Elevation Burger Signs Multi-Unit Agreement with Experienced Restaurant Operators
Arlington, VA, May 13, 2009— Elevation Burger, a Northern Virginia based chain known for
its tasty organic burgers and patented fresh cut fries cooked in olive oil has signed a multi-unit
franchising deal with experienced restaurant operators Fabian Rosario and John Harris for Lower
Manhattan. The innovative Elevation Burger chain is rapidly expanding its organic burger
concept throughout the United States with three locations open in Falls Church, VA, Arlington,
VA and Baltimore, MD and over forty new locations in development across Texas, Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., New York and Florida. Fransmart,
the company that helped launch the ultra successful Five Guys Burgers & Fries chain, is leading
the franchise development plans for Elevation Burger.
Rosario and Harris are both experienced New York City restaurant operators and real estate
investors. Rosario is co-owner of the Brooklyn IHOP restaurant, which is one of the top three in
sales locations in the IHOP system. Harris owns a full service restaurant, “The Spot” American
Bistro, in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
“We both own full service restaurants and when we decided to do a restaurant together, we were
interested in the growing fast casual category and we wanted a hamburger concept. Elevation
Burger immediately caught our attention. First and most important was the simple menu.
Elevation Burger focuses on one thing – burgers and fries – and they do it well. Secondly, we
were drawn to the grass-fed, 100% organic beef burgers and fries cooked in Olive Oil. Living in
New York City and witnessing the success of Chipotle, Whole Foods and Trader Joes in
Manhattan we knew there was a market for an organic fast casual burger restaurant,” said
franchisee Fabian Rosario.
Elevation Burger has had an explosive amount of support from local patrons in the Washington,
DC metro area since it first opened in 2005. The concept has received recognition in prestigious
publications such as Washingtonian magazine and The Washington Post as “best shake” and “best
burger” nominees. Founder Hans Hess received the “Green Business Visionary” award in 2008
from the Washington Business Journal, and will be receiving the 2009 Green Business Award from
Washingtonian Magazine in May of 2009.
About Elevation Burger:
Elevation Burger is a rapidly growing, fast casual concept serving 100% USDA-certified organic,
100% grass-fed, 100% free-range beef burgers and a patented process for fresh-cut french fries
cooked in 100% heart-healthy olive oil. Their tasty burgers are made with fresh and never frozen
patties. Founded by husband and wife entrepreneurs Hans and April Hess in 2005, the chain
prides itself on an “elevated” experience and an organic/fresh approach that puts people and
product ahead of profit. The first location opened in 2005, offering Northern Virginia a heartfriendly
menu full of flavor. Hans and April’s belief that “Ingredients Matter” has brought the
restaurant rapid success and popularity. Driven by their passion for delicious food that’s organic,
sustainable and fresh, Elevation Burger began franchising in 2008. Restaurants feature highefficiency
equipment as well as recycled, recyclable and rapidly renewable finishes, and the
company even aims to certify newly constructed stores under the US Green Building Council’s
LEED rating system – a rarity in the restaurant industry. Restaurants are 1,800-2,500 square feet
and seat 50 to 150 guests with outdoor seating.