Burger 21 Set to Expand in Florida and Georgia with Signing of New Franchise Agreement in Melbourne and Lease Agreements in Atlanta

-Award-Winning Fast Casual Chain to Open New Restaurants in Both States Later this Year-

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May 05, 2015, 10:58 ET

TAMPA, Fla., May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21^®, an award-winning, "beyond the better burger" fast casual franchise, today announced that it has signed an additional franchise agreement with the brand's very first franchisee, Dennis Saller, to develop its first restaurant in Melbourne, Fla., at The Avenue Viera shopping mall. Additionally, the Tampa-based chain signed lease agreements for its Snellville and Johns Creek, Ga., locations. To date, Burger 21 has 15 open locations and more than 20 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

"We are excited about the growth Burger 21 has experienced in both Florida and Georgia, and optimistic about our future development throughout the Southeast," said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "Dennis Saller's Orlando location has already proven to be highly successful, and we're confident that he'll bring the same success to Melbourne. Georgia also continues to be a prime target for our brand's development as we aim to open additional franchise locations across the state in cities, such as Cumberland and Kennesaw."

The Melbourne location will be Saller's second Burger 21 restaurant in the state of Florida. His first location opened in 2013 at The Mall of Millennia in Orlando. Saller's two daughters, Whitney Prieto and Mary Allison Saller, also own the Orlando unit. The family plans to open the Melbourne restaurant this winter.

"We're thrilled to bring Burger 21's first restaurant to Melbourne," said Saller. "Our experience with the Orlando location has far exceeded our expectations and we are confident that the brand will be just as well received by the Melbourne and Viera communities. We look forward to opening additional Burger 21 locations throughout Florida over the next several years."

On the Georgia front, existing franchisee Corley Steward signed a lease agreement for his second Burger 21 location in Johns Creek, located at 11250 Medlock Bridge. Additionally, Alex Kim signed a lease agreement for his first Burger 21 restaurant in Snellville, located at 1575 Scenic Highway, Suite 400. Both restaurants are slated to open this summer.

With 15 locations open and more than 20 in development across the country, 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 May 14 at 2 p.m. (EDT). 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 more than 20 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.