Burger 21, an award-winning, “beyond the better burger” fast-casual franchise, announced its second restaurant in North Carolina will open in Cary on Monday, June 8 in the Bradford Shopping Center. To celebrate, the restaurant will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the first two days of business to the Cary Family YMCA. Additionally, the local community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony and check presentation on Tuesday, June 16.

The new restaurant is locally owned and operated by new Burger 21 franchisee Mitch Neal, who has opened eight restaurants in the Raleigh, North Carolina, market over the last 10 years. Neal is a seasoned multiunit restaurant owner with more than 20 years of experience in the franchise industry.

“As a huge fan of Burger 21’s food, I’m excited to bring our unique selection of burgers and shakes to the people of Cary,” Neal says. “Burger 21 has a distinctive culture, diverse menu, and a strong commitment to the local communities it serves, which truly differentiates the brand from other ‘better burger’ concepts. Cary is a great family-oriented community with a vibrant economy, so I see great opportunity for growth in the market and have no doubt that the local community will love our gourmet burgers without the gourmet price.”

The Cary Burger 21 will feature 21 unique, chef-inspired beef and non-beef burger creations, handcrafted shakes, gourmet hot dogs, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and fresh salads served in a contemporary-style diner atmosphere with fast, high-touch service. Additionally, on the 21st of each month, the restaurant will offer a featured burger creation and signature shake available for an entire month.

Burger 21 in Cary will hire 55–65 new team members with seating available for 122 customers within the 3,101-square-foot space. It also includes a patio with seating for 34.

Burger 21 was named one of QSR's "Best Franchise Deals” of 2014.