Elevation Burger

Elevation Burger is an American fast casual restaurant chain that specializes in organic hamburgers. The company originated in Falls Church, Virginia, within the Washington Metropolitan Area. They have over 40 locations operating in the United States, Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar.

Elevation Burger
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryRestaurant
GenreFast casual
Founded2005 (2005)
Falls Church, Virginia, U.S.
FounderHans Hess
Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
,
United States
Number of locations
40 (2021)
Area served
Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
United States
Key people
Cord Thomas, CEO
ProductsHamburgers, french fries, soft drinks, ice cream, milkshakes
ParentFAT Brands
Websiteelevationburger.com

History

The initial idea of an organic fast casual restaurant was conceived in 2002 by founder and owner Hans Hess. He opened the first restaurant in September 2005, in Falls Church, Virginia,[1] and was called "the first organic burger joint" by Saveur magazine.[2] The meat for non-vegetarian burgers is USDA-certified organic, grass fed, free range beef.[3]

In Spring 2008, Elevation Burger decided to expand from its original location through franchising with the help of Fransmart the company behind the franchise success of a competitor.[4] Subsequently, they announced franchising deals for new restaurants in the Washington Metropolitan Area (April 2008),[5] Baltimore, Maryland (September 2008),[6] Austin, Texas (October 2008),[7] Montclair, New Jersey (November 2008),[8] Florida (March 2009),[9] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 2009),[10] New York City (May 2009),[11] and Dallas, Texas (June 2009).[12][13] All stores in Florida, Michigan[14] & Texas have since closed.

Elevation Burger's corporate parent and founder appeared in a June 2009 The Wall Street Journal article as one of the companies recently targeted by fake Twitter profiles. The respective Twitter profile, created in the name of Elevation Burger but promoting a rival, was discovered in March 2009, then suspended after a letter from Hess's lawyer.[15]

On June 20, 2019, Nations Restaurant News reported that Elevation was acquired by Fat Brands for $10 million.[16]

In mid-March 2020, like many other restaurants, indoor dine-ins were shut down. Take-away, drive-thru or pick-up service are the only options customers can place orders.

Awards and innovative ideas

The buildings of the Elevation Burger chain typically pursue LEED certification regulated by United States Green Building Council.[17]

Reception

Elevation Burger was named as one of fast rising casual restaurant chains,[18] catering to health-conscious clients.[19] Its restaurants were praised for the quality of their food[20][21][22] and they were included among the local attractions and best restaurants of Washington D.C.,[23][24] Baltimore,[25] and other cities.

See also

References
  1. "West Coast' burgers get lift". The Washington Times. April 7, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  2. "Burger Franchise Firsts". Saveur (Issue #122). Archived from the original on 2013-11-13. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  3. Carissa Dimargo (May 22, 2009). "Fast Food Goes Organic". NBC Washington. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  4. Eater Staff (26 April 2011). "Mega-Chains in the Making: Smashburger, Elevation Burger, and Mooyah Burger". Eater.com. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
  5. Gillian Gaynair (April 15, 2008). "Elevation Burger to open 7 more restaurants in the Washington Area". Washington Business Journal. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  6. "Burger with a Heart". Baltimore Magazine. September 18, 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  7. Kiah Collier (October 3, 2008). "Organic burger joint taps into Austin's eco-friendly scene". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  8. "Organic Burger Concept Continues Expansion". QSR Magazine. November 24, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  9. "Elevation Burger Signs Multi-Unit Fla. Deal". QSR Magazine. March 30, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  10. Carissa Dimargo and Kelly Bayliss (May 20, 2009). "Organic Burger Chain Coming to Philly". NBC Philadelphia. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  11. "Elevation Burger Expands to Manhattan". QSR Magazine. May 14, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  12. Holly Lafon (July 7, 2009). "New Organic Fast-Food Restaurant Coming to Dallas". NBC DFW. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  13. "Organic Burger Chain Signs Deal in Dallas". Chainleader.com. June 24, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  14. Parlette, Sarah (2020-01-31). "Elevation Burger quickly and quietly closes both Ann Arbor locations". WDIV. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  15. Sarah E. Needleman (June 29, 2009). "Companies Cope With Twitter Imposters". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-09-02.
  16. Dawson, Gloria (Jun 20, 2019). "FAT Brands buys Elevation Burger for $10M". Nations Restaurant News. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  17. Karon Warner (March 2009). "Tried and True". QSR magazine. Archived from the original on 2009-04-18. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  18. Tim Carman (July 9, 2008). "New Guys Are on The Rise". The Washington Post. p. F01. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  19. "Flat Lining Organics". QSR magazine. December 2008. Archived from the original on 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  20. Tom Sietsema (October 12, 2008). "Juicy Cuisine: Hamburgers Done Right (2008 Fall Dining Guide)". The Washington Post. p. W28. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  21. Ann Limpert (April 18, 2008). "The Wrap-Up: The Week in Food". Washingtonian. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  22. "Now even Thomas Berger is flipping out for burgers". Restaurant Hospitality. November 25, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  23. "Readers' Choice: Best of Washington". Washingtonian. June 20, 2008. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  24. "Washington, DC - Best Dining". City's Best (AOL). Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  25. Max Weiss. "Best of Baltimore 2009". Baltimore Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-01-31. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
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