Hood Burger™ – How to Scale Through Franchise Conversion and Expansion
One of the unique opportunities Hood Burger™ had was the ability to take over competitor locations and convert them into franchise units. This required a carefully engineered franchise model and documentation to ensure that every new store would deliver the same authentic Hood Burger™ experience.
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About Hood Burger™
Founded in 2012 in Ljubljana, Hood Burger™ grew from a small stand into a recognized fast-casual chain with loyal customers and a strong market presence. The brand’s identity rests on:
100% Slovenian pasture-raised beef, sourced through its own butcher shop.
Fresh, local ingredients – daily baked buns, fresh vegetables, and signature sauces.
Streamlined operations, which allow for quick staff training without the need for top-level chefs.
Premium positioning in the QSR segment, with an average transaction of €15–19 per customer.
With multiple successful locations in Slovenia, Hood Burger™ had already proven its market viability and strong consumer appeal.
Why CFCG Was Involved
Hood Burger™ needed more than just growth — it needed a franchise system that could:
Convert competitor locations smoothly into standardized franchise outlets.
Protect brand quality while scaling across multiple units.
Prepare for long-term international expansion.
This is where CFCG stepped in with a multi-phased franchise development approach.
Our Approach – Building the Franchise System
1. Franchise Business Model Development
- Defined entry and royalty fees, with scalability built into the model (Single Unit, Multi-Unit, Area Development, and Master Franchise).
- Why this matters: Franchise economics determine how attractive the model is to investors while ensuring long-term sustainability for the franchisor.
2. Financial Modeling
- Full investment breakdown for a single unit: approx. €391,500, including construction, equipment, launch marketing, and working capital.
- Why this matters: Serious investors want clarity and predictability. A transparent financial model builds trust and accelerates decision-making.
3. Franchise Documentation
- Operations Manual, Site Selection Manual, Franchise Prospectus, Ideal Franchisee Profile, and Application Forms.
- Why this matters: Documentation is the DNA of a franchise system. It ensures that whether a store is in Ljubljana or another country, the customer experience remains consistent.
4. Franchise Legal Framework
- Comprehensive agreements (NDA, pre-contracts, franchise agreements).
- Why this matters: A franchise relationship is long-term (Hood Burger contracts run for 10 years, renewable). Clear agreements protect both franchisor and franchisee.
5. Brand Standards – GBOS & ABOS
- Development of the Graphic Book of Standards and Architectural Book of Standards.
- Why this matters: From the look and feel of the store to kitchen layout, these standards guarantee uniformity. This is especially important when converting competitor locations.
6. Franchise Brochure
- A professional marketing tool to present Hood Burger™ as a credible investment opportunity.
- Why this matters: A well-crafted brochure speaks the language of investors and is often the first impression of the brand.
Conversion Strategy – Turning Competitors into Hood Burger™
One of the smartest growth strategies Hood Burger™ pursued was franchise conversion: taking over competitor units and rebranding them as Hood Burger™.
This required a franchise model that was:
- Operationally flexible – so the concept could adapt to existing layouts.
- Legally robust – to ensure seamless integration of new partners.
- Brand-consistent – to maintain customer expectations across all units.
With CFCG’s system in place, Hood Burger™ can scale faster by reducing the cost and time associated with opening new units from scratch.
Benefits for Franchisees and the Brand
For Franchisees:
- Access to a premium, proven brand with strong unit economics.
- Comprehensive training: from flagship store immersion to on-site support during openings.
- Exclusive territories for stable market development.
- Transparent investment and ongoing support from HQ.
For Hood Burger™ (Franchisor):
- Rapid expansion with minimized capital investment.
- Consistent product and service quality through standardized operations.
- Increased brand valuation as the network grows.
- Potential for international expansion and long-term exit opportunities.
The Role of CFCG
CFCG’s contribution went far beyond documentation. We:
- Engineered the financial model for sustainable growth.
- Structured the franchise agreements to reflect Hood Burger’s strategy.
- Developed brand and architectural standards for consistent conversion and new build-outs.
- Created the marketing assets needed to attract qualified franchisees.
This foundation ensures that Hood Burger™ can confidently expand both domestically and internationally, whether through new builds or competitor conversions.
Final Thoughts
Hood Burger™ demonstrates how a strong local brand can prepare for the next stage of growth by structuring its franchise system properly. With the right strategy, documentation, and support, even competitive challenges can be turned into opportunities for expansion.
If you are a brand owner considering franchising, now is the right time to assess your brand’s potential. Contact us at info@cfcg.eu for a free consultation and let’s explore how to transform your business into a scalable franchise system.
About us
With over 15 years of experience in the franchise industry, CFCG is a trusted leader in providing comprehensive franchise consulting services. We have worked actively in more than 20 countries worldwide, including the USA, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience.
Our team consists of industry experts who cover all aspects of franchise development, from setting up franchise systems to branding, legal matters, finances, and much more. We take pride in offering a unique solution for all your franchise-related needs.
What sets CFCG apart is our unique experience in building our own franchise systems from scratch to globally recognized franchises. This hands-on experience has given us a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and complexities that franchisors face. We have walked the same path, encountered the same obstacles, and successfully overcome them.
CFCG’s mission is to support our clients in achieving the best possible results for their franchise systems. We work closely with each client, striving to understand their unique goals and challenges, and tailor our solutions to their specific needs. Whether you are entering franchising for the first time or seeking solutions to overcome existing challenges, we are here to help.
Our team’s consulting services are focused on providing personalized and professional support aimed at delivering results. We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients, guiding them through every step of their journey. Your success is our success, and we are committed to helping you realize the full potential of your franchise system.
Thank you for your interest in Čolak Franchise Consulting Group. We invite you to explore our services and get in touch with our experts so we can discuss how we can support your franchise ventures. Together, we can achieve outstanding results in the world of franchising.
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