Aaron Franklin Restaurants: Key Takeaways
- Aaron Franklin currently owns 7 restaurants exclusively in the United States, centered mostly in Texas.
- His portfolio includes no Michelin-starred restaurants, focusing instead on casual dining BBQ and fusion concepts.
- Key brands include the famous Franklin Barbecue and the Asian smokehouse fusion concept Loro, with 5 locations across Texas.
- Recent expansion includes a new location in Austin’s Domain Northside, maintaining strong local growth.
Chef Aaron Franklin is renowned for his authentic Texas barbecue and culinary innovation, building a noteworthy restaurant presence primarily in Austin and the Texas region. His restaurants emphasize casual dining experiences focused on smoked meats and fusion flavors.
This article explores how many restaurants Aaron Franklin owns, highlighting his popular BBQ joint, his Asian-inspired smokehouse brand, and other casual ventures, while covering his Texas-based growth and business model.
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Aaron Franklin Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count
Aaron Franklin owns and operates a total of 7 restaurants as of 2025, all located within the United States, specifically Texas. His restaurant group has focused its growth almost exclusively on the Austin metropolitan region and nearby Texas cities.
While his portfolio lacks Michelin-starred fine dining establishments, Franklin has built a reputation centered on high-quality casual dining experiences, BBQ mastery, and an innovative fusion concept.
The types of restaurants in Franklin’s portfolio include BBQ-centric casual dining, Asian smokehouse fusion, and a New Orleans-inspired casual venue. His restaurants predominantly focus on approachable, flavorful dishes at moderate price points.
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| Region | Approx. Number of Restaurants | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Texas) | 7 | Franklin Barbecue (Austin), Loro (Austin, Dallas, Addison, Houston ×2), Uptown Sports Club (Austin) |
Note: All restaurants are owned directly by Aaron Franklin and are not franchised or licensed.
Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants
Aaron Franklin does not currently own or operate any Michelin-starred restaurants. His culinary focus remains on delivering exceptional casual dining experiences, especially through barbecue and smokehouse concepts rather than fine dining.
This distinctly positions Franklin as a leader in mastering regional barbecue and approachable cuisine over seeking Michelin recognition.
For insight into Michelin-starred restaurant trends and statistics that could guide other restaurateurs, check out our restaurant Michelin stars statistics spotlight.
Notable Aaron Franklin Restaurant Concepts and Locations
Aaron Franklin’s restaurant collection includes three main concepts, each catering to different but complementary casual dining audiences. Below is a breakdown of these key brands and their locations.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is Franklin’s flagship and namesake restaurant located in Austin, Texas. Established in one location, it is famously renowned for its brisket that draws long queues daily and sells out quickly due to limited availability.
The restaurant serves authentic Texas-style barbecue in a casual outdoor setting and is widely regarded as one of the best barbecue joints in the United States.
Price range per person typically falls between $25 and $50, making it accessible for most barbecue enthusiasts seeking a premium smoked meat experience.
Operators seeking to improve staffing at barbecue venues may find value in our restaurant staffing guide to optimize hiring and retention.
Loro Restaurants
Loro is an Asian smokehouse fusion concept born out of collaboration between Aaron Franklin and chef Tyson Cole. It expertly combines Southeast Asian flavors with traditional Texas barbecue techniques.
Originally launched in Austin, this concept has expanded significantly and now operates five locations across Texas, including Austin, Dallas, Addison, Houston’s Heights neighborhood, and Houston’s Rice Village.
Customers can enjoy casual dining with prices from $15 to $30 per person.
Uptown Sports Club
The Uptown Sports Club is a New Orleans-inspired casual dining venue located in Austin, Texas. It offers classic dishes like po’ boys paired with cocktails, fitting well into Franklin’s casual and approachable food philosophy.
With a more modest price range of $10 to $25 per person, it serves as an accessible neighborhood spot focused on comfort and social dining.
If you are interested in drink service roles at casual dining venues like Uptown Sports Club, explore our bartender job description and interview tips for hiring effective bartenders.
Aaron Franklin Restaurant Empire: Conclusion
In conclusion, Aaron Franklin owns a moderate-sized portfolio of 7 restaurants concentrated primarily in Texas. His business model eschews franchising or licensing in favor of full ownership of each venue.
While he does not hold Michelin stars, Franklin’s influence is substantial in elevating casual and barbecue dining through his flagship Franklin Barbecue and the expanding Loro brand.
His recent growth, including new locations in the Austin market’s Domain Northside area, indicates a focus on strengthening and deepening his presence locally before considering broader geographic moves.
Together, these ventures illustrate Franklin’s commitment to quality casual dining centered on smoke and fusion cuisines, making him a distinctive figure in American barbecue and modern Texas gastronomy.
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