If you are looking for information on the Hamburger Mary's franchise business opportunity, Hamburger Mary's franchises or Hamburger Mary's franchising, then you have come to the right place.
"There's something about ..." It all started in San Francisco back in 1972, where our casual style "family dining" concept was born. Now there are several Hamburger Mary's restaurants across the U.S., with plans to expand even further with the Master Franchise under new ownership. So what makes Mary's so special?
Hamburger Mary's® franchise is an "open-minded bar and grille for open-minded people," where guests enjoy a flamboyant dining experience. Everyone is welcome at Hamburger Mary's but our unique aspect is that we are the only national franchise that is actively marketing to gay men and women. In fact, we have widespread name recognition within the gay community. Mary's restaurants offer great meals and full bars with nightly entertainment. When you walk into a Hamburger Mary's it's like walking into Mary's home, where you will be greeted with a warm smile and friendly (if somewhat saucy) service. Each restaurant may be unique in its eclectic décor, but they all provide the friendliest service and highest quality food.
Nothing beats a Hamburger Mary's burger, always made-to-order with an assortment of fun toppings on a bakery-fresh bun (For the health-conscious, we offer turkey, buffalo, kobe and ostrich burgers as well as veggie patties as an alternative). But there's more to Mary's than hamburgers... We offer a full menu including our famous homemade chili, soups made daily, a variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts (featuring deep-fried Twinkies, homemade peanut butter pie and "Mary Tyler S'Mores!"). There's even a special menu for Mary's "Little Lambs" under 10 years. Hamburger Mary's is open daily for lunch and dinner. Our "All you can eat Sunday Brunch" features a bottomless champagne or Mimosa cocktail. Guests are encouraged to sample our Famous Spicy Bloody Mary. Each location has a patio and a full bar with live entertainment in the evenings.
Each location supports local charities with a portion of the cover charge or proceeds going to benefit these worthwhile causes. Our Karaoke, Dating Game, Bingo Events and Local Comic Contests as well as featured entertainers and Mary's Idol Contest help to liven up the evening after most guests have finished dining.
Once you purchase a franchise, you can expect full support through all phases of growing your business. HMI continually provides the following benefits to our franchisees:
If you are interested in starting or furthering your career in the exciting restaurant business (but a regular burger franchise isn't exactly what you have in mind) then here are a few good reasons why you should consider a Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille franchise...
Have we tickled your fancy? Piqued your interest? Mary hopes you will contact her about the exciting opportunities that a Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille has to offer! But until then, "Eat, drink and be...MARY!"™
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.
Food and Beverage Franchises