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Elevation Burger

  • United States
  • Since 2005
  • $$
  • 2 burgers · 0 made at home

The Virginia chain that called itself the first organic burger joint, with fries cooked in olive oil.

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About Elevation Burger

Hans Hess came up with the idea of an organic fast-casual burger restaurant in 2002 and opened the first Elevation Burger in Falls Church, Virginia, near Washington, D.C., in September 2005. Saveur magazine called it the first organic burger joint. The beef is certified organic and grass-fed, and the fries are cooked in olive oil.

It began franchising in 2008 and spread along the East Coast and into the Gulf, then went through several owners. Parent company FAT Brands filed for bankruptcy in January 2026 and sold the chain to a Kuwaiti catering company, which plans to grow it in the Middle East.

A couple of dozen restaurants in the US and the Middle East. Sold to a Kuwaiti operator in 2026.

Burger menu

Signature burgers first. Only burgers and sandwiches, no sides.

Where to find Elevation Burger

11 locations on the map in 2 countries. Tap a pin for directions.

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  • United States 9
  • Kuwait 1

Locations as mapped by OpenStreetMap volunteers, updated October 2026. The count can trail the chain’s own figures; check the chain’s store finder before you travel. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

If you like Elevation Burger

Chains whose signature burgers are built the same way.
  • A&W Restaurants (United States, since 1919). America’s oldest drive-in chain, and the burger that lost to bad maths. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
  • In-N-Out Burger (United States, since 1948). Three burgers on the board and a secret menu everyone knows by heart. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
  • Sonic Drive-In (United States, since 1953). Order through a speaker from your car and a carhop brings the burger. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.
  • Dick's Drive-In (United States, since 1954). Seattle’s drive-in with four burgers, no substitutions and college scholarships for staff. Also built on beef, cheese and a double stack.

Not affiliated with Elevation Burger. Trademarks and logos belong to their owners. Descriptions are my own; nutrition figures come from the chain’s published information.