**Burgrill Plans $4 Million Raise to Shift to Company-Owned Stores**
India’s homegrown burger chain, Burgrill, is set to raise $4 million (approximately ₹34 crore) as it transitions from a fully franchised model to a network of company-owned and operated stores, according to co-founder Shreh Madan. The brand is also venturing into the less saturated hot dog market with kiosk formats, indicating a strategic shift towards enhanced operational control and a deeper engagement in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector.
Founded in 2016 by brothers Ankur and Shreh Madan along with Rajat Bawa, Burgrill has carved a niche as a mass-premium burger brand focused on fresh ingredients. “When we launched, there was a noticeable gap in the market for grilled burgers, which few businesses were offering. The landscape was dominated by either super-premium burger brands or quick service chains like McDonald’s and KFC,” Shreh explained.
**Transitioning to Company-Owned Outlets**
The nine-year-old burger chain currently operates around 70 stores across India and is preparing to convert its entire network to company-owned outlets, marking a significant strategic pivot. “Burgrill has surpassed ₹55 crore in revenue, including franchise earnings, and we are profitable at the company level with a double-digit EBITDA margin. Our next steps include expanding in Pune and Bengaluru, as well as deepening our presence in northern India,” Shreh noted. The company’s financials are reported under Eat Hearty Pvt. Ltd., while franchise revenues are tracked separately, with Burgrill earning a commission of approximately 7% on each franchise’s earnings. Each franchise outlet typically generates between ₹1.2 crore and ₹1.4 crore annually, depending on location.
Burgrill has established around 65 outlets in regions including Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad, and Telangana, and has recently entered Maharashtra and Gujarat. The company aims to expand its footprint to 80 stores by the end of the year, with plans for additional locations in Zirakpur (Punjab), parts of Uttar Pradesh, and other high-traffic areas, particularly along highways as domestic travel increases. “We anticipate significant business from highway outlets as more travelers opt for road trips,” Shreh added.
**Introducing a New Hot Dog Concept**
In addition to its burger offerings, Burgrill is developing a kiosk-based hot dog chain. “We are positioned in the mass-premium category, which still has ample room for growth. The hot dog segment is under-penetrated, with no organized players currently in the market. We are in the process of launching our first kiosk in a mall in Delhi and plan to scale this business in the latter half of the year,” Shreh stated.
As Burgrill embarks on this new chapter, the brand is poised to enhance its market presence and operational efficiency, setting the stage for future growth in the competitive QSR landscape.
**FAQ**
**What is Burgrill’s new business strategy?**
Burgrill is transitioning from a fully franchised model to company-owned stores while also entering the hot dog market with kiosk formats to enhance operational control and expand its offerings.