Tampa, Fla. — Burger 21® signed six new franchise agreements in 2015, representing six future restaurants, including the brand’s first locations in Pennsylvania, Texas and Arkansas. In 2016, the brand will debut its first hybrid, freestanding restaurant and one of the first steps in a brand refresh plan announced last year. Also, to kick off 2016, Burger 21 opened its 21st restaurant in January and has more than 20 franchised restaurants in development in 11 states.
“Our 21st restaurant opening in Orland Park, Ill., represents a huge milestone for the Burger 21 brand,” says Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. “In just 5 years, we’ve grown from a four-unit concept to a nationally recognized franchise with 21 open locations across eight states.”
The company celebrated its 5-year anniversary in 2015. It was a year of growth and planning for the future, with Burger 21 announcing the opening of six new restaurants, increasing its brand presence in new and existing markets, as well as executing eight leases in seven states. The excitement continues in 2016, as the company plans to open 10 additional restaurants, including Burger 21’s first locations in Texas, Illinois and Michigan during the first quarter of the year.
Additionally, the fast-casual franchise will be developing the brand’s first airport locations in the newly renovated Tampa International Airport.
One of the company’s biggest announcements in 2015 was enlisting branding and design consultancy Brand Architecture to rebrand the next generation of the Burger 21 experience. From a new logo and packaging to new chairs and uniforms, the updated Burger 21 visual identity will deliver a personality that is more aligned with the brand’s culture, aspirations and customers.
Additional restaurant openings in 2016 include Burger 21’s new Ocala, Fla., location, which will be the first location to sport the brand’s first full-service bar with cocktails and shaketails. Other new locations opening in 2016 include McAllen, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; Novi, Mich.; and Sterling, Va.
For more information, visit burger21.com.
SOURCE: Burger 21