Fast-growing burger chain targets area for expansion

ST. PETERSBURG — National restaurant chain BurgerFi plans to add three franchise locations, all owned and operated by restaurant industry veteran Nick Quarantillo, in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.

According to a press release, BurgerFi — launched in 2011 by a group of gourmet chefs — has 106 restaurants nationwide and plans to add 25-30 in 2019. The chain already has a strong presence in south Florida and is also planning new restaurants in Stuart.

"We are thrilled that BurgerFi restaurants will be in these key regions as we continue our national expansion," states Charles Guzzetta, BurgerFi’s franchise development manager, in the release. "They join our mission to serve the top 1% of best-tasting certified, American Black Angus beef and improve guest experience across all platforms: in-store, delivery and online."

Demand has been growing for the BurgerFi concept, the release states, because of the company’s practice of serving beef raised without antibiotics.

"Americans are looking for a fresh, better burger that has the same quality every time they come in," Quarantillo states in the release. "Families especially are looking for an elevated dining room experience— from the friendliness of the team to sustainability efforts."

The exact locations and opening dates of the Quarantillo’s BurgerFi restaurants were not disclosed in the release.