Burger 21 Beefs Up Atlanta Presence With Signing Of New Franchise Agreement For Two Restaurants

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21^®, an award-winning, "beyond the better burger" fast casual franchise, announced today the signing of a multi-unit franchise agreement to develop two restaurants in the Atlanta area to further develop the brand's presence. Father-and-son franchisee team Dwight Pearson and Jamion Ridon plan to open two restaurants in Midtown and Sandy Springs over the next two years. Burger 21 currently has 24 open restaurants, including four restaurants across Atlanta, and approximately 20 franchised locations in development nationwide.

"We're thrilled to bring Burger 21 to the local communities in Midtown and Sandy Springs," said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "Atlanta has been a target market of ours since launching our aggressive growth initiative nearly five years ago, and it's great to expand our brand presence in the area with new franchise partners such as Dwight and Jamion, who bring years of foodservice experience to the business. We're confident they will bring that same success to our new restaurants in Midtown and Sandy Springs."

Local entrepreneur Dwight Pearson has significant industry experience, having worked in various positions at the restaurant-level for well-known brands such as Ted's Montana Grill, Ruby Tuesday's, Applebee's, and TGI Fridays. He and his son Jamion currently own four combination gas stations and convenient stores throughout Atlanta and wanted to re-enter the foodservice industry with a growing restaurant concept. Together, the father-son duo plan to open their first Burger 21 location in Sandy Springs by fall 2017 and a second location in Midtown the following fall.

"Jumping back into the restaurant industry was always a goal of mine, but the right opportunity never presented itself," said Pearson, Burger 21 franchisee. "After experiencing firsthand Burger 21's high-quality food and excellent customer service, I knew it was the opportunity I had been waiting for. The brand's unique concept and exceptional dining experience is truly unmatched in the better burger industry, and Jamion and I wanted to be part of the company's growth in Atlanta."

Burger 21 is actively seeking qualified franchisees to expand its national footprint across the country. Those interested in development opportunities with the brand should visit burger21franchise.com/ApplyNow.aspx and register to receive access to an informational franchising webinar. For more information, please contact Ashley Sawyer, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-327-7881 or [email protected] or visit burger21franchise.com.

Recognition for Burger 21 includes being named one of Entrepreneur magazine's Top New Franchises and Restaurant Business' 50 Fastest-Growing Small Restaurant Chains of 2016. Additionally, the company has been ranked on Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers" for the last three consecutive years, while Burger 21 Founder and President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of Fast Casual's "Top 25 People" of 2014 for his strategic leadership in the brand's growth and development. Burger 21 also was named one of QSR's "Best Franchise Deals" of 2014.

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 $600,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000 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 $428,247 – $1,085,164. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for veterans, minorities and Area Development Agreements of four or more units. 

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Ashley Sawyer, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-327-7881 or [email protected] or visit burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21

With 24 locations now open in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas, and approximately 20 in development in six states, Burger 21 is a "beyond the better burger" fast casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., 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. Since its inception, the company has provided more than $127,000 in contributions as part of its "B Charitable" initiative, in which it donates 10 percent of its restaurants' sales to local schools and charities on the 21^st of each month. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130214/NY60474LOGO

SOURCE Burger 21

Related Links

http://www.burger21.com