---
title: "The Habit Burger Grill Heats Up Presence in Northern California with Signed Development Agreement"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/a7cf97c1-545f-4d7f-ac83-d9cf2b263423
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20231115_the_habit_burger_grill_heats_up_presence_in_northern_california_with_signed.html
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2023-11-15T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T20:07:55.018Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# The Habit Burger Grill Heats Up Presence in Northern California with Signed Development Agreement

**TL;DR:** The Habit Burger Grill has signed a development agreement to expand its presence in Northern California, with Grill Kitchen LLC operating the new restaurants. The Habit Burger Grill, backed by Yum! Brands, emphasizes innovation and creativity through its menu offerings and technology-driven operations.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-11-15. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20231115_the_habit_burger_grill_heats_up_presence_in_northern_california_with_signed.html).*

## Story

The restaurants brought forth by the new agreement will be operated by Grill Kitchen LLC/s Alia Ganem, a food service industry professional with a track record of operating restaurants for 20+ years.

“Our team is thrilled and eager to expand The Habit’s presence in California. The brand’s operating systems, technology, committed approach to hospitality, and restaurant models will allow us to meet the growing demand for quality quick-service offerings in Sonoma County,” said Ganem, who has overseen and managed restaurants in her years of experience. “I’ve been in the restaurant industry for decades, and no one does it quite like The Habit.”

Backed by Yum! Brands, The Habit emphasizes innovation and creativity through its diverse menu offerings, technology-driven operations and all-access digital customer experience.

Since its inception in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill has established a respected reputation praised for its Charburger and its laid-back, welcoming California essence. In addition to the signature Charburger, The Habit’s product innovation sets it apart in the fast-casual space with fresh salads, handcrafted sandwiches and a unique take on classic sides such as tempura green beans, sweet potato and French fries, and onion rings. The offerings also incorporate entrees featuring line-caught, sushi grade ahi tuna, and fresh chicken.

Along with the emphasis on handcrafted menu items, The Habit difference is based on the uniqueness of its chargrilling over an open flame and cooking from scratch.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- fast casual (topic)
- Yum Brands (company)
- quick service (topic)
- The Habit Burger Grill (company)
- Northern California (location)
- development agreement (topic)
- Yum Brands investment in The Habit Burger Grill (deal)
- Grill Kitchen LLC (company)
- Alia Ganem (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20231115_the_habit_burger_grill_heats_up_presence_in_northern_california_with_signed.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/a7cf97c1-545f-4d7f-ac83-d9cf2b263423).