Does Buns On Fire have an operating history?
Buns_On_Fire Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
SMYA Ventures LLC is an Illinois limited liability company. We conduct business under the name Buns on Fire. Our principal business address is 258 Town Center Lane, Glendale Heights, Illinois 60139.
We offer franchises for the development of fast causal style restaurants, specializing in providing premium burgers, beverages, and other cuisine with varying success in the United States and have done so since 2023 ("Buns on Fire Restaurant(s)"). We have never offered franchises in any other line of business. All intellectual property including, but not limited to the brand, logos, service marks, trademarks, slogans, symbols, and designs (the "Proprietary Marks"), systems, databases, technology, hardware, software, printers, and documentation are owned as described in Items 13 and 14 hereof.
Buns on Fire was established in Illinois by Sohaib Mohammed. The operation was founded in 2021 with a mission to service bold, flavorful burgers and bring good vibes to every meal. After two years of workshopping and perfecting his recipes, organizing pop-up events, and catering to the community, Buns on Fire opened its first official storefront in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, Buns on Fire opens it second location in Glendale Heights, Illinois. As Buns on Fire continues to grow, Sohaib Mohammed and the rest of the Buns on Fire team emphasizes maintaining the utmost care for the preparation of their meals and the atmosphere of their restaurants for the community to enjoy. There are many reasons customers love Buns on Fire Restaurants, but one main reason is the team's unwavering and continued success to the tested formula of a simple menu, quality food, affordable pricing, and a commitment to bringing good vibes to their customers.
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD pages 47–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Buns On Fire has an operating history that dates back to its founding in 2021. The first official storefront was opened in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, after two years of recipe development, pop-up events, and community catering. Shortly after, a second location was opened in Glendale Heights, Illinois. As of August 22, 2025, one corporate restaurant is owned by Buns on Fire 1, LLC in Buffalo Grove, and another is owned by Buns Eats, LLC in Glendale Heights.
This indicates that Buns On Fire has been refining its business model and building its brand presence for approximately four years before offering franchises. This operating history can provide potential franchisees with insights into the brand's performance, customer acceptance, and operational effectiveness. The existence of multiple corporate-owned restaurants suggests that Buns On Fire has experience in managing and operating its own locations, which can be beneficial for franchisees who may lack prior experience in the restaurant industry.
Prospective franchisees should consider this operating history as a positive sign, as it demonstrates that Buns On Fire is not a completely new concept. However, it is important to conduct thorough due diligence and speak with existing franchisees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the brand's performance and the level of support provided by the franchisor. Additionally, franchisees should evaluate the financial performance of the corporate-owned restaurants to assess the potential profitability of a Buns On Fire franchise.