Burger 21, an award-winning, “beyond the better burger” fast-casual franchise, announced that it has signed an additional franchise agreement with the brand’s very first franchisee, Dennis Saller, to develop its first restaurant in Melbourne, Florida, at the Avenue Viera shopping mall. Additionally, the Tampa, Florida–based chain signed lease agreements for its Snellville and Johns Creek, Georgia, locations. To date, Burger 21 has 15 open locations and more than 20 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

“We are excited about the growth Burger 21 has experienced in both Florida and Georgia, and optimistic about our future development throughout the Southeast,” says Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. “Dennis Saller’s Orlando location has already proven to be highly successful, and we’re confident that he’ll bring the same success to Melbourne. Georgia also continues to be a prime target for our brand’s development as we aim to open additional franchise locations across the state in cities, such as Cumberland and Kennesaw.”

The Melbourne location will be Saller’s second Burger 21 restaurant in the state of Florida. His first location opened in 2013 at the Mall of Millennia in Orlando. Saller’s two daughters, Whitney Prieto and Mary Allison Saller, also own the Orlando unit. The family plans to open the Melbourne restaurant this winter.

“We’re thrilled to bring Burger 21’s first restaurant to Melbourne,” Saller says. “Our experience with the Orlando location has far exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the brand will be just as well received by the Melbourne and Viera communities. We look forward to opening additional Burger 21 locations throughout Florida over the next several years.”

On the Georgia front, existing franchisee Corley Steward signed a lease agreement for his second Burger 21 location in Johns Creek. Additionally, Alex Kim signed a lease agreement for his first Burger 21 restaurant in Snellville. Both restaurants are slated to open this summer.

With 15 locations open and more than 20 in development across the country, Burger 21 is planning for continued expansion. To fuel Burger 21’s development across the country, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a webinar on May 14 at 2 p.m. (EST). 

Burgers, Franchising, News, Burger 21