Burger 21 — a new burger franchise concept from the owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants — will open its first restaurant in Michigan by next summer with plans to grow into markets including the Detroit metro area, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
Mohammad and Wisal Samaha, also franchisees of Jimmy John’s, are currently seeking locations for their new store in Ann Arbor.
“As experienced franchisees, my husband and I appreciate the extensive training and support provided by Front Burner Brands (of which Burger 21 is an affiliate),” Wisal says. “We look forward to bringing the first Burger 21 to Michigan and know that the Ann Arbor community will love its 21 chef-inspired burgers as much as we do.”
The restaurant’s lineup includes burgers made of Certified Angus Beef, chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp, and tuna, as well as salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders, and an extensive milkshake bar. The selections feature everything from the basic Burger 101 to the Ahi Tuna — which consists of panko-crusted, lightly-fried ahi tuna, with lettuce, tomato, Sriracha aïoli, caramel soy, fresh avocado, and a pickled cucumber on a toasted sesame bun.
Since launching in 2010, Burger 21 now has 13 locations in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia, with 25 additional sites in development across the country.
“In under three years, we’ve made impressive strides in building Burger 21’s national presence and are pleased with the overall success that the brand has experienced thus far,” says Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands.
Stone says the Samahas have expressed interest in opening additional locations in the future.
