Burger 21, a new better-burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants, announced it plans to develop a minimum of five new restaurants within the Research Triangle area of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Burger 21 has seven restaurants open and 21 franchised locations in development along the East Coast.
“Burger 21 offers a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs in Raleigh-Durham and its surrounding communities that creates new jobs and supports economic growth,” says Mark Johnston, Burger 21 president and chief concept officer, and president of Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. “We are excited to support further franchise development in North Carolina and to share the many benefits of becoming a Burger 21 franchisee.”
Burger 21 is scheduled to open its first North Carolina location in Charlotte at the Ballantyne Village shops in late July.
To fuel Burger 21’s expansion in the Research Triangle, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will be exhibiting at The National Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo June 1–2 at the North Carolina Fair Grounds.
Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand’s franchise development team at Booth No. 104 to learn more about growth opportunities.
Additionally, Burger 21 will host a live webinar on Thursday, June 27, at 2 p.m. EDT.
Since launching its aggressive growth plan in fall 2011, Burger 21 has signed franchise agreements with 11 different entities in eight states to develop a total of 21 franchised units in cities along the East Coast from New York to Florida.
Burger 21 is seeking single- and multiunit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast-casual dining concept.
Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 per unit.
Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $414,495–$831,995.
The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.