Competitor seizes control of Burgerheart restaurants in Regensburg and Ingolstadt
Ruff's Burger Expands Presence in Southern Germany with Acquisition of Burgerheart
Ruff's Burger, a leading brand in the premium burger segment, has expanded its footprint in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg by acquiring Burgerheart, a popular Better-Burger brand based in Franconia, Bavaria.
The acquisition, confirmed in early August 2025, has significantly strengthened Ruff's Burger's presence in these regions. Of the 17 Burgerheart locations, seven are now under Ruff's Burger's management, with six in Bavaria and one in Baden-Württemberg.
The newly acquired locations include establishments in Würzburg, Bamberg, Fürth, Nuremberg, Erlangen, Regensburg, Weiden, Ingolstadt, Pforzheim, Heilbronn, Konstanz, and Karlsruhe. Ruff's Burger now operates 21 restaurants in Munich and its surrounding area, bringing its total number of restaurants to nearly 80.
Alexander Kleinhans, founder and CEO of Ruff's Burger, stated that the acquisition is a consistent step in the company's expansion strategy. The acquisition and expansion strategy also aligns with that of the Gustoso Group, to which Ruff's Burger belongs.
The integration of Burgerheart's existing outlets into Ruff's Burger operations has expanded Ruff’s physical presence. The acquisition has enhanced Ruff's Burger's market position in Franconia, Bavaria, and potentially led to the expansion or continuation of Burgerheart’s locations and customer base in both Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, although exact new site counts or addresses have not been specified in the sources.
The acquisition and strategic consolidation in the competitive burger market within Southern Germany may have implications for the competitive landscape in the premium burger segment. Ruff's Burger's growth and expansion may attract more customers to the premium burger segment, further solidifying its position as a leading brand.
[1] Ruff's Burger Press Release, August 2025. [2] Burgerheart Press Release, August 2025. [3] Bavarian Business Journal, August 2025.
- The acquisition of Burgerheart by Ruff's Burger, a leading player in the premium burger industry, not only expands their footprint in Southern Germany but also opens up opportunities in the finance sector as they seek growth capital to fund their expansion strategy.
- Given the popular appeal of Burgerheart in the retail space, particularly the food-and-drink sector, this acquisition may boost Ruff's Burger's position in the lifestyle market, attracting a broader customer base with diverse preferences.
- The strategic consolidation of Burgerheart under Ruff's Burger's management could potentially influence the competitive dynamic within the retail business in Southern Germany, particularly in the better-burger segment, as other players in the food-and-drink industry may have to reconsider their market strategies.
