channels managed by Killer Burger, even within the Protected Area.

Competitors

Below are some of

Killer Burger

key competitors in the

Burger

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

7

New
+
133%
133%

$40,000

$401,000

$739,000

n.a.

$1,640,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Built Custom Burgers

Built Custom Burgers provides fast-casual, build-your-own burger meals featuring premium ingredients and a streamlined assembly-line format, allowing customers to customize burgers, fries, and shakes for a fresh and satisfying dining experience.

Franchisees

?

3
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$409,000 - $1,297,000

Burger Village

Burger Village is an organic burger franchise offering grass-fed beef, bison, and vegan burger options with a focus on sustainability.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$484,000 - $802,000

Smalls Sliders

Smalls Sliders specializes in mini cheeseburgers made with fresh ingredients and served quickly, offering a simple yet flavorful menu in a fast-casual setting.

Franchisees

?

19
+
375%
375%
Investment

?

$1,298,000 - $1,994,000

JL Beers

JL Beers is a craft beer and burger franchise offering a casual dining experience. Franchisees benefit from a simple operating model, comprehensive training, and support in marketing and business operations.

Franchisees

?

3
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,223,000 - $3,308,000

Jollibee

Jollibee is a global fast-food chain known for its unique Filipino-inspired menu, offering popular items like Chickenjoy fried chicken, sweet spaghetti, and other comfort food favorites.

Franchisees

?

2
+
100%
100%
Investment

?

$1,635,000 - $4,888,000

Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay

Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay serves gourmet burgers and sides, offering a flavorful and upscale fast-casual dining experience.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$559,000 - $3,168,000