Tampa's Burger 21 goes national

TAMPA — Front Burner Brands is launching Burger 21, its “fast casual” burger restaurant concept, into a national franchise, a company statement says.

The company will require new franchisees to sign agreements for three to five restaurant units per regional market. Its geographic focus will be on Florida and the East Coast at first, before expanding to take on the Midwest and West Coast.

Franchisees should have a minimum net worth of $500,000, and liquid assets of $200,000, the company says. The firm's initial franchise fee of $40,000 will be discounted by 20% until June 21, 2012, and for franchisees that commit to developing four or more units.