By Zanub Saeed
Burger 21 announced that it signed a franchise deal to open a store in Voorhees, N.J., by spring 2013 as part of an expansion plan across the United States.
The new Voorhees-based Burger 21 fast-food chain will make it the brand's 10th store, said a press release issued by Burger 21, which was founded by the team behind The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., on Tuesday.
The Melting Pot franchise team of Charlie Haney, Curt Wunder, and Mike Astuto, chose to expand their business in New Jersey, said the press release.
"Charlie and his team are tremendous ambassadors of The Melting Pot brand, and we strongly believe the same attributes that make them successful with The Melting Pot will position them for success with our new better burger franchise concept, Burger 21," Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, stated for the press release.
Burger 21 has made agreements to open stores in Atlanta, Orlando, and Voorhees since February 2012, noted the press release, and is set to open new locations in Tampa Bay, thereby making a total of 10 franchised and company-owned stores available for the public.
"The franchise support team at Front Burner Brands is one of the primary reasons we are moving forward with Burger 21," Haney was quoted as stating for the press release. "While the burgers are amazing, as a franchisee of The Melting Pot, I have had firsthand experience with the caliber of support they provide to their franchisees. On the consumer front, we are elated to bring Burger 21 to the Northeast, as we haven't tasted anything like this. Voorhees is going to be blown away by our menu variety and the 21 unique burger creations offered at Burger 21."
Burger 21, which was founded in 2010, offers a "beyond a better burger" experience for its fast-casual restaurant experience, noted the press release, and includes 21 burger varieties made from chicken, beef, turkey, shrimp, and tuna, as well as salads, hot dogs, and a shake bar, with sundaes and floats available.
