September 20, 2017
Burger 21® Announces Site for First QSR Location in Albuquerque, New Mexico
TAMPA, Fla. Burger 21®, award-winning burger franchise, announced today the location of its first quick service restaurant franchise in New Mexico at “The Corner @ Winrock”. Winrock Town Centre is located in Albuquerque’s Uptown Central Business District.
The Tampa, Fla.-based company plans to open one location in Albuquerque, New Mexico in late 2017, expanding the brand’s national footprint to 9 states. Burger 21® currently has 22 open restaurants and approximately 7 franchised locations in development nationwide between their 3 concepts of fast-casual, burger bar and quick service.
Local entrepreneur, Christine Zalesiak, is leading the expansion in Albuquerque with the first Burger 21® location slated to open in late 2017. Zalesiak, who also owns The Melting Pot of Albuquerque, has 15 years of foodservice experience and is an active member of the community. She currently sits on the Vistage International Peer Advisory Board, is a Rotarian and helps raise awareness and funds for several organizations. In addition to Burger 21’s variety of chef-inspired menu items, it was the brand’s unique culture and dedication to providing high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients that attracted Zalesiak to the Burger 21® concept.
“My decision to partner with Burger 21® was based on a number of factors, including the delicious product at an affordable price, the exponential growth of the brand over the past several years and Burger 21’s commitment to the communities it serves by donating ten percent of sales on the 21st of each month to a local charity of choice,” said Zalesiak. “This is an opportune time to join the Burger 21® family and introduce Albuquerque to the brand’s craveable menu offerings, which are unlike any other better burger concept in the area.”
In addition to offering guests a variety of chef-inspired beef and non-beef burger creations, like the Tex-Mex Haystack, Spicy Thai Shrimp, Black Bean and Monterey Chicken, all Burger 21® restaurants offer a full sauce bar with original, house-made signature sauces, fresh salads, hand-crafted shakes, hand-breaded chicken tenders and gluten-free options. Burger 21® Restaurants also offer their full chef-inspired menu via their to-go ordering options and chef-inspired catering menu to homes and offices through their catering program.
“We are thrilled to bring Burger 21® to Albuquerque,” said Mark Johnston, Burger 21® founder and president. “As one of the largest cities in New Mexico, Albuquerque is an ideal community for our brand. We look forward to our continued expansion across the U.S. with franchise partners that align with our brand’s values and culture.”
Recognition for Burger 21® includes being named one of the 10 best franchises to buy in 2017, winning the “Better Burger” category of the Franchise Times Zor Awards. The brand has also been named Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises and Restaurant Business’ 50 Fastest-Growing Small Restaurant Chains of 2016. Burger 21® also was named one of QSR‘s “Best Franchise Deals” of 2014.
For more information on Burger 21®, please visit burger21.com and follow Burger 21® on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21®, contact Jim Sullivan at 813.327.7870 or jsullivan@burger21.com or visit burger21franchise.com
About Burger 21®
With 22 locations now open between their 3 concepts of fast-casual, burger bar and quick service in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia, and approximately 7 in development, Burger 21® is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Burger 21® is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef® to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, fresh salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. Since its inception, the company has provided more than $211,000 in contributions as part of its “B Charitable” initiative, in which it donates 10 percent of its restaurants’ sales to local schools and charities on the 21st of each month.
