Submarine Burger – leading craft burger chain expands into the European market

After successfully testing the Romanian market, the Croatian brand Submarine Burger is expanding its operations in Romania by opening three restaurants in Bucharest. Submarine Burger entered the Romanian market in 2021 by opening its first sales point, based on the dark kitchen principle, and exclusively marketed its products on the Glovo platform. The ambitious business venture is valued at 1.5 million euros.

Submarine has so far been available in the Romanian market exclusively through orders, without physical restaurants where guests could consume food. The newly opened restaurants will offer Romanians real places to enjoy the healthiest burger made from natural, organic, local ingredients without additives carefully selected from local suppliers and, at the same time, provide an opportunity to discover the good vibes associated with Submarine Burger locations in the Croatian market.

Alex Lazinica, founder and co-owner of the Croatian company Submarine Burger explained the importance of expanding into the Romanian market and the company’s long-term plans.

– After pilot testing, we decided that it is the right time to provide Romanians with the complete Submarine Burger experience, both our craft burgers made from the freshest local ingredients and our philosophy based on a sense of gratitude and optimism in everyday life. Regarding our strategy, our goal is for Submarine to be available to as wide a population as possible, so they can discover our philosophy and become part of the Submarine community. Our goal is to continue expanding, but the Croatian market remains our primary focus, and we will develop it according to the wishes of our visitors – said Lazinica.

The sense of community is also reflected in the sustainability strategy, as explained by Dragoljub Božović, founder and CEO of Submarine Burger.

– Our concern for the community is not just a letter on paper; using the most modern technologies and materials, we strive to minimize the global problem of increased carbon footprint. Our goal is to differentiate ourselves in everything we do, and we truly believe that no company today can afford to operate irresponsibly. Our mission is not just to sell burgers; we sell a lifestyle – said Božović.

Marko Benvin, Chief Business Development Officer of Submarine, describes the philosophy on which the restaurants operate.

– Opening a restaurant in Bucharest has an emotional component. While in delivery, visitors could try the food and get acquainted with Submarine flavors, in the restaurant we want to attract people who, like us, live the Submarine philosophy. The food we serve is prepared with love, created in fully controlled conditions, and is always fresh; we follow the farm-to-table concept – says Benvin.

Submarine records a total growth of over 220 percent, with company revenues in 2019 amounting to 4.5 million euros and employing 77 people. They are currently present in Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and Zadar, with a portfolio of 16 locations and over 300 employees. In 2021, they were included in the Financial Times list of the 1000 fastest-growing companies, ranking 720th, making it the only Croatian non-tech company on that list.