Burger 21
| Industry | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 2009 |
| Headquarters | Tampa, Florida, United States |
Number of locations | 13 (as of 2024) |
Area served | United States |
| Services | fast casual dining |
| Website | www |
Burger 21 is an American fast-casual restaurant chain known for its diverse and gourmet-inspired menu, which includes 21 signature burgers alongside shakes, fries, and other offerings. The chain positions itself as offering a "beyond the better burger" experience, focusing on high-quality ingredients, chef-crafted recipes, and a vibrant dining atmosphere. Founded in Tampa, Florida in 2009, Burger 21 operates over a dozen locations across seven states.[1]
History
[edit]Burger 21 was founded in November 2009 by the creators of The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant chain.[2] The concept was developed by Mark and Arlene Johnston, who aimed to fill a niche in the burger market by providing premium, chef-inspired burgers at an accessible price point. The brand quickly grew under Front Burner Brands, its management company, based in Westchase, Tampa, Florida.[2] In 2010, Burger 21 opened its first location in Tampa, Florida.[3] In 2011, Burger 21 opened its second location in Carrollwood, Tampa, Florida.[4] In 2012, Burger 21 signed its first-ever franchise deals for three units in Orlando, Florida, followed several months later by franchise deals for two locations in Atlanta, Georgia and one location in Voorhees, New Jersey. In 2012, the chain opened its third company-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida.[4] By 2024, Burger 21 had expanded its presence with locations across several states in the United States, including Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Menu and Concept
[edit]The menu features 21 burger varieties, split between beef and non-beef options, such as chicken, turkey, seafood, and veggie burgers. The restaurant also offers fries with a sauce bar, salads, hot dogs, and an extensive shake selection.[3] Monthly specials and innovative recipes highlight the brand’s culinary creativity. The dining model blends fast-casual efficiency with a welcoming, sit-down environment, where orders are placed at the counter and served within minutes.
Design and Customer Experience
[edit]Recent updates to Burger 21 locations include upgraded interiors featuring wood-look tiles, quartz countertops, and varied seating to create a warmer, more casual dining ambiance. The design emphasizes functionality and comfort, with enhancements like hexagonal tiles to guide customer flow. In addition to full-size restaurants, the chain is exploring compact models for airports, food courts, and college campuses.[5]
Community Engagement
[edit]Burger 21 integrates community involvement into its operations. A key initiative is Burger 21's local donation program, through which 10% of sales are donated to participating organizations on hosted "Spirit Nights." Since 2009, Burger 21 has donated more than $120,000 to local organizations through its donation program.[6]
Franchising
[edit]The chain actively pursues franchise expansion, targeting franchisees with multi-unit experience. Locations are typically designed for high-visibility retail hubs or standalone properties, aiming to attract diverse customer demographics.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Locations". Burger 21 - Burgers Reinvented. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ a b c "Burger 21". QSR Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ a b Magazine, Q. S. R. (2014-04-24). "Ones To Watch: Burger 21". QSR Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ a b "Timeline | Burger 21". Burger 21 - Burgers Reinvented. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ Weber, Toby (2017-05-14). "Burger 21 Finds Its Niche". restaurant development + design. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ "Fundraising | Burger 21". Burger 21 - Burgers Reinvented. Retrieved 2024-11-23.