In the ever-evolving world of gourmet burgers, selecting the best brands can significantly enhance your dining experience. From the classic, juicy patties of Shake Shack to the innovative flavors introduced by In-N-Out Burger, there's something for every burger enthusiast. Not to be overlooked, Five Guys stands out for its customizable options and fresh ingredients, while Whataburger boasts a loyal following thanks to its hearty, Texas-sized offerings. Interested in exploring more about these top contenders in the burger scene? Read on for an in-depth look at what makes each brand shine.
Illustration of hamburger
Best brands of hamburger in 2025
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is renowned as one of the top fast-food burger chains in America, known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative marketing strategies. As of 2022, Shake Shack generated $994 million in U.S. system-wide sales, with an average sales per unit of $3,800, and it has expanded to 287 units. The brand's success is partly attributed to its data-driven approach, where customer insights and local flavors play a crucial role in menu development. Shake Shack's market share in the restaurant industry stands at approximately 0.77% as of Q3 2024. Its origin story, starting as a hot dog stand in Madison Square Park in 2001, has been a key element in its marketing strategy. More details about their journey and offerings can be found on their official website.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger stands out as a top performer in the burger category, garnering an impressive 80% overall customer satisfaction score in Market Force Information's 2022 QSR/Fast Casual Study, significantly outpacing competitors like McDonald's and Burger King, which scored 41% and 40%, respectively. The brand excels in food quality, atmosphere, speed of service, value, and staff friendliness, with high scores in quality, service, and cleanliness, including an 82% score for food quality and an 88% score for staff friendliness. In-N-Out also leads in brand loyalty, with a Customer Loyalty Index (CLI) score of 4.75, indicating a strong likelihood of customer recommendations. The chain's commitment to fresh, never frozen beef patties and a limited menu has been key to its success. Additionally, In-N-Out has a high True Loyalty score, with 63% of respondents driven by a true desire to experience the brand. For more details, visit their official website.
Five Guys
Five Guys is renowned for its high-quality hamburgers, boasting a product quality score of 3.6 out of 5 stars from its customers and a customer loyalty score of 76%. The brand is celebrated for its fresh, never-frozen beef and extensive customization options, attracting a loyal customer base despite higher prices than competitors like McDonald's and KFC. Five Guys has over 1,500 locations globally and is particularly favored by Hispanic or Latino customers, who rate its product quality highest. The brand's strict kitchen policies ensure consistency in food preparation, such as shaking French fries 15 times to remove excess oil. Five Guys' commitment to quality has earned it a top spot in national burger rankings.
Whataburger
Whataburger is a renowned burger chain, celebrated for its large, fresh, 100% beef hamburgers served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. Founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson and Paul Burton in Corpus Christi, Texas, the brand has expanded to over 1,000 locations, making it one of the top 10 largest burger chains in America. In 2022, Whataburger generated $3.34 billion in U.S. sales from 925 units, with an average unit volume (AUV) of $3.96 million, a figure only surpassed by a few major chains like Chick-fil-A and McDonald's. The brand continues to grow, with recent expansions into new markets such as Colorado, Kansas, and upcoming entries into Nashville, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Whataburger's enduring legacy is marked by its commitment to quality and their deep connection to Texas, where it remains highly popular. Learn more about the brand and its offerings at their official website.
Smashburger
Smashburger, founded in 2007 by Rick Schaden and Tom Ryan, is a prominent fast-casual hamburger restaurant chain known for its unique "smashed" burgers cooked on a flattop grill at high heat, a technique that enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction and retains juices. As of 2022, Smashburger operates over 217 units in the U.S. and has a significant presence in 35 states and several countries, with estimated U.S. sales of $262 million in 2022. The chain was valued at $335 million when Jollibee Foods Corporation acquired a 40% stake in 2015, and by 2018, Jollibee owned 100% of Smashburger. Smashburger's menu includes customizable burgers, chicken, turkey, and portobello sandwiches, and the chain has seen success with promotions like the Bacon Brisket Burger, which accounted for 5% of sales. The brand's focus on digital transformation has also led to a 436.7% increase in digital orders. For more details, refer to Smashburger's market position and growth.
BurgerFi
BurgerFi International, Inc. is a leading fast-casual "better burger" concept, renowned for its high-quality, all-natural ingredients, including 100% American grass-fed beef, with over 90% of its menu items made from natural ingredients as of 2023. The brand has strong recognition and reputation in the gourmet burger segment, operating over 108 locations, including 80 franchised and 28 corporate-owned restaurants as of January 1, 2024. BurgerFi has been praised for its commitment to quality, earning awards such as "The Very Best Burger" at the 2023 SOBE Wine and Food Festival and an "A-Grade Angus Beef" rating from Consumer Reports. Despite higher menu prices averaging $10.46 per meal, BurgerFi maintains a loyal customer base due to its premium offerings. The brand continues to expand, with plans to grow primarily through franchising. For more detailed insights, check out their BurgerFi Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results.
Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers, founded in 1979 by Philip J. Romano, is renowned for its high-quality hamburgers made from 100% USDA choice, aged ground beef, ground on-site and served on freshly baked buns. The chain boasts over 230 locations globally, offering a variety of burger sizes including 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, and 1-pound options. Fuddruckers is celebrated for its "World's Greatest Hamburger" claim, supported by a unique seasoning blend and a fresh produce bar. As of 2019, the chain had 49 company-operated and 107 franchised restaurants. Fuddruckers was acquired by Black Titan Franchise Systems in 2021 for $18.5 million.
White Castle
White Castle, founded in 1921, is renowned as the first fast-food hamburger chain in the U.S., having sold over 29 billion of its iconic Sliders, including the Original Slider, Cheese Slider, and Jalapeno Cheese Slider. With more than 350 restaurants and a strong retail presence in all 50 states, White Castle has maintained its family-owned status and commitment to quality, operating its own meat plants, bakeries, and frozen-Slider retail plants. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as reaching 1 billion burgers sold by 1961 and being named by Time magazine as having the "Most Influential Burger of All Time" in 2014. White Castle's innovative approach, including its unique steam-grilled cooking method on a bed of onions, has kept it a beloved brand for over a century. The chain continues to expand its offerings, including plant-based options like the Impossible Burger introduced in 2018. For more information, visit their website: White Castle.
Culver's
Culver's is renowned for its high-quality hamburgers, particularly the ButterBurgers, which have been a staple since the first restaurant opened in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Known for their rich, umami flavor and crispy texture, Culver's beef patties are cooked smash burger style, contributing to the chain's popularity across over 20 states. Despite some recent customer service and quality issues, many patrons still praise Culver's for its delicious burgers and friendly staff. The chain has maintained a loyal customer base, especially in the Midwest, where it is most prevalent. Culver's commitment to quality ingredients and cooking methods has made it a favorite among fast-food enthusiasts.
Wendy's
Wendy's stands out as one of the best producers of hamburgers, renowned for its fresh, never frozen beef, a commitment that sets it apart from competitors like Burger King and McDonald's. The company's rigorous distribution system ensures that beef is delivered to restaurants at a temperature of around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining freshness and safety. Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969, Wendy's has consistently emphasized quality, with square patties that maximize kitchen space and visibility. The brand has shown significant growth, with 16 consecutive quarters of North American same-store sales growth as of 2017, and a goal of achieving 38-40% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2020. Wendy's commitment to freshness and quality has made it a favorite among burger enthusiasts.
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