Corporate Report: Jan. 17

Burger franchise Burger 21 opens first Fort Myers restaurant
Tampa-based burger restaurant franchise Burger 21 has opened its first restaurant in the Fort Myers market. The new restaurant, owned and operated by Sulei Hessami, is located in the Gulf Coast Town Center at 9902 Gulf Coast Main St., D150.

The brand also recently signed its second franchise agreement for the Sarasota market. Melting Pot franchisees Barry Berkowitz and Brian Marshall have agreed to develop a second Burger 21 location in Sarasota. Berkowitz and Marshall's first unit in the Sarasota market is scheduled to open this year.

This agreement brings the number of new units signed in 2013 to 14. Currently, Burger 21 has 10 restaurants open and 18 franchised locations in development across the U.S.