Why does Buns On Fire have no 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 FDD, Buns On Fire itself has a limited operating history because the company, SMYA Ventures LLC, has only been offering franchises since 2023. However, the FDD indicates that Buns On Fire was established in Illinois in 2021 by Sohaib Mohammed. The first official storefront opened in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, followed by a second location in Glendale Heights, Illinois. These locations are owned by Buns on Fire's affiliates, BoF Buffalo Grove and BoF Glendale Heights, respectively.
While Buns On Fire as a franchisor is relatively new, its affiliated companies have been operating corporate restaurants. BoF Buffalo Grove was organized in 2023 and, as of August 22, 2025, owns one corporate restaurant. BoF Glendale Heights was organized in 2024 and also owns one corporate restaurant as of the same date. This suggests that while the franchising aspect of Buns On Fire is recent, the brand has some operational experience through its company-owned locations.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that while Buns On Fire may not have a long track record as a franchisor, the underlying restaurant concept has been tested in the market through the affiliated corporate restaurants. It would be prudent for potential franchisees to investigate the performance of these corporate locations to gain a better understanding of the brand's potential and operational model. They should also inquire about the support and training provided by Buns On Fire, given its relatively new status as a franchisor, to ensure they receive adequate assistance in setting up and running their franchise.