Another “fast casual” restaurant has moved into metro Atlanta.
Burger 21 has opened near the Mall of Georgia on Woodward Crossing Boulevard in Buford.
In addition to Georgia, Burger 21 has locations in Tampa Bay, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Voorhees, N.J., and has 17 in development in six states.
“We see Atlanta as a key market for expansion and are targeting communities around the region such as the Cumberland Mall area in Cobb County and the Perimeter Mall area in DeKalb County for expansion opportunities over the next few years,” said Mark Johnston, Burger 21 president, said in announcing the new location. Front Burner Brands is the management company for Burger 21
The chain hopes to grow through franchise opportunities. The Woodward Crossing location is owned and operated by Corley and Meg Steward, who plan to open a second location in the North Alpharetta area in 2014. Johnson said the chain hopes to eventually have 15 to 20 locations in metro Atlanta
The Woodward Crossing location, which has 50 employees, is 2,990 square feet and features patio. It features burgers like the Tex-Mex Haystack, Spicy Thai Shrimp, Black Bean and Chicken Marsala. The location will also serve craft beer and wine.
The fast casual restaurant category, which includes Zaxby’s, Jersey Mike’s and Dickey’s Barbecue, is fast growing, according to Technomics, which tracks restaurants. Technomic’s reported 51 percent of consumers say they eat at fast casual restaurants at least once a month, up from 43 percent in 2011.
