Franchise About Us

Habit Burger Milestones

1969

First location in Goleta.

Exterior of Santa Barbara Habit Burger Grill

1996

Second location opens in Santa Barbara.

Russ Bendel and Ira Fills

2009

KarpReilly, LLC purchases The Habit with 13 restaurants and hires Russ Bendel, CEO, and Ira Fills, CFO, to lead the brand.

Front door of 50th Habit Burger Grill

2012

Opens 50th restaurant.

Habit IPO celebration

2014

Named Best Tasting Burger in America.

Joined NASDAQ.

Opens first franchise location.

Opens 100th location.

Interior of a Habit Burger Grill in China

2017

Opens first international restaurant in China.

Reader's' Choice 2019 emblem

2019

Named Best Regional Limited-Service Award by USA Today.

Yum! Brands logo

2020

Purchased by Yum! Brands.

Exterior of 300th Habit Burger Grill

2021

Opens 300th location.

Newsweek and Zor awards

2022

Named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek.

Named winner of the Franchise Times Zor Award as ‘Top Franchise to Buy’ for the quick-service Burger category.

Caring for our Community

We believe our quality commitment is shown through our dedication of taking care of the communities we serve and connecting people to real food. We are determined to make a meaningful impact in the neighborhoods where we live and work through donations, fundraisers, innovative community partnerships, and delivering a great dining experience at a remarkable value.

Charity Partners

Quality First Culture

The Food

Our commitment to quality begins with our food; starting with high-quality ingredients to chargrilled entrees and trend-forward seasonal features.

From our award-winning Charburger made with fresh, 100% ground beef patties, to our line-caught sushi-grade ahi tuna, fresh chicken, and marinated steak. All are chargrilled over an open flame to sear in the flavor that only flame-grilling can create and then handcrafted to order, just for you, as a signature burger, fresh salad, or sandwich.

The People

Our quality-first culture doesn’t stop with our food, it’s engrained into the craft of our chefs and restaurant teams. When you visit The Habit Burger Grill, you are immediately transported to a warm and welcoming environment that radiates a California vibe. Our team members put thoughtful care into everything they do – from their greeting, to serving you with a smile and putting love into every handcrafted order.

Habit Happenings

Insights into the Booming Burger Chain Industry from The Habit’s CMO

Building Better Habits: Development Strategy with Chief Business Development Officer...

Making a Meaningful Impact in the Communities We Serve