Burger 21 eyes expansion targets along the East Coast

Burger 21 eyes expansion targets across the East Coast

Burger 21 is the brainchild of the same restaurateurs in charge of wildly popular The Melting Pot chain. Opened in 2009, the restaurant is looking to offer the next-generation "better burger." Working with restaurant management company Front Burner Brands, The Melting Pot's leadership developed a chain that would appeal to burger lovers with discerning tastes. The company invested in extensive consumer taste-testing before finalizing the franchise concept that would eventually become Burger 21. The chain has since opened locations in five states and has plans for development in seven more. Much of these expansion efforts have targeted markets along the East Coast, where Burger 21 has a strong presence.

Beefing up around D.C.
Burger 21's franchising drive will cover quite a lot of ground near the nation's capital. Fast Casual reported that that the company is reaching out to franchisees across Maryland (in Silver Spring, Bethesda and College Park), Virginia (in Arlington, Alexandria and Gainesville) and in the center of the District of Columbia. Investors can meet with Burger 21 at the Capital Franchise Expo at the Dulles Expo Center on Nov. 1 and 2. The company will host an executive roundtable for potential franchisees with sufficient ambition and financing. Topics will include future financing plans for the franchise and how franchisees can take advantage of the company's unique branding to stand out from competitors. Sleek interiors and high-quality menu items help position Burger 21 as a next-level burger establishment.

New York State's new burger
Further south, Burger 21 hopes to expand its presence in New York. The brand opened its first location just outside of Albany in early August, according to The Post-Standard. The new burger joint's owners, Mike Stygles and Bruce Anderson, are veteran franchisers who also brought The Melting Pot franchise to the Albany area. The two have even hinted at expanding their holdings in Syracuse, an area the two entrepreneurs described as "familiar territory." No official plans have been set, but further expansion is likely if the brand's variety of beef and non-beef burgers appeals to Albany residents. The mix of traditional and vegetarian-friendly food fare will help the burger joint attract millennial customers.

Burger 21 hits Charlotte
Expansion by Burger 21 will continue along the East Coast into North Carolina, said the Charlotte Business Journal. The franchise has four additional franchise locations in the works, having met with potential franchisees at the Franchise Business Opportunities Expo in June. Burger 21 is offering a significant franchising fee discount to investors interested in multiunit deals. Brand owners hope the restaurant will separate itself from fast-casual rivals and expand beyond Charlotte across the state. Thankfully, the restaurant boasts the added appeal of selling beer and wine, along with a full-service shake bar. Burger 21's refreshing selection of beverages is sure to be a hit during North Carolina's sweltering summer days.