Burger 21, an award-winning fast casual, announced today that it has signed franchise agreements to develop an additional restaurant in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and its first restaurant in McAllen, Texas. The Tampa-based chain currently has Texas locations in development in Irving and Austin. To date, Burger 21 has 15 open locations and 25 franchised restaurants in development across the country. 

"We are pleased with the success that Burger 21 has already experienced in Texas and optimistic about our future growth throughout the Midwest," says Mark Johnston, Burger 21 founder and president. "These latest agreements demonstrate the strong potential growth for the brand in Texas. We plan to add more than 35 additional restaurants throughout the state in cities such as Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Houston, and San Antonio."

As part of this development, Fernando Solloa, Pablo Kuri, and Jose Cavazos will develop their first Burger 21 restaurant in McAllen. The partners are Rodizio Grill franchisees with more than 20 years of combined experience in the foodservice industry. Cavazos will manage the restaurant's daily operations when it opens this summer. They plan to develop additional Burger 21 locations over the next several years.

"We're thrilled to bring Burger 21's first restaurant to McAllen," Solloa says. "We are confident that the brand will be well received by local residents and look forward to opening additional locations in South Texas over the next several years."

Additionally, veteran and first-time franchise owner Wade Googe and his wife Parisa signed an agreement for the development of one restaurant within the Dallas Metroplex in North Frisco, which is expected to open in late 2015. The franchise owners plan to open two additional units in the area over the next several years.

"We always wanted to own a business that allowed our family to work together and Parisa and I both agreed that Burger 21 was the right opportunity we were looking for," Googe says. "We look forward to providing our guests with a diverse menu of high quality, great-tasting food, along with a unique dining experience."

To further fuel development, Burger 21 will be exhibiting at Franchise Expo South February 5 through 7 at the NRG Center in Houston. Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand's franchise development team at Booth #603 to learn more about growth opportunities in Houston and its surrounding communities.

Recognition for Burger 21 in 2014 included being named one of QSR's "Best Franchise Deals.” Additionally, Burger 21 President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of the "Top 25 People" for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.