Habit Burger & Grill Expands Across New Jersey: Inside the Fast-Growing Flame-Grilled Phenomenon Transforming the Garden State’s Fast-Casual Dining Scene

New Jersey’s restaurant landscape continues to evolve as nationally recognized dining brands expand across the Garden State, and Habit Burger & Grill is rapidly emerging as one of the most talked-about additions to the region’s fast-casual scene. Known for its award-winning Charburgers, flame-grilled cooking methods, and fresh made-to-order menu, the California-born restaurant chain is accelerating its growth throughout New Jersey, bringing a new level of quality, innovation, and culinary consistency to local dining.

With a new location opening in Englewood on February 25, continued expansion plans statewide, and a growing base of loyal customers, Habit Burger & Grill is positioning itself as a major player in New Jersey’s competitive restaurant market — delivering a distinctive alternative to traditional fast food while maintaining accessible pricing and elevated flavors.

For food lovers exploring the state’s evolving dining culture, the expansion reflects broader trends shaping how New Jersey residents eat, socialize, and experience restaurants.

A California Classic Finds a Home in New Jersey

Founded in 1969 in Santa Barbara, California, Habit Burger & Grill began as a local burger stand built around a simple concept: fresh ingredients, open-flame grilling, and consistent quality. Over decades, the brand has transformed into a nationally recognized fast-casual powerhouse, now operating under the ownership of Yum! Brands, the global restaurant company behind major chains including KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.

The company’s arrival and expansion in New Jersey signals the state’s continued importance as a strategic market for national restaurant growth. With a diverse population, strong suburban communities, and a thriving dining culture, New Jersey provides fertile ground for brands seeking to blend convenience with elevated food experiences.

The chain currently operates numerous locations across the state in communities such as Cherry Hill, Bloomfield, Bridgewater, Fair Lawn, and Teterboro, with additional expansion underway.

New Jersey Expansion Accelerates in 2026

Habit Burger & Grill’s growth in New Jersey shows no signs of slowing, with multiple new locations planned or in development.

A new Englewood restaurant at Nathaniel Place is set to open in February 2026, marking another step in the brand’s North Jersey expansion strategy. Meanwhile, a Woodbridge location is listed as coming soon, and plans have been submitted for a new Brick Township restaurant that would introduce the chain to Ocean County for the first time.

These developments reflect increasing consumer demand for fast-casual dining options that deliver both speed and quality. As suburban dining corridors continue to evolve, brands that offer consistency, technology-driven convenience, and high-quality ingredients are finding strong reception across New Jersey communities.

The expansion also aligns with broader trends highlighted in the Explore New Jersey restaurants section, where new openings, culinary innovations, and dining concepts continue to shape the state’s food culture.

The “Fresh-from-the-Flame” Cooking Difference

What distinguishes Habit Burger & Grill from many competitors is its signature open-flame cooking method. Rather than using traditional flat-top grills common in fast-food kitchens, the brand uses charcoal briquettes to create a distinctive chargrilled flavor profile.

This process produces burgers with a smoky exterior, caramelized texture, and rich flavor depth that appeals to customers seeking restaurant-quality meals in a fast-casual environment.

The chain’s emphasis on freshness extends beyond its grilling method. Ingredients are prepared to order, and menu items prioritize quality proteins, crisp vegetables, and handcrafted preparation techniques.

This culinary approach places Habit Burger & Grill in a unique position between traditional fast food and premium burger establishments.

Signature Menu Items Driving National Recognition

The brand’s growing popularity is driven by a menu that combines classic comfort foods with elevated preparation.

Double Char Burger

The Double Char Burger has earned national recognition, repeatedly being named the top burger in America by major consumer rankings. Featuring two chargrilled beef patties, caramelized onions, fresh toppings, and signature sauce, the burger represents the chain’s commitment to bold flavor and high-quality ingredients.

Santa Barbara Char

A distinctive twist on the traditional cheeseburger, the Santa Barbara Char features double patties served on grilled sourdough bread with avocado, offering a unique West Coast influence that has become a customer favorite.

Tempura Green Beans

Among the chain’s most unexpected hits are its Tempura Green Beans, a crispy alternative to traditional fries that have earned recognition as one of the top fast-casual side dishes in the country.

Grilled Ahi Tuna Sandwich

The menu also includes premium offerings such as a grilled ahi tuna sandwich made with sushi-grade fish, reflecting the brand’s willingness to push beyond conventional fast-food boundaries.

Additional Favorites

Other popular items include hand-filleted marinated tri-tip, crispy chicken options, fresh salads, and hand-spun milkshakes, creating a menu designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

This variety supports the brand’s recent name update, emphasizing its broader menu offerings beyond burgers alone.

A Modern Restaurant Experience for Today’s Diners

Beyond its menu, Habit Burger & Grill is embracing technology and operational innovation to enhance the customer experience. Newer restaurant designs feature self-ordering kiosks in all locations, allowing customers to customize meals and streamline ordering.

The company is also introducing mobile pickup lanes in place of traditional drive-thrus, reflecting the growing importance of digital ordering and convenience.

This tech-forward approach aligns with changing consumer expectations in New Jersey, where speed, customization, and efficiency increasingly influence dining decisions.

Pricing and Positioning in New Jersey’s Competitive Market

Habit Burger & Grill occupies a strategic price point typically ranging between $10 and $20 per person. This positioning places the brand between traditional fast-food chains and premium sit-down burger restaurants.

For New Jersey diners, this balance provides accessible pricing without sacrificing quality, making the brand appealing to families, young professionals, and casual diners seeking elevated fast-casual experiences.

The pricing model also reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, with diners increasingly prioritizing value, quality ingredients, and experience.

New Jersey’s Thriving Restaurant Culture Continues to Expand

The growth of Habit Burger & Grill highlights the broader strength of New Jersey’s restaurant industry. From independent eateries and global cuisines to emerging fast-casual brands, the state remains one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the country.

Across New Jersey, restaurants are continuously redefining the culinary landscape through innovation, regional diversity, and evolving service models. The Explore New Jersey restaurants section showcases this ongoing transformation, featuring new openings, local favorites, and emerging food trends shaping the state’s vibrant dining scene.

Habit Burger & Grill’s expansion represents just one example of how national brands are responding to New Jersey’s strong demand for high-quality food experiences.

Why New Jersey Is a Strategic Growth Market for National Brands

Several factors make New Jersey particularly attractive for restaurant expansion:

• Dense population centers with strong suburban communities
• High demand for fast-casual dining options
• Diverse culinary preferences
• Proximity to major metropolitan markets
• Strong consumer spending in dining and hospitality

These conditions create an environment where innovative restaurant concepts can quickly establish loyal customer bases.

Habit Burger & Grill’s continued investment in the state demonstrates confidence in New Jersey’s long-term market potential.

What the Expansion Means for New Jersey Diners

For residents across the Garden State, the arrival of Habit Burger & Grill represents increased dining variety, modern restaurant experiences, and expanded access to nationally recognized menu offerings.

The brand’s growth also contributes to local economies, job creation, and the ongoing evolution of commercial dining districts throughout New Jersey communities.

As more locations open, the chain is expected to become an increasingly visible presence in the state’s restaurant landscape.

The Future of Fast-Casual Dining in the Garden State

Habit Burger & Grill’s rapid expansion reflects a larger shift toward fast-casual dining models that emphasize quality ingredients, operational efficiency, and experiential value. Consumers increasingly seek restaurants that combine convenience with culinary excellence — a balance the brand aims to deliver through its flame-grilled approach and technology-driven service model.

As New Jersey’s dining culture continues to evolve, brands that successfully blend tradition with innovation will play a defining role in shaping the state’s culinary future.

With new locations opening, menu innovations driving national recognition, and a growing footprint across the region, Habit Burger & Grill is poised to become a major fixture in New Jersey’s vibrant restaurant scene — offering residents a fresh-from-the-flame experience that continues to redefine fast-casual dining across the Garden State.