Opening a restaurant franchise can be an exciting path for entrepreneurs who want to run a food business without starting from zero. For those interested in burgers, fries, and fast-casual dining in Canada, Boardwalk Burgers represents a fast-growing franchise opportunity. Knowing what kind of investment is required is a crucial first step. This article describes what it might cost to open a Boardwalk Burgers franchise in Canada and what a new owner should expect when getting started.
Franchise Investment Range
To open a Boardwalk Burgers location, the estimated total investment typically ranges from $400,000 to $500,000 CAD. This is the amount prospective franchisees should plan for to cover all the necessary start-up expenses and get the restaurant ready for operation under the Boardwalk Burgers brand.
What the Investment Covers
The required investment covers a variety of costs associated with launching a fast-casual burger restaurant. This includes leasehold improvements and build-out of the premises — such as renovation, interior decoration, flooring, kitchen and dining-area design, lighting, signage, and layout. It also covers the purchase and installation of restaurant equipment: kitchen appliances, grills, fryers, refrigeration units, storage, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other necessary operational gear. In addition, initial inventory (ingredients for burgers, fries, shakes, and other menu items), packaging, supplies, and set-up costs for food handling and storage are part of the investment. Pre-opening expenses such as permits, licenses, staff hiring/training, and initial marketing to attract customers also fall under this start-up budget.
Training, Support and Business Model
One of the strengths of the Boardwalk Burgers franchise offering is the support provided to new franchisees. Franchise partners receive training before opening — covering restaurant operations, food preparation procedures, customer service, hygiene and safety standards, and day-to-day management. This helps individuals without prior restaurant experience to learn how to run a business efficiently. After launch, ongoing support is often available for supply procurement, menu sourcing, marketing strategies, and operational guidance. This can make running a fast-casual restaurant more manageable and structured.
Boardwalk Burgers follows a business model centered on fast-casual dining: offering made-to-order burgers, fries, shakes, and related menu items within a casual, welcoming environment. By focusing on freshness, quality ingredients, and customer experience, the brand aims to attract repeat customers who appreciate quick service and good food. The relatively moderate size and streamlined menu compared with full-service restaurants may help with operational simplicity and cost control.
What to Consider When Investing
The final cost within the $400,000–$500,000 range will depend on various factors. Location plays a major role — restaurants in high-traffic areas or desirable commercial zones may offer better customer flow but often come with higher rent, build-out, and renovation costs. The size of the restaurant also affects cost: smaller spaces require less renovation and equipment, while larger dining areas or full kitchen setups increase expenses. The quality of materials and equipment, local construction costs, and regulatory requirements (permits, health codes) may also influence how much you ultimately spend.
Because a fast-casual burger restaurant deals with perishable food items and daily operations, ongoing costs such as labor, food supplies, utilities, maintenance, and waste management must be carefully managed. Maintaining high standards for quality, service, and cleanliness will be critical for attracting customers and building a loyal clientele — especially in a competitive food-service market.
What to Expect After Opening
Once your Boardwalk Burgers restaurant is open, your revenue will come from sales of burgers, fries, shakes, and other menu items. Success will depend on your ability to attract and retain customers through good food, consistent service, and a pleasant in-store experience. The support and systems provided by the franchise can help you manage operations and reduce common pitfalls faced by independent start-ups. Over time, if managed well and located appropriately, the restaurant can grow into a steady, cash-flowing business.
That said, profitability will largely depend on factors like customer traffic, operational efficiency, cost control (food cost, labour, overhead), and ongoing marketing or local community engagement. Fast-casual dining often thrives in busy, accessible locations, and owners must stay on top of food quality and customer expectations to remain competitive.
Summary
For entrepreneurs in Canada seeking to enter the fast-casual burger business with a ready-made system and support, Boardwalk Burgers offers a structured and accessible option. With an initial investment ranging from $400,000 to $500,000 CAD, you can set up a fully equipped burger restaurant — including build-out, kitchen and dining infrastructure, equipment, inventory, and operational setup. The franchise model includes training and ongoing support, which can be especially helpful for those new to the food-service industry. As with any business venture, success will depend on your location, management, and ability to deliver consistent quality and good customer experiences. For individuals prepared to invest time, capital, and dedication, Boardwalk Burgers may offer a promising path to owning and running a burger-focused restaurant.
