Krave Kobe Burger Grill—a socially conscious, fast-casual better burger franchise specializing in all-natural ingredients and hormone free meats from independent local farmers—is beefing up its national expansion plans.

With two locations currently open and operating throughout Southern California—one in Glendora and another in Newport Beach—company plans call for opening 10 new restaurants in 2018 and having as many as 60 locations open and operating by 2020.

“Everybody loves a good burger and Krave is stepping up the game in the better burger category. There is a substantial need in America for a better ‘better burger’—something that is not only delicious, but also provides our bodies with nutritious and safe ingredients,” says Ardy Farokhirad, co-founder and CEO of Krave Kobe Burger Grill. “We have every intention of providing the highest quality food at reasonable prices to millions of customers across the country.”

The idea for Krave Kobe Burger Grill came about in 2013, shortly after Farokhirad’s mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During that time, he traveled abroad and began to study the eating habits of those in China, Italy and several other European countries. He quickly discovered that there was more concern and care for what people put in their body abroad than in the United States.

“It became very clear that the United States was lacking a place where customers can enjoy affordable, high quality, healthy food,” he says.

Krave Kobe Burger Grill offers an amazing “American Kobe Wagyu Beef” product in a casual environment for a more affordable price. The beef is not from Japan and, good news for customers, it’s not $200 a pound. All of Krave’s proteins come from independent farmers with no added hormones and have been humanely raised to the utmost standards. The burgers cost 1/2-1/3 less than anywhere else in the country, starting at only $6.99.

Other menu items include 100 percent-natural, hand-cut tender grilled angus steak, all-natural free-range chicken sandwiches, fresh organic salads, made-to-order sweet potato fries, French fries and onion rings. Menu items perfectly pair with craft beer, premium wine or a gourmet shake.

In addition to making a difference by offering affordable, natural dining choices, it is also Krave’s goal to give back. On selected dates and times each month, customers are welcome to participate in the company’s Krave Kares Charity program, during which half of all sales are donated to a local charity, organization or school. A different organization is selected each month.

“Our focus is on humanity and helping our community. Providing locals the opportunity to experience the highest quality food, while helping local organizations achieve their goals, is a really great feeling and we have designed our company to do just that,” Farokhirad says.

To augment the company’s growth, Krave Kobe Burger Grill is seeking franchise partners who believe it is time to make a difference—a healthy change to the Better Burger category, while being a positive impact in the community. Including a franchise fee of $40,000, the total investment to open a 1,700-2,500 square foot Krave Kobe Burger Grill restaurant starts at $514,000.

Fast Casual, Franchising, Growth, News