Burger 21 Plans to Open its First Restaurant in Lone Star State

TAMPA, Fla., June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 it has signed a franchise agreement to develop its first restaurant in the Lone Star State. Burger 21 will soon bring its 21 unique burger creations and hand-crafted shakes to Austin, Texas. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations and 20 units in development across the country.

"It's a very exciting time in our company's history as developing a Burger 21 in Texas marks the brand's expansion into its ninth state," said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. "Texas will continue to be a prime target for our brand's development as we aim to open several new franchise locations across the state in additional cities such as Houston and Dallas. This is only the beginning for us."

First-time franchise owners and childhood friends Jose Haces and Juan Pablo Mondragon plan to develop their first Burger 21 location in the Arboretum area of Austin. Haces will manage the restaurant's day-to-day operations when the restaurant opens in 2015. The entrepreneurs hope to develop additional units in the Austin market over the next several years.

"We have always been intrigued by the 'better burger movement' and Burger 21 was the only concept that stood out to us among the other competitors," said Jose Haces. "We are confident that Burger 21's unique dining experience, along with its 21 chef-inspired burgers and hand-crafted shakes, will resonate with Austin diners."

To further fuel development, Burger 21 will host a live webinar on Thursday, June 26 at 3 p.m. EDT. To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx or contact Ashley Pollard, franchise development manager for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or [email protected].

Burger 21 earned the No. 5 ranking in Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers" of 2014, up from No. 22 the prior year. Additionally, Burger 21 President 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 – $833,895. 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, at 813-425-6252 or [email protected] or 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, fresh salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and 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. 

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SOURCE Burger 21

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