Award-Winning Fast-Casual Chain to Exhibit at Local Franchise Expo, May 31 – June 1
Burger 21, a new better burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. franchise company based in Tampa, Fla., announced today that it is accelerating its growth plans for Charlotte, N.C.
The brand aims to develop four or more new restaurants throughout the Charlotte metro area, as well as additional units across the state. To support this initiative, Burger 21 will be exhibiting at the Franchise Business Opportunities Expo in Charlotte, N.C., May 31 and June 1 at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations, including one location in Charlotte’s Ballantyne area, and 20 franchised restaurants in development across the country.
“Burger 21 continues to experience incredible success breaking into new markets and we see enormous potential for growth in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina,” said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. “In addition to having a diverse menu of chef-inspired burger creations and hand-crafted shakes, Burger 21 boasts an average unit volume in excess of $1.75 million and is supported by 30 years of franchising experience as an affiliate of Front Burner Brands. We look forward to discussing business opportunities with local entrepreneurs in person at the Expo.”
To further fuel development, Burger 21 will host a live webinar on May 22 at 2 p.m. EDT. To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx.
Burger 21 earned the No. 5 ranking on Fast Casual’s Top 100 “Movers and Shakers” of 2014, up from No. 22 the prior year. Additionally, Mark Johnston was recognized as one of the “Top 25 People” for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand. Last year, the franchise’s gluten-free menu received the No. 1 ranking in the “Top 10 Menu Innovations” category.
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 $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 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 $416,133 – $933,895. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.
To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Ashley Pollard, franchise development associate for Burger 21 please visit http://www.burger21franchise.com.
About Burger 21
With 12 locations open in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 20 in development in seven states, Burger 21 is a “beyond the better burger” fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. 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, specialty salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tendersand an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.
About Front Burner Brands
Front Burner Brands is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 135 locations in North America and more than 25 locations currently in development, Burger 21 with 12 locations open in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 20 in development in seven states, and GrillSmith with five locations in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.
