Hamburgers, the traditional American meal, have been a staple part of the diet of millions around the globe for years.
From the dubious origins of the first hamburger sandwich shop in Connecticut in 1895 at Louis Lunch to the multi billion pound McDonald's and Burger King empires of today, burgers have played a starring role in the takeaway and fast food snack industry for more than 100 years.
In the mid-50s, when Ray Kroc bought the first McDonald's store and opened his own franchise in Illinois, burgers were an essential part of the rock 'n' roll scene. A hamburger, fries and milkshake were the food of the moment, as much a part of 1950s America as teddy-boy haircuts and Elvis Presley.
And as the world developed in favour of fast food, fast service and an easy meal, the hamburger easily slotted into the common idea of a takeaway meal. By the 80s, McDonald's, Burger King and other hamburger stores were taking over the world and by 2006 McDonald's alone had stores in 120 countries, serving 54 million customers each day.
But as burgers can be sold in almost any location, by almost anyone, it makes the industry a highly appealing opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs – especially those considering the route of franchising.
McDonald's is probably the world's most famous franchise, but there are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the fast food sector for selling burgers.
Burger King, its main rival, is also a highly accomplished and successful franchise model, offering a huge marketing, training and support structure along with one of the world's most recognisable images to aid its franchisees.
With a total investment of around $294,000 to $2.8 million, the speculative investor has a wide scope for a potential business, while the initial franchise fee of $50,000 means most franchisees can expect to get a good return on their money.
Of course, anybody looking to get involved in the burger franchising industry needs to be aware that it is highly competitive. Not only are there huge multinationals such as Burger King and McDonald's vying for customers, but there is competition from other franchises, local burger stores and other fast food outlets.
And so those hoping to make an investment in the round meat meal are advised to examine the market thoroughly, researching their chosen franchise, location, financial situation and the potential profitability of what can be a very hard industry to work in.
Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
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