Satisfying burger-loving palettes, Tampa-based Burger 21 continues to expand.
With plans to open two new Tampa Bay area locations in
Lakeside Village in Lakeland and Trout Creek Commons in Tampa by the end of Summer 2012, the fast-casual burger concept recently announced its fourth franchise agreement to open a restaurant in New Jersey. Upon opening, the first Northeast location will mark the 10th location for
Burger 21, including locations in Westchase and Carrollwood.
"America has a love affair with burgers. Couple that with the explosive growth of the fast-casual segment of the food industry and the result is a strong consumer demand for premium, better burger products served in an inviting fast-casual atmosphere,'' says Alisha dos Santos, communications manager for
Front Burner Brands, the concepts’ management company.
Wanting to go "beyond the better burger,'' Burger 21 features 21 chef-inspired burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Angus beef to turkey, chicken, shrimp, tuna and veggie burgers. Toss in made-to-order salads;
Hebrew National all-beef hot dogs; hand-breaded chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-dipped floats, shakes and sundaes and you have the key to fast-casual success. Burger 21 also recently launched a brand new
gluten-free menu.
"In developing the concept, the owners of
The Melting Pot fondue franchise -- the Johnston family -- saw an opportunity to fill a void in the burger business,'' dos Santos says. "The concept defines its own category, beyond the better burger, offering quality, premium ingredients, innovative recipes and a gourmet experience without the gourmet price.''
In September 2011, Burger 21 launched an aggressive growth strategy to bring hand-crafted burger creations and hand-dipped signature shakes to more cities across the United States, seeking single and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join the upscale fast-casual dining concept. With the newest franchise locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Voorhees, N.J., Burger 21 plans to expand its efforts into the Midwest and along the West Coast.
Writer:
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Alisha dos Santos,
Front Burner Brands
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