Burger 21 Coming to Midtown

Burger 21 is bringing two new locations to metro Atlanta, including one in Midtown.

The Tampa, FL-based fast casual franchise has signed an agreement, according to a statement from the company, with father-and-son franchisee team Dwight Pearson and Jamion Ridon plan to open two restaurants in Midtown and Sandy Springs over the next two years.

Burger 21 currently has 24 open restaurants, including four restaurants across Atlanta, and approximately 20 franchised locations in development nationwide.

Pearson has worked in various positions at the restaurant-level for well-known brands such as Ted’s Montana Grill, Ruby Tuesday’s, Applebee’s, and TGI Fridays. He and his son Jamion currently own four combination gas stations and convenience stores throughout Atlanta and wanted to re-enter the foodservice industry with a growing restaurant concept.

They plan to open their first Burger 21 location in Sandy Springs by fall 2017 and a second location in Midtown the following fall.

“Jumping back into the restaurant industry was always a goal of mine, but the right opportunity never presented itself,” said Pearson. “After experiencing firsthand Burger 21’s high-quality food and excellent customer service, I knew it was the opportunity I had been waiting for. The brand’s unique concept and exceptional dining experience is truly unmatched in the better burger industry, and Jamion and I wanted to be part of the company’s growth in Atlanta.”

Recognition for Burger 21 includes being named one of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top New Franchises and Restaurant Business’ 50 Fastest-Growing Small Restaurant Chains of 2016. Additionally, the company has been ranked on Fast Casual’s Top 100 “Movers and Shakers” for the last three consecutive years, while Burger 21 Founder and President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of Fast Casual’s “Top 25 People” of 2014 for his strategic leadership in the brand’s growth and development. Burger 21 also was named one of QSR’s “Best Franchise Deals” of 2014.

Image Courtesy of Burger 21