Back Yard Burgers

Back Yard Burgers is a regional fast-casual restaurant chain known for its flame-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and classic American sides. Established in 1987 in Cleveland, Mississippi, the company quickly gained a reputation for using premium ingredients and offering a backyard grilling experience that set it apart from traditional fast-food options. By the mid-1990s, Back Yard Burgers had expanded beyond Mississippi, opening locations across the Southeast and becoming recognized for its quality and hospitality.

As of November 2025, Back Yard Burgers operates around 30 restaurants, primarily located in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and nearby states. The brand has maintained steady growth, focusing on both franchised and company-owned locations in suburban and secondary markets. These sites are often strategically placed in high-traffic retail corridors and community hubs, making them attractive to real estate developers and landlords.

In 2022, under the leadership of Mark Cote, who also serves as CEO of Wild Wing Café, Back Yard Burgers successfully emerged from bankruptcy. This marked a new chapter for the company, emphasizing operational excellence and strategic expansion. Owned by Axum Capital Partners since 2017, the private equity firm has played a crucial role in the brand's revitalization, supporting its efforts to grow and adapt in the competitive quick-service landscape.

Back Yard Burgers is actively seeking new franchisees and real estate partners, with a particular focus on the Southeast, including Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. The brand is targeting suburban corridors, highway-adjacent parcels, and retail strip centers, with an emphasis on flexible prototypes and drive-thru accessibility. This approach makes Back Yard Burgers a credible and scalable tenant for both new developments and repositioned retail assets. The company's commitment to adapting to evolving consumer preferences highlights its ongoing relevance in today's market.