The latest better burger brand to hit Bethesda might come from the company behind a well-known chain of fondue restaurants.
Burger 21, from Tampa-based Front Burner Brands, announced on Wednesday that it is seeking new franchise owners for a new batch of locations it hopes to open in Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, Rockville and other places around the D.C. region.
Burger 21 management officials will be at the Capital Franchise Expo on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 at the Dulles Expo Center to promote the idea, and will hold a “franchising Executive Roundtable” on Nov. 2 for qualified candidates.
The chain has 14 locations so far spread through Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Virginia. It features freshly ground Certified Angus Beef burgers, chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, plus hot dogs, salads and shakes.
Franchisees can expect one restaurant to require a total investment of anywhere from $400,000-$1,000,000, with an initial franchise fee of $40,000.
The “beyond the better burger” fast-casual concept will have plenty of local competition. Smashburger and Bobby’s Burger Palace opened last year in Bethesda, which already was home to BGR The Burger Joint and Five Guys.
Photo via Burger 21
