Burger 21, a better-burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc., announced its first restaurant in the western U.S. will open in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Monday, July 21. To celebrate with the community, the first 100 guests to visit the restaurant on opening day will receive a free Burger 21 t-shirt, and all guests will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a free tailgate grill.
In addition, 10 percent of all proceeds on opening day in Scottsdale will be donated to the 100 Club of Arizona, a local nonprofit that provides assistance to statewide public safety agencies, officers, firefighters, paramedics, and their families.
“I’m thrilled to open Burger 21’s first restaurant in Arizona,” says Dan Lenhauser, franchisee. “Burger 21 has a unique culture and a diverse menu that appeals to a wide array of consumers. We are confident that the Scottsdale community will love our gourmet burgers without the gourmet price.”
The new restaurant in Scottsdale marks Lenhauser’s first Burger 21 restaurant with his second location slated to open in Chandler, Arizona, later this year. Lenhauser is unaffiliated with any of The Melting Pot fondue restaurants located within the state, which are operated under separate ownership groups. With the opening of the Scottsdale location, Burger 21 will have 13 restaurants open and 23 franchised locations in development across the country.
“Expanding Burger 21’s presence to the western U.S. marks a major milestone for the brand,” says Mark Johnston, Burger 21 president and chief concept officer and president of Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. “Scottsdale is just the first of several locations planned for the state, as we aim to develop a total of 10 or more units in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area over the next several years.”
Burger 21 Scottsdale features 21 chef-inspired burger creations, signature shakes, gourmet hot dogs, chicken tenders, and salads served in a contemporary-style diner atmosphere with fast, high-touch service. Additional highlights include 75 new team members hired in Scottsdale, a space of about 3,154 square feet, seating for 123 customers inside the restaurant, and a patio with seating for 24 customers coming soon.
