The fast-casual franchise business Krave Kobe Burger Grill is serving up some aggressive expansion plans. This socially-conscious chain, which specializes in hormone-free meats sourced from independent local farmers and all-natural ingredients, currently has two locations in Southern California but is looking to hit 10 new restaurants by 2018 and as many as 60 new eateries by the year 2020.
Brand CEO and co-founder Ardy Farokhirad noted the country's love for good burgers and added that there is a need for a genuine "better burger," one that tastes good and has nutritious and safe ingredients. According to the CEO, the company is dedicated to providing the highest-quality food at affordable prices to millions of people nationwide.
This better burger brand was inspired by an event in the CEO's life in 2013, when his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Farokhirad traveled overseas and starting studying the eating habits of people in Italy, China and other European countries, and he soon discovered that there was more care and concern over what people ingested overseas than there is in the US. It become clear, he said, that the US needed a place where people could access high-quality food at an affordable price.
Krave's menu emphasizes the CEO's original goals, blending good ingredients with diverse flavors at a reasonable price point. Their "American Kobe Wagyu Beef" product, for example, is not the expensive meat that comes from Japan. The proteins are sourced from local farmers who raise their livestock humanely and do not add hormones to their beef. Starting at just $6.99, these burgers cost anywhere from 33 to 50 percent less than anywhere else in the nation. Other menu items include all-natural grilled Angus steak, free-range and all-natural chicken sandwiches, organic salads, French fries and onion rings, and these items can be paired with the brand's craft beer, premium wines or gourmet shakes.
Also founded with a social mission in mind, Krave runs the Krave Kares™ Charity program. On specific dates and times each month, customers at franchise business locations can participate in this program, during which 50 percent of all sales are given to a school, organization or charity in the community. Each month, a new organization is selected for the donations.
Krave Kobe Burger Grill is currently offering franchise opportunities in many areas. The franchise fee is $40,000, and the initial investment starts at $514,000.
