‘Beyond the Better Burger’ Concept to Exhibit at International Franchise Expo in NYC June 20-22
Burger 21, an award-winning, “beyond the better burger” fast casual franchise, today announced it is targeting the Tri-State Area – including communities in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania – for future expansion. The Tampa-based fast casual concept aims to develop new restaurants in Long Island, the New York City boroughs and northern New Jersey, as well as upstate New York and in Pennsylvania. Currently, Burger 21 has 14 open locations and more than 20 franchised restaurants in development across the country.
“We are thrilled about the growth Burger 21 has experienced throughout the country and extremely optimistic about our future development in the Northeast,” said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. “We offer a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania that creates new jobs and supports economic growth. We are confident consumers in the area will love our crafted burgers, hand-dipped shakes and menu variety, which have allowed us to stand out among better burger concepts.”
The brand currently has one location each in Albany, N.Y. and Voorhees, N.J. and aims to develop additional restaurants throughout New Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Trenton, Clifton, Morrisville and Toms River. Also, the company plans to open new locations in upstate New York, in markets such as Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and Albany and, targeted areas in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.
“From the signing of our initial agreement to the restaurant’s grand opening, the Burger 21 team has provided us with unmatched support,” said Bruce Anderson, Burger 21 franchisee in Latham, N.Y. “We are looking forward to the brand’s future expansion throughout our state.”
To further fuel Burger 21’s expansion in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will be exhibiting at The International Franchise Expo June 18-20 at The Javits Center in New York City. Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand’s franchise development team at Booth 229 to learn more about growth opportunities.
Additionally, Burger 21 will host a webinar on Wednesday, June 24th 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 813-327-7881 or apollard@burger21.com.
Recognition for Burger 21 includes being named one of Fast Casual’s Top 50 “Movers and Shakers” for the last three consecutive years. Additionally, Burger 21 President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of Fast Casual’s “Top 25 People” of 2014 for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand. Burger 21 also was named one of QSR’s “Best Franchise Deals” of 2014.
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 813-327-7881 or apollard@burger21.com or visit www.burger21franchise.com.
With 14 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.
