Burger franchise goes hog wild for growth

Burger 21, a fast-casual restaurant franchise based in Tampa, has signed a franchise agreement for a new location in Little Rock, Ark., according to a statement.

It will be the chain's first restaurant in Arkansas.

Allen Hurst, with more than 20 years experience in residential mortgage sector, hopes to open the restaurant by the end of the year, the statement says. He plans to develop an additional four units in the area over the next five years.

Burger 21 seeks franchisees across the country as the chain looks to beef up its nationwide presence. In December, it announced expansion plans in North Carolina.

The chain, founded in Tampa in 2010, has 21 operating locations and more than 20 in development. It has been recognized as one of Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers for each of the past three years.