The fast-food restaurant, which started out in a converted historical toilet block under U-Bahn tracks in Berlin's Kreuzberg more than 20 years ago, has grown to become an integral part of the city's food scene.
The company now has over 1,000 employees and generates an annual turnover of more than €100 million, selling six million burgers a year at its 31 locations across Germany and Poland.
And now it's time for Austria, with plans to open around 20 Burgermeister outlets in the long term.
The focus is initially on the capital. Three locations are scheduled to open in Vienna in 2026, with the first launch planned this autumn.
Burgermeister, which is a play on the German word for mayor: Bürgermeister, is teaming up with local franchise partner Schwarz Hirsch to establish a nationwide network of outlets in Austria. Eateries are set to open in urban locations, transport hubs and some retail areas over the coming years.
“Austria is a market with high standards when it comes to dining. That is precisely what makes it exciting for Burgermeister," said Robert Fügert, CEO of Burgermeister.
Among Berliners, Burgermeister is known for its delicious yet affordable smash burgers paired with brioche buns, and the chill vibe in its locations.
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"We are bringing a concept to Vienna that clearly combines quality, speed and the best value for money," added Fügert.
"Without compromising on the product. Every burger here should taste just as it does in the heart of Kreuzberg: fresh, straightforward, without any frills."
Austrian franchise partners Matthias Schwarzmüller and Daniel Hirschmann said in a statement: "Burgermeister is one of the most exciting restaurant brands in the German-speaking world. The brand has proven that it can achieve sustainable growth through uncompromising product quality, clear processes and a strong identity.
"We see exactly this potential for Austria as well. Our aim is not to open individual restaurants, but to build a leading burger brand in Austria over the long term. We are starting in Vienna, one of the most dynamic restaurant markets in Europe."
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