10 Best Cities in the World to Open a Gourmet Burger Shop [With Profit Calculator]

NYC is the holy grail. The competition is brutal, but the population density means a good burger joint can do 500+ covers a day. The current trend is the “Ultra-Thin Smash Burger” (like 7th Street Burger). Rent is high, so “Hole-in-the-wall” spots in the East Village or Williamsburg are the best entry points.

São Paulo has arguably surpassed many US cities in burger quality. The Paulistano loves a “Gourmet” burger with brioche buns and creative toppings. Access to high-quality Brazilian beef (Nelore/Angus) keeps food costs reasonable while quality remains elite. Neighborhoods like Pinheiros and Itaim Bibi are the battlegrounds.

London’s burger scene has exploded. From Bleecker to Honest Burgers, the standard is high. There is a massive, underserved market for “Gourmet Halal” burgers to serve the large Muslim population who want premium smash burgers, not just chicken shops.

Japanese burgers are about precision. The “Wagyu Burger” is the selling point. Shops here are tiny (10 seats), often located in basements or upper floors. Rent is lower if you avoid street level. The brand appeal of “Japanese Beef” allows for $25+ price tags.

The birthplace of the fast-food burger. Competition is intense (In-N-Out sets the price floor). To succeed, you must offer what the chains can’t: crazy toppings, vegan options that actually taste good, or a hyper-local “Pop-up” vibe.

Argentina has the best beef in the world at the lowest prices. The “Hamburgueseria” trend has taken over Palermo Soho. You can produce a world-class burger for $2 USD cost and sell it for $8-10. The margin potential here is higher than almost anywhere else due to cheap high-quality raw materials.

Parisians love “Le Burger”. It is often the best-selling item in Brasseries. The key here is the ingredients: Comté cheese, homemade sauces, and bakery-fresh buns. It’s not “Fast Food” here; it’s a sit-down meal with wine.

Berlin is the street food capital of Europe. Burgers compete with Kebabs. The “Burgermeister” model (old toilet converted to burger stand) shows that location uniqueness matters. The Vegan market is massive here; a non-meat option isn’t an afterthought, it’s a revenue driver.

Korean burger culture loves fusion (Kimchi burgers, Bulgogi patties) and extreme visuals (overflowing cheese). It must look good on social media. Gangnam and Itaewon are the hotspots for premium American-style burgers.

Melbourne treats burgers like fine dining. “Milk Bar” renovations are popular. The Aussie burger (with beetroot and egg) is a staple, but American Smash is trending. Locals are fiercely loyal to their neighborhood spot.