Burger 21 Seeks Additional Franchisees for Greater Washington D.C. Expansion

- Award-Winning Fast-Casual Chain to Host Franchising Executive Roundtable on Nov. 2 -

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Oct 22, 2014, 09:17 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 22, 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 is targeting the Greater Washington D.C. area for future franchise development. Target cities include Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and Rockville, Md.; Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas and Gainesville, Va.; and downtown D.C.

To fuel expansion in the region, Burger 21 will be exhibiting at the Capital Franchise Expo, Nov. 1 and 2 at the Dulles Expo Center, booth No. 209. In addition, the Tampa-based franchise's development team will also host a franchising Executive Roundtable on Nov. 2 for qualified candidates who are interested in learning more about growth opportunities.

"The Greater Washington D.C. area continues to be a prime target for Burger 21's future growth and development," said Mark Johnston, president of Burger 21. "We're proud of the success of our first Virginia restaurant in Ashburn and look forward to discussing the value of the investment with local entrepreneurs and sharing with them what separates Burger 21 from the competition."

Burger 21 in Ashburn, Va., is owned and operated by RNJ Management, Inc., an experienced franchise group that has three additional locations committed for development in an area that contains Tysons Corner, Chantilly and Reston, Va. Ray Patel, partner and manager of the Ashburn restaurant's daily operations, will be available to speak with interested entrepreneurs at the Executive Roundtable to share the group's experience with opening their first Burger 21.

"We're excited to contribute to Burger 21's growth by sharing our personal experience in the Executive Roundtable with prospective franchisees," said Patel. "From the signing of our initial agreement to the restaurant's grand opening, Burger 21 provided us with unmatched support and we look forward to opening our three additional locations in the region over the next few years."

Qualified candidates who would like to attend the Executive Roundtable on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. must RSVP to Ashley Pollard, franchise development manager for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or [email protected] or at http://www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx. Space is limited, so you must RSVP to attend the event.

To further fuel Burger 21's national expansion, the company will also host a live webinar on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. EST. To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx.

Burger 21 was named one of QSR's "Best Franchise Deals" and also 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 acknowledged 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.

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 $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 $422,083 – $974,395. 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 manager for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or visit http://www.burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21
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. 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 130 locations in North America and more than 25 locations currently in development, Burger 21 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, and GrillSmith with five locations in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.