Award-Winning Fast Casual Chain Under Consideration for Spot in Newly Renovated Tampa International Airport and Announces Rapid Growth in Home State of Florida
Burger 21, an award-winning, “beyond the better burger” fast casual franchise, today announced the latest phase of its franchise development strategy to increase the brand’s presence in non-traditional venues across the country. This announcement comes on the heels of its recent bid submission for space in the newly renovated Tampa International Airport, which will be granted in early June. The Tampa, Fla.-based company is continuing to experience rapid growth, especially in its home state of Florida.
As part of its non-traditional development strategy, Burger 21 will roll out its first breakfast menu, which will be exclusively available at future airport locations. Additionally, the company is accelerating its speed of service at its restaurants by incorporating the latest kitchen equipment to provide even more convenience to its guests.
“Burger 21 is coming of age and we have reached a point in our development where it makes sense for us to expand beyond the four walls of our traditional restaurants,” said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. “Due to the difficulties of finding real estate in some markets, we’ve had to modify our restaurant design, so that it can operate in a smaller footprint. We’ve made all the necessary adjustments to position the brand for further development in a variety of venues, such as airports and college campuses. As a Tampa-based company, we’re thrilled at the possibility of representing our city at the Tampa International Airport.”
With eight locations across the Sunshine State, Burger 21 continues to experience rapid growth in its home state of Florida with the signing of a new franchise agreement to develop one restaurant in Melbourne, Fla. Additionally, the brand will open its first freestanding location in Ocala with a full bar, as well as indoor and outdoor seating in late summer. Most recently, Burger 21 opened its first restaurant in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Burger 21 has 15 locations open in seven states and more than 20 in development with further plans for continued expansion. To fuel Burger 21’s development across the country, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a webinar on May 14 at 2 p.m. (EDT). To register, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx or contact Ashley Pollard, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com.
Recognition for Burger 21 in 2014 included being named one of QSR’s “Best Franchise Deals” and one of Fast Casual’s Top 100 “Movers and Shakers” of 2014. As the youngest concept of the top 10 brands, Burger 21 ranked No. 5, up from No. 22 last year. Additionally, Burger 21 President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of the “Top 25 People” for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.
As the brand continues to expand across the U.S., Burger 21 is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast casual dining concept. Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $600,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000 per unit. Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $422,083 – $974,395. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for veterans, minorities and Area Development Agreements of four or more units.
To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Ashley Pollard, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com or visit www.burger21franchise.com.
With 15 locations open in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia, and more than 20 in development in seven states, Burger 21 is a “beyond the better burger” fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Burger 21 is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, fresh salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. Since its inception, the company has provided more than $127,000 in contributions as part of its “B Charitable” initiative, in which it donates 10 percent of its restaurants’ sales to local schools and charities on the 21st of each month. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.
