The Habit Burger Grill Claims its Spot on the Franchise Times Top 500 List

IRVINE, Calif. – Southern California-born burger brand, The Habit Burger Grill, has been named in the 2022 Franchise Times’ Top 500 list for the second consecutive year.

The Habit took the #148 spot on the annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales, jumping 23 spots since last year’s list. In 2021 alone, The Habit’s sales grew by 23.8%, surpassing $587 million and experienced 10.8%-unit growth. The Habit now has 330+ Restaurants across the United States.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Franchise Times with this ranking,” said John Phillips, Chief Global Business Partnership Officer for The Habit Burger Grill. “We are eager to continue the momentum The Habit has built around growth, sales and innovation over the past few years. We look forward to expanding our nationwide presence even further with owners who share our commitment to delivering high-quality food at reasonable prices.”

Previously the Top 400, Franchise Times expanded its annual ranking to 500 of the largest U.S.- based franchise systems by global systemwide sales to better encompass the biggest brands in franchising, along with promising young concepts in growth mode. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort that leads to the most credible and objective franchise ranking available, said Franchise Times Editor in Chief Laura Michaels.

The collection of systemwide sales data also provides useful insight into the franchise industry’s performance coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every segment gained ground in 2021, with some getting back to or even surpassing pre-pandemic sales.  

The Habit Burger Grill started in 1969 as a family-owned Restaurant in Santa Barbara. It slowly expanded throughout California and began franchising in 2007. Yum! Brands, franchisor to Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, acquired The Habit in 2020. The brand is headquartered in Irvine, California.

For more information about available franchise opportunities, visit www.habitburger.com/franchise.

About The Habit Restaurants, Inc.

Born in Santa Barbara, California in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast-casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, cooked-to-order chargrilled burgers and handcrafted sandwiches featuring grilled tenderloin steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh handcrafted salads and an appealing selection of sides and shakes. The Habit Burger Grill was named the "best tasting burger in America" in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America's leading consumer magazines, named in Thrillist’s list of “Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!” and featured in Newsweek’s “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains 2022.” The Habit Burger Grill has since grown to over 330 restaurants in 14 states throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and Washington as well as 11 international Restaurants, five in China and six in Cambodia. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.

For more information about The Habit Burger Grill, visit www.habitburger.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Habit Burger Grill, visit www.habitburger.com/franchise/.

About the Franchise Times Top 500.

The Franchise Times Top 500 is the only ranking by systemwide sales and units of the largest 500 U.S.-based franchise brands. Published in the October issue and available in a searchable database online, the Franchise Times Top 500 also analyzes industry sectors based on percentage change in sales growth, reports the 10 fastest-growing franchises by four different measures, and includes exclusive news stories about the biggest names in franchising. The rankings and full report, and the searchable online database, are available at www.franchisetimes.com/top-500- 2022.