Hungarian fast-food chain Simon’s Burger has entered the Romanian market by opening its first franchised unit in Cluj-Napoca, according to Forbes Romania. The project marks the rollout of a nationwide expansion strategy that envisions a network of 25 restaurants across major urban centers over the next five years.
The new 200-square-meter location involved a 500,000 EUR investment, operating both as a flagship restaurant and as an operational hub to establish the pace of future rollouts. The franchise rights are held by Simon’s Burger CJ SRL, a company controlled by StartUp HUB co-founders Grüman Róbert and Oltean Csongor, the latter also serving as CEO of the local entity. According to management, meeting the targets set for the Cluj unit could lead to the announcement of an additional five locations by the end of the year. The expansion targets a domestic food service market estimated at 7.8–8 billion EUR (projected to reach 8.9 billion EUR by 2028), where the QSR segment exceeds 1 billion EUR in turnover and 94% of Romanians consume fast food. Founded in 2022 in Budapest by brothers Tóth Simon and Tóth Máté, the Simon’s Burger group encompasses brands including Simon’s, Smashy, and Travis’ Tenders, employs over 200 people, and operates more than 30 restaurants across Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, as well as a Smashy Burger location in New York, generating 20 million EUR in turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was invested in the first Simon’s Burger in Cluj?
The 200-square-meter flagship store in Cluj-Napoca required an investment of 500,000 EUR.
What are the chain’s expansion plans for Romania?
Simon’s Burger plans to build a network of 25 restaurants in major Romanian cities over the next five years.
Who holds the franchise rights for Simon’s Burger in Romania?
The franchise rights are held by Simon’s Burger CJ SRL, controlled by StartUp HUB co-founders Grüman Róbert and Oltean Csongor.