BurgerFi has announced its first international development agreement in Europe. In a recently inked deal with ground Round Limited, the brand will expand its footprint into the European market with a location in central London set to open before the end of the year.
The U.K. expansion announcement was signed with Ground Round partners Jamie Wood, son of Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ron Wood, and Constantine Kulukundis, both of whom have notable franchise and hospitality experience in the market. The agreement follows two international deals signed earlier this year for BurgerFi locations planned in Mexico and Panama. Meanwhile, the brand already boasts 71 operating locations throughout the U.S.
Known for its fresh, all-natural burgers, BurgerFi focuses its efforts on how today’s consumers choose to eat; and just as Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the quality of their food choices, consumers in Europe and around the globe are equally discriminating. Corey Winograd, CEO of BurgerFi, says, “BURGERFI’s commitment to high-quality food and environmentally friendly best practices translate beyond international borders.Customers everywhere are holding restaurants to higher quality standards in their desire for clean, natural food. They also want to dine in a restaurant that reflects their own values, such as sustainability and being earth-friendly. We have set these standards for ourselves, and it is where we believe the future of the burger business is headed, both in America and abroad.”
As to growing the BurgerFi brand beyond U.S. borders, Winograd adds, “As one of the fastest-growing concepts in our segment, we have established a solid reputation for strategic growth, and believe that the Ground Round team has the genuine passion, know-how and infrastructure in place to introduce the brand to the U.K. market.
“We are thrilled to be BurgerFi’s first international partner in Europe,” says Jamie Wood,managing partner of Ground Round. “Even at a very early age, I was influenced by my mum, JoWood, in her desire to eat healthy. We look forward to bringing the brand’s fresh, all-natural, hormone-free concept to the U.K. and replicating the success of the brand internationally.”
BurgerFi reported record-breaking earnings in 2014 and is on track for an even more successful 2015, with plans to add another 30 to 40 units domestically. Realizing the demand and opportunity that exists globally, BurgerFi will continue to seek partners to expand the brand’s presence internationally.
