In the culinary world, few names resonate with as much acclaim and authority as Bobby Flay. Building a career on bold flavors, boundless creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Flay has established himself as one of the most influential culinary professionals of his generation.
As the first chef to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Flay has not only carved out a place in the history of American cuisine but also built a legacy that bridges the gap between fine dining and approachable fare. One of the most exciting chapters in his storied career is Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. This chef-driven fast-casual restaurant concept is redefining how America eats one of its favorite foods, offering guests an Unbeatable Burger Experience.
A Dream Years in the Making
For Flay, opening a burger restaurant wasn’t a business decision made on a whim—it was a lifelong dream. Growing up in New York City, he gravitated toward classic American comfort food, especially burgers. One place in particular left a lasting impression:JG Melon.
“I always wanted to have my own burger place,” Flay said. “As a kid growing up in NYC, my go-to burger was—and still is—JG Melons. It’s a pub-style burger that’s simple but has tons of flavor, and the cheese is always melted perfectly. It hits the spot every time. That’s my goal at Bobby’s Burgers as well.”
That same no-frills but flavor-packed philosophy is the foundation of Bobby’s Burgers, a concept that delivers handcrafted, craveable food in a desirable atmosphere. The fast-casual burger segment is crowded, with countless competitors chasing trends. But at Bobby’s Burgers, the team made a deliberate decision to buck the trends and stand out by setting their own standards.
“We made a conscious decision to not follow the Smashburger trend,” said Flay. “At Bobby’s Burgers, we think of the burger as the quintessential sandwich. Every layer is treated with the care it deserves.”
It’s this kind of thoughtfulness that distinguishes Bobby’s Burgers from the alternative dining options. Every ingredient is crafted with intention—from house-made sauces and flawlessly toasted buns to Certified Angus Beef™ burgers that are grilled to guests’ choice of medium or well-done. The result is a menu that’s approachable, elevated, and entirely irresistible.
Flay’s signature bold flavor combinations shine across the menu, particularly in the lineup of burgers that guests return for again and again:
CRUNCHBURGER® – American cheese, Bobby’s Sauce, and a thin layer of potato chips–the trademarked Crunchified® topping that can be added to any burger in the lineup
BACON CRUNCHBURGER® – A crispy, smoky twist with bacon, potato chips, American cheese, and Bobby’s Sauce
BBQ SMOKEHOUSE BURGER – Bacon, American cheese, a buttermilk onion ring, and chipotle BBQ sauce
NACHO BURGER – Queso, pickled jalapeños, blue corn tortilla chips, and tomato chipotle salsa
BOBBY BLUE + BACON BURGER – A rich, sharp combo of blue cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato
But the menu doesn’t stop at burgers. Guests can also enjoy gourmet sandwiches like the Fried Chicken Sandwich with aji amarillo mayo, signature sides such as Bacon + Cheese Fries and Buttermilk Onion Rings, and next-level breakfast items at select locations, including the Brunch Burger, Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich, and even Steel-Cut Oatmeal for those seeking a lighter start to the day. And let’s not forget the spoon-bending milkshakes—Flay’s personal favorite is the Pistachio Shake, a testament to the chef’s love for premium, unexpected palate-pleasing delights.
From Vegas to the World
The story of Bobby’s Burgers as a franchise began with strong roots. The concept found its initial footing in Las Vegas with three locations in partnership with Caesars Palace, followed by expansions into Atlantic City and New Orleans. These high-visibility venues provided the brand with a springboard for broader growth and demonstrated its ability to thrive in both high-traffic tourist areas and competitive dining markets. Bobby Flay attended and celebrated the opening of the flagship location in Charlotte last summer—which serves as the global innovation and training center—and the brand opened its first location in Orem, Utah in January, with plans to expand across the state. The brand continues on a full-scale U.S. and international franchise expansion plan, reflecting Bobby’s Burgers’ commitment to franchise excellence. The journey to scale hasn’t come at the cost of quality. On the contrary, Flay attributes the brand’s consistency to a robust internal culture focused on training, standards, and execution.
“Since the pandemic ended, the growth of Bobby’s Burgers has been wonderful. It’s been about team, team, and more team,” Flay said. “Training the cooks to employ the same basic techniques that we utilize in my high-end restaurants, while making sure all of the most important points of fundamental cooking are being activated. We have a ‘no shortcuts’ rule, and it makes a huge difference in consistency.”
This emphasis on fundamentals allows Bobby’s Burgers to maintain chef-level quality in a fast-casual setting, a rare feat in today’s dining landscape. As demand for the brand grew, franchising became the logical next step. Flay recognized that scaling didn’t mean sacrificing vision—it simply required the right partners.
“There are a handful of operators out there who are stellar at franchising,” he says. “Being able to replicate someone else’s vision is not an easy task, but those people who understand the brand’s commitment to quality and can help us grow are our potential partners.”
For franchisees, the appeal of Bobby’s Burgers is multifaceted. They benefit from immediate Bobby Flay brand recognition, access to a world-class leadership team, and a support system that covers everything from store design and operations to culinary coaching and marketing. According to a recent GlobeNewswire report, chef-backed restaurant concepts are expected to generate $186.3 billion over the next five years. With its chef-driven menu, scalable format, and proven support systems, Bobby’s Burgers is well-positioned to capture a significant slice of that pie.
Always a Fresh Perspective
One of the most exciting aspects of Bobby’s Burgers is its commitment to innovation. As a new element, Flay personally curates limited-time menu offerings every quarter, ensuring the brand stays fresh and exciting for both loyal regulars and new guests.The exciting launch of the limited-time menu offerings began in March 2025.
Right now, the seasonal standout is the Buffalo Burger, crafted with Certified Angus Beef™, blue cheese, house-made ranch, hot sauce, and watercress, all tucked into a toasted brioche bun. Guests can also request that the burger be swapped for a grilled chicken breast.
And it’s not just the burgers that get a seasonal refresh. The brand’s milkshake lineup also receives sweet new additions. The current special? A decadent Dulce de Leche Shake made with creamy custard, house-made whipped cream, and a generous swirl of rich caramel sauce. Future limited-time menu innovations are already in the works, with new offerings set to debut in June for summer, followed by another exciting twist in the fall.
What’s Next?
With a methodical approach to growth, Bobby’s Burgers continues with plans to expand across the U.S. and internationally, never compromising on quality.
“I’m very excited to extend our reach globally,” Flay said. “I believe America’s favorite meal will be super popular around the world.”
Bobby Flay has always brought his personal passion to the table—whether in fine dining, television, or publishing. And Bobby’s Burgers is no exception. He has remarkably taken the all-American burger and infused it with culinary artistry, attention to detail, and refined creativity.
This is not fast food—it’s food done fast and done right. Bobby’s Burgers is a celebration of classic flavors, reimagined through the lens of one of America’s most beloved chefs. As the brand continues to grow, one thing is certain: Bobby’s Burgers will remain the go-to destination for burgers and an unbeatable experience that’s satisfying on every level and unmistakably Bobby Flay.
View the Flay-vorful menu here.
Interested in becoming a Bobby’s Burgers franchisee? Get a taste of all the details here.