Burger 21 Beefs Up National Presence With First New Mexico Franchise Agreement

- Award-Winning Fast Casual Chain to Bring Chef-Inspired Burger Creations to Albuquerque -

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May 09, 2016, 01:35 ET

TAMPA, Fla., May 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21®, an award-winning, "beyond the better burger" fast casual franchise, announced today the signing of its first franchise agreement in New Mexico. The Tampa, Fla.-based company plans to open one location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This latest agreement expands the brand's national footprint to 12 states. Burger 21 currently has 22 open restaurants and approximately 20 franchised locations in development nationwide.

"We are thrilled to bring Burger 21 to Albuquerque," said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "As one of the largest cities in New Mexico, Albuquerque is an ideal community for our brand. We look forward to our continued expansion across the U.S. with franchise partners that align with our brand's values and culture."

Local entrepreneur Chris Zalesiak is leading the expansion effort in Albuquerque with the first Burger 21 location slated to open in late 2017. Zalesiak, who also owns The Melting Pot of Albuquerque, has 13 years of foodservice experience and is an active member of the community. She currently sits on the Vistage International Peer Advisory Board and helps raise awareness and funds for several local public schools and organizations, including the March of Dimes. In addition to Burger 21's variety of chef-inspired menu items, it was the brand's unique culture and dedication to providing high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients that attracted Zalesiak to the Burger 21 concept.

"My decision to partner with Burger 21 was based on a number of factors, including the delicious product at an affordable price, the exponential growth of the brand over the past several years and Burger 21's commitment to the communities it serves by donating ten percent of sales on the 21^st of each month to a local charity of choice," said Zalesiak. "This is an opportune time to join the Burger 21 family and introduce Albuquerque's to the brand's carveable menu offerings, which are unlike any other better burger concept in the area."

The location of the first Burger 21 in Albuquerque is yet to be announced as the site selection process is just launching with Anthony Johnson of Pegasus Retail Group.

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 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 22 locations now open in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas, and more than 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.