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Burger 21 following growth path

Burger 21 kicked off 2016 with the opening of its 21st restaurant and has more than 20 franchised restaurants in development in 11 states.

February 10, 2016

Burger 21 is gearing up for a year of growth, according to a company press release, that said the chain kicked off 2016 with the opening of its 21st restaurant and has more than 20 franchised restaurants in development in 11 states. It also recently signed six new franchise agreements to debut in Pennsylvania, Texas and Arkansas.

"Our 21st restaurant opening in Orland Park, Illinois, represents a huge milestone for the Burger 21 brand,” said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "In just five years, we’ve grown from a four-unit concept to a nationally recognized franchise."

The brand, this year, will debut its first hybrid, free-standing restaurant and open its first airport locations inside the Tampa International Airport.

"At the start of this new year — our sixth year in business — the Burger 21 team is proud to reflect on our tremendous growth and the exciting developments in store for our brand and franchisees in 2016," Johnston said. “As we open new restaurants in communities across the country and welcome new franchisees to the Burger 21 family, we continue our commitment to being bold, with innovation and quality that distinguishes us in the marketplace."

As the brand continues to expand across the U.S., it is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast casual dining, Johnston said.

Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $600,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000 per unit, and depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $428,247 – $1,085,164. The initial franchise fee is $40,000, but reduced franchise fees apply for veterans, minorities and Area Development Agreements of four or more units, according to the release.