News

Burger 21 targets South Florida for expansion

February 16, 2012

Burger 21, a fast casual concept founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., announced that it is targeting South Florida for franchise expansion.

The company launched an aggressive growth strategy in September 2011, to bring its 21 chef-inspired burger creations and hand-dipped signature shakes to more cities across the U.S. In just over a year of operation, the concept was named one of "12 Burger Chains to Watch in 2012" by Burger Business.

Front Burner Brands Chief Concept Officer Mark Johnston, his wife, Concept Development Director Arlene Johnston, and his brothers, Chief Executive Officer Bob Johnston and Vice President Mike Johnston, founded Burger 21 in November 2009.

The first corporate-owned Burger 21 restaurant opened in Tampa, Fla., in November 2010, and the second opened in Carrollwood, Fla., in October 2011. Two additional locations are in development and will open later this year.

"Our restaurants in Tampa have experienced tremendous success, and therefore, we believe the brand has great potential for growth in the South Florida market," Mark Johnston said. "There is competition from other burger concepts in the market; however, our restaurant goes beyond the better burger."

To fuel its expansion, Burger 21 is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host two executive roundtables outlining the franchise opportunity on:

Noon to 2 p.m., Feb. 29 in Aventura at The Grill on the Alley, 19501 Biscayne Blvd.
Noon to 2 p.m., March 1 in Boca Raton at Seasons 52, 2300 N.W. Executive Center Drive

To register for one of the complimentary lunch events, contact Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, at 813-425-6208 or dstone@burger21.com.