Burger 21 Expands Presence in Atlanta with Signing of Two New Franchise Agreements

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21^®, a new better burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot^® Restaurants, Inc., announced today it has signed two new agreements to develop three units in the Atlanta area. Alex Kim has signed an agreement to open a restaurant in Johns Creek, Ga., later this year, while new multi-unit franchisee Jim McGlynn will open two restaurants, targeting sites in the South Alpharetta and Perimeter Mall areas. To date, Burger 21 has 12 open locations and 19 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

Last year, the company opened its first franchised restaurant in Atlanta across from the Mall of Georgia.  An additional location is slated for development in North Alpharetta. Burger 21 continues to target Atlanta as a growth market, and plans to add more than 10 additional locations throughout the region in communities such as Kennesaw, Midtown, Buckhead, Cumberland and Norcross.

"Expansion in Atlanta continues to be a priority for Burger 21, and we are thrilled that both new and experienced foodservice operators are committed to partnering with us as we grow in the Southeast and across the U.S.," said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development of Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. "Our first Atlanta restaurant has built a solid foundation with a loyal customer following, and we look forward to bringing the same success to new locations in the market for years to come."

New franchisee Jim McGlynn has years of consulting, business and team building experience, which he will bring to his two new restaurants slated for development in South Alpharetta and the Perimeter Mall area. His first location is expected to open by early 2015, while the second location will open in 2016.

"When my wife and I first walked into Burger 21, we were drawn to its clear commitment to the local community and high quality food, and we felt that the restaurant created the best customer experience in the burger industry," said McGlynn. "We are excited to bring the memorable Burger 21 culture and dining experience to our future locations."

Prior to joining the concept, new Burger 21 Atlanta area franchisee Alex Kim served as a former Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee and has more than six years of experience in the foodservice industry.

"I am excited to expand Burger 21's presence in the Atlanta market and further establish the brand's 'beyond the better burger' reputation with local residents," said Kim. "I am confident that Burger 21 will be a welcome addition to the Johns Creek community and look forward to the restaurant opening later this year."

Recognition for rapidly-expanding Burger 21 in 2013 included being named one of Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers." The concept ranked No. 22 based on its variety of innovative recipes and recent expansion. In addition, the franchise's gluten-free menu received the No. 1 ranking in the "Top 10 Menu Innovations" category and Mark Johnston was recognized as one of the "Top 20 People" for his strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.

To further fuel its national expansion, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a live webinar on March 13 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 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 $414,495 – $832,495. 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 [email protected] or visit www.burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21
With 12 locations open in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 19 in development in six 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, specialty 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 (formerly known as TGS Restaurant Management) 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 19 in development in six states, GrillSmith with six locations in the Tampa Bay area and other new franchise concepts in development. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.

SOURCE Burger 21