Umami Restaurant Group

What Umami Restaurant Group does

Umami Restaurant Group operates Umami Burger, an American gourmet burger chain founded in 2009 by Adam Fleischman in Los Angeles and now a subsidiary of hospitality platform sbe (Sbe Entertainment Group), in which Accor holds a partial stake. The concept is built around the Japanese concept of umami, the savory fifth taste, with house-ground, hand-formed beef patties infused with proprietary condiments including Umami Master Sauce (hoisin, kombu, soy), Umami Ketchup, Umami Dust, and Umami Spray. The menu spans signature burgers (Manly, Truffle, K-BBQ, Impossible), turkey and chicken options, a falafel veggie burger, sides such as truffle fries and umami Caesar salad, and a full beverage program of craft beer, cocktails, wine, and adult 'booze shakes.'

The company sells almost entirely direct-to-consumer through 24+ company-owned and operated restaurants across Southern California (Arts District, Hollywood, LAX, Pasadena, Santa Monica, The Grove, and others), Northern California (San Francisco Marina and SoMa, Oakland, Palo Alto), Orange County (Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine), New York (Greenwich Village, Brookfield Place, Williamsburg), Chicago (West Loop, Wicker Park), Las Vegas (SLS Las Vegas), Tokyo, and Nassau (SLS Baha Mar). Distribution is augmented by third-party delivery partnerships with UberEATS, DoorDash, Caviar, and OrderAhead, plus an online gift-card storefront. The Artist Series sub-brand generates recurring press and traffic through limited-edition celebrity and chef collaborations (Alton Brown, Mindy Kaling, Slash, Cindy Crawford, Jaden Smith, Jon Bon Jovi/Jesse Bongiovi, Cameron Dallas, Chef José Andrés, Chef Michael Voltaggio), with $1 per burger donated to each partner's chosen charity.

The business model is transaction-based restaurant sales at accessible price points (limited-edition burgers typically $14), supplemented by private event catering, the Celebrate U birthday package, Social Hour programming, and food-truck activations. Go-to-market combines high-visibility real estate (airports, shopping centers, urban neighborhoods, resort sites), earned media via Artist Series, and influencer/UGC campaigns on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. International growth is pursued via master-franchise partnerships, including a deal with Medeiros Holdings for 10 Japan locations over five years and announced entries into Mexico City and the Middle East, with the sbe parent providing real estate and expansion infrastructure.

Name

Umami Restaurant Group

Legal name

Umami Restaurant Group, LLC

Website

https://umamiburger.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Umami Restaurant Group operates Umami Burger, a 24+ location gourmet burger chain in the US, Japan, and Bahamas. It sells premium umami-flavored burgers, sides, and beverages to casual diners, leveraging celebrity Artist Series collaborations and delivery platform partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Gourmet Burger Casual Dining Restaurants

NAICS

Full-Service Restaurants (722511), Limited-Service Restaurants (722513), Restaurants and Other Eating Places (72251)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Retail-Eating Places (5812)

akta.pro primary industry

Burger Fast Casual (THAFABAA)

Keywords

• Gourmet burger restaurants
• Casual dining chain
• Japanese umami cuisine
• Restaurant catering services
• Craft burger hospitality

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Restaurant Sales: Direct-to-consumer burger and food sales at restaurant locations across the US and internationally
2. Private Events and Catering: Custom event catering services for private parties, corporate events, and celebrations. Most locations can handle events from private lunch meetings to 200 person events.
3. Alcoholic Beverages: Craft beer, wine, and cocktail sales including specialty drinks and 'booze shakes'
4. Limited Edition Collaborations: Artist Series exclusive burgers with celebrity/chef collaborations drive traffic and charitable donations
5. Gift Cards: Gift card sales through the company's online shop

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Umami Restaurant Group operates the Umami Burger gourmet hamburger restaurant chain, serving house-ground, hand-formed beef patties infused with proprietary Umami Master Sauce alongside signature burgers, sides (Truffle Fries, Caesar Salad), plant-based options (Impossible Burger, Falafel Veggie Burger), craft beverages, and limited-edition Artist Series celebrity/chef collaboration burgers. It operates 24+ company-owned dine-in locations across the US, Japan, and the Bahamas, supplemented by private event catering, online gift card sales, and third-party delivery via UberEATS, DoorDash, and Caviar.

Product overview

Umami Restaurant Group operates Umami Burger, a gourmet burger restaurant chain built around the concept of 'umami' — the fifth savory taste. The core offering is house-ground, hand-formed beef patties infused with Umami Master Sauce, complemented by signature burgers (Impossible Burger, Manly Burger, Truffle Burger, K-BBQ Burger), sides (Truffle Fries, Caesar Salad), and craft beverages. The portfolio includes the Artist Series sub-brand of limited-edition celebrity/chef collaborations (Alton Burger, Holiday Bird, Falafel Veggie Burger, Manly Chick), event catering and the Celebrate U party package, Social Hour programming, and location-specific exclusives (Samurai Burger in Japan). The company operates 24+ locations across Southern California, Northern California, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and internationally in Japan, with delivery integration through UberEATS, Caviar, and DoorDash.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Artist Series: Celebrity and chef collaboration burger program featuring limited-edition burgers created by notable figures. Includes Alton Brown (Alton Burger), Mindy Kaling (Mindy Burger), Andy Samberg (The Samberger), Chef José Andrés (José Andrés Burger), Chef Michael Voltaggio (Monte Cristo Burger), Slash (Slash Burger), Cameron Dallas (Dallas BBQ Burger), Cindy Crawford (Cindy's Casa Burger), Jesse Bongiovi (Hampton Burger), Jaden Smith (Jaden's Impossible Trio)
• Umami Truck
• Umami Events & Catering
• Social Hour

Products and services

• Umami Burger (signature restaurant concept) Artisan gourmet burger restaurant concept featuring house-ground, hand-formed beef patties infused with signature Umami Master Sauce, with locations across the US, Japan, and the Bahamas.
• Impossible Burger Plant-based burger patty created in collaboration with Impossible Foods, mimicking the taste and texture of meat including a 'bleeding' effect from heme protein, available as a vegan option upon request.
• Manly Burger Signature burger featuring house beer-cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked-salt onion strings, and Umami ketchup; named one of the best burgers in America by Men's Journal.
• Truffle Burger Gourmet burger topped with parmesan frico, fried egg, truffle thyme compound butter, truffled arugula, and truffled aioli on a truffle bun.
• K-BBQ Burger Korean-inspired burger with gochujang glaze, caramelized kimchi, sesame aioli, Korean ketchup, and scallion-cilantro salad.
• Manly Chick Chicken variation of the Manly Burger featuring chopped chicken patty with beer cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, and onion strings; Umami Burger's first chicken burger on the menu.
• Falafel Veggie Burger Vegetarian burger featuring beet-infused couscous for color and flavor; Mediterranean-inspired patty available at select locations.
• Artist Series (celebrity/chef collaboration burger program) Limited-edition celebrity and chef collaboration burger series in which each burger is created by a notable figure with $1 from each sold donated to their chosen charity; collaborations include Alton Brown, Mindy Kaling, Andy Samberg, Chef José Andrés, Chef Michael Voltaggio, Slash, Cameron Dallas, Cindy Crawford, Jesse Bongiovi/Jon Bon Jovi, and Jaden Smith.
• The Alton Burger (Artist Series collaboration) Limited-edition breakfast-inspired burger created with celebrity chef Alton Brown featuring beef patty mixed with bacon lardons, cheddar cheese, miso-maple bacon, smashed cheesy tots, fried egg, fried sage, and house-made coffee ketchup; benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Cameron's Dallas BBQ Burger (Artist Series collaboration) Limited-edition Artist Series collaboration with social media star Cameron Dallas featuring two 3.5 oz beef patties, cheddar cheese, miso-maple glazed bacon, Umami BBQ sauce, and tempura serranos; $1 from each burger sold donated to Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
• Holiday Bird Thanksgiving-inspired limited-edition burger with turkey patty, cornbread stuffing patty, house-made turkey gravy, ginger-cranberry chutney, and fried sage; $1 from each sold donated to Meals on Wheels America.
• Jaden's Impossible Trio Plant-based slider trio created as part of the Artist Series collaboration with artist and activist Jaden Smith, in partnership with Impossible Foods, promoting environmental consciousness.
• Samurai Burger (Japan-exclusive) Japan-exclusive burger featuring pickled red onion, perilla leaves, tempura lotus root, cabbage, and wasabi aioli; created for the Tokyo location opening.
• Maple-Bourbon Chicken Chicken entrée featuring fried chicken breast, maple-bourbon glaze, bacon lardons, and roasted garlic aioli; available at the Irvine Spectrum location.
• Private Events & Catering Custom event catering services for private parties, corporate events, and celebrations featuring chef-driven menus with signature offerings, craft cocktails, and indoor/outdoor semi-private dining options, accommodating events from private lunch meetings up to 200-person gatherings.
• Celebrate U Package Birthday and celebration party package including unlimited fountain drinks, pre-fixe sharing menu, celebration dessert platter with candles, creative indoor/outdoor venues, full bar, optional drinks upgrade, and dedicated party staff.
• Craft Beer & Cocktails (beverage program) Beverage program featuring local craft beer on tap with rotating handles, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, milkshakes, and adult 'booze shakes' available at Umami Burger locations.
• Social Hour Happy hour program with specials on appetizers, burgers, and drinks, offered at select locations during afternoon hours (e.g., SoMa: Monday-Friday 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm).
• Online Gift Cards Gift cards available for purchase through Umami Burger's online shop section for redemption at participating Umami Burger restaurants.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than $100,000 donated to Artist Series charities across all collaborations
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Jon Bon Jovi / Hampton Water RoseflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership with rock legend Jon Bon Jovi and his son Jesse Bongiovi's Hampton Water Rose wine. Featured on The Today's Show and in Food & Wine magazine. Limited-edition Hampton Burger supporting JBJ Soul Foundation.
• UberEATScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Delivery partnership making Umami Burger available on UberEATS app in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago. An exclusive burger was created for the platform, named GQ's Burger of the Year.
• DoorDashminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Delivery partnership for select locations including Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
• CaviarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Delivery partnership offering delivery service for Chicago locations including Wicker Park.
• Casamigos (Rande Gerber)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Tequila brand co-founded by Rande Gerber (husband of Cindy Crawford). Created Rande's Spicy Margarita paired with Cindy's Casa Burger. Features Casamigos Blanco, PAMA infusion, serrano pepper, and Mezcal Cointreau foam.
• Republic RecordsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Music label partnership for #TheHYDEAway Coachella event. Hosted at super-secret desert location with A-list attendees including Aaron Paul, Ashley Tisdale, Emma Roberts, Joe Jonas.
• sbe (SBE Global)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Parent company and ownership entity. sbe is a hospitality brand that develops and operates hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs globally. Umami Burger is part of sbe's portfolio. The company is headquartered at sbe's LA office and uses sbe's real estate and expansion expertise.
• Medeiros Holdings Co., Ltd.flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Japanese partnership to open 10 Umami Burger restaurants across Japan over 5 years. First location opened in Tokyo March 24, 2017 with future locations planned in Kanagawa, Osaka, Aichi, Hyogo, Kyoto, and Fukuoko prefectures. First expansion outside the U.S.
• Cool HausminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Ice cream partnership noted on the partnerships page. 'Because ice cream is always a good idea.'
• Larder Baking CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Baking company partnership noted on the partnerships page. 'Suns out, buns out!'
• Children's Hospital Los AngelesminorOthers · 1 January 2016Charitable beneficiary of Cameron's Dallas BBQ Burger. $1 from each burger sold donated to the hospital.
• Impossible FoodscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2015Strategic collaboration to feature the Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty that 'bleeds' like real meat using heme. Partnership positions Umami at the forefront of plant-based dining trends. The collaboration was featured on The Today Show, Food & Wine, and numerous food publications.
• Alton BrownflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Celebrity chef collaboration on The Alton Burger, a breakfast-inspired burger with bacon lardons, cheesy tots, fried egg, and coffee ketchup. $1 from each burger sold donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation, raising $24k.
• Mindy KalingflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Actress and TV star collaboration on The Mindy Burger. $1 from each burger sold donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, raising $15k.
• Andy SambergflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Comedian collaboration on The Samberger. $7.5k donated to Center for Early Intervention on Deafness.
• Chef José AndrésflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Michelin-starred chef collaboration on José Andrés Burger. $6k donated to World Central Kitchen.
• Chef Michael VoltaggioflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Celebrity chef collaboration on Monte Cristo Burger. $11.2k donated to LA Mission.
• SlashflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Rock legend collaboration on Slash Burger. $14k donated to Los Angeles Youth Network.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wahlburgers: Celebrity-endorsed gourmet burger chain (Wahlberg family) operating casual-dining restaurants. Comparable celebrity-driven brand positioning to Umami's Artist Series, with similar menu innovation and full-bar offerings.
• Shake Shack: Public gourmet burger chain founded in 2004 in NYC. Direct competitor in the premium casual burger category with similar pricing ($10-$15 burgers), craft beverages, and urban real estate strategy. Closest publicly traded comparable for valuation benchmarking.
• Bareburger: Organic-focused gourmet burger chain with multiple locations in NYC and other US markets. Overlaps with Umami on premium positioning, organic/sustainable ingredient sourcing, and broad menu including plant-based options.
• BurgerFi: Public gourmet burger chain with ~100+ locations emphasizing natural, hormone-free beef and an eco-conscious brand. Competes with Umami on the premium-burger positioning and has a similar plant-based (Beyond Meat) menu offering.
• The Counter: Premium build-your-own burger chain with California origins. Directly overlaps with Umami on gourmet-burger positioning, premium ingredients, and full-service casual dining format.
• Smashburger: Fast-casual burger chain with ~200+ locations focused on smashed-style patties. Operates in similar mall, airport, and urban retail real estate as Umami and competes for similar premium-burger diners.
• Habit Burger: California-based charburger chain that was acquired by Yum! Brands' Habit Burger subsidiary. Similar geographic concentration in Southern California and similar premium-burger positioning. Comparable peer for unit-economics benchmarking.
• Five Guys: Privately held burger chain with ~1,500+ locations globally. Competes in the same premium-burger segment with customizable burgers, fresh-cut fries, and a no-frills casual dining format. Much larger scale than Umami but same customer demographic.

Others

• Impossible Foods: Strategic supplier and partner. Umami was an early launch partner for the Impossible Burger in 2017, generating significant media coverage. As a key B2B partner for plant-based SKUs, Impossible's product roadmap and pricing directly affect Umami's menu economics.

Regional players

• In-N-Out Burger: Iconic California-based burger chain with cult following and aggressive same-region concentration. While a different price point and operating model, it competes for the same Southern California burger-craver demographic and sets regional labor and pricing benchmarks.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/umamiburger
• Facebookfacebook.com/umamiburger
• Instagraminstagram.com/umamiburger

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Umami Restaurant Group