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Proof that the rise of the burger bar has been a global phenomenon comes in the opening here of Burgerīm, an Israeli quick-service chain with 62 locations back home. Signage proclaims it “A Burger Revolution,” and while that might be a bit hyperbolic, at least Burgerīm is a bit different from the competition. Wedged into [...]

In April 2012, Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard hired Heathcote Capital LLC, many assumed the Golden, Colo.-based regional QSR was seeking a buyer. But President-CEO said that on the contrary Good Times was looking to buy. This week 39-unit Good Times announced deals with Charlotte, N.C.-based Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. BurgerBusiness.com spoke with Good [...]

[Update: Read the interview with Good Times CEO Boyd Hoback explaining the deal. It's here.] In retrospect, the headline for the BurgerBusiness.com interview in February with Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar co-owner Frank Scibelli was prescient: “Good Times for Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar.” Now, indeed, Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard has announced deals to take [...]

Anthony Ackil, Jon Olinto and Tony Rosenfeld opened the first b. good restaurant in Boston’s Back Bay in January 2004. The concept’s signage promises “Real. Food. Fast” and the idea from the start was to prepare and serve locally sourced, all-natural food with QSR efficiency. Customers can order an all-natural beef, turkey chicken or veggie [...]

A McDonald’s franchisee for more than 40 years and operator of eight units, J.M. Owens this year became president of the Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association. He spoke with BurgerBusiness.com about the negative impact of ending the 2% payroll tax reduction; menu (including McWraps) and pricing; efforts to extend breakfast sales; and the chain’s intention [...]

A consultant likely would have told Rivers Corbett and Ray Henry in 2010 that the fast-casual burger segment was already overloaded and they should look elsewhere. Opening a burger restaurant in January in Fredericton, New Brunswick, probably weren’t optimal choices on paper either. But Henry and Corbett believed in their concept, Relish Gourmet Burgers, bucked [...]

Johnny Rockets franchisee Richard Riva has opened the first JR’s Burger Grill in Phoenix. Less a totally new concept than a reworking of a full-service Johnny Rockets to a quick-service format, the restaurant is offering a limited menu with burgers priced at $2.99. A Johnny Rockets spokesperson calls the concept “quick-service pricing with fast-casual quality.” [...]

The winner of the 2012 BurgerBusiness.com Burger Brackets is Andy’s Burgers, Shakes & Fries. Or is it Hwy 55? Yes. Based in Mount Olive, N.C., the 21-year-old chain with more than 100 locations throughout its home state bested Ted’s Montana Grill in a spirited competition for the right to claim the most loyal customers in [...]

Happy Holidays from BurgerBusiness.com. Here’s hoping the holidays are merry and 2012 is brighter for loyal subscribers and occasional readers alike. Our warmest thoughts go to the good folks at Red Gold, a wonderful brand that keeps this site’s lights on. Traditionally, the year closes with a roundup of burger chains worth watching in the [...]

Wendy’s North America systemwide same-store sales increased 2.3% in the second quarter, ended July 3, 2011, President-CEO Roland Smith reported this morning. Average check increased 1.4% in the quarter; transactions rose 0.9%.  Now free of Arby’s drag, The Wendy’s Co. appears energized about strengthening the Wendy’s brand. Most of what was discussed on today’s analyst [...]

Former NFL coach and current steakhouse entrepreneur Don Shula announced plans to open a chain of fast-casual burger restaurants under the Shula Burger name.  Shula said in a release that the first franchisee is being sought in Florida, with 100 locations projected within 10 years. That’s an ambitious timetable in this economy, but the chain [...]

Elevation Burger, based in Arlington, Va., stakes its claim to a share of the “better burger” category by offering a very limited menu of  freshly ground, 100% USDA-certified organic, 100% grass-fed, 100% free-range beef burgers and fresh-cut fries cooked in olive oil.  The basic, single-patty hamburger is about $3.59; the double-patty Elevation Burger is $6. [...]

  The first South St. Burger Co. opened in Toronto in 2005; this week a 13th location, all in Canada, joined the fun. Although it’s one of several “better burger” concepts that have sprung up in recent years, chain President Jay Gould (right) says he believes South St.’s limited menu and emphasis on upscale toppings [...]