Burger 21 Exceeds $127,000 in Contributions to Support "B Charitable" Initiative

Award-Winning Fast Casual Chain's Restaurants Donate 10 Percent of Sales on the 21st of Each Month to Benefit Local Schools and Charities Nationwide

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Burger 21

Feb 17, 2015, 01:25 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21^®, an award-winning, "beyond the better burger" fast casual franchise, announced today it has provided more than $127,000 in contributions through its "B Charitable" initiative since its inception. As part of the brand's unique culture, Burger 21 donates 10 percent of its restaurants' sales to schools and local charities on the 21^st of each month to support the communities in which it operates.

"Since opening our doors five years ago, we've made giving back a part of our brand culture and we're proud of what we've accomplished thus far," said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "Exceeding $100,000 in contributions for our 'B Charitable' initiative marks a significant milestone for our brand and is a true testament of how small business owners can make a positive impact in their communities."

To date, hundreds of schools and charities from across the country have benefitted from the program. In addition to its "B Charitable" initiative, the brand's 21^st burger makes its debut on the 21^st of each month along with a featured shake available for a limited time.

With 15 locations open in seven states and 25 in development, Burger 21 is planning for continued expansion. To fuel Burger 21's development across the country, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a webinar on April 21 at 2 p.m. (EST). To register, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx or contact Ashley Pollard, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or [email protected].

Recognition for Burger 21 in 2014 included being named one of QSR's "Best Franchise Deals" and one of Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers" of 2014. As the youngest concept of the top 10 brands, Burger 21 ranked No. 5, up from No. 22 last year. Additionally, Burger 21 President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of the "Top 25 People" for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.

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 $422,083 – $974,395. 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 Pollard, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or [email protected] or visit www.burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21
With 15 locations open in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia, and 25 in development in seven 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.