Flexible footprint model keeps BurgerFi expansion on track

BurgerFi is expanding — in airports, ghost kitchens and freestanding locations.

The fast-casual "better burger" restaurant chain has opened 10 locations during the past 10 months, seven of which are franchisee- owned. It also has opened its 15th Gopuff ghost kitchen location.   

Additionally, the anticipated opening of BurgerFi ghost kitchens in 30 Gopuff fulfillment centers across the country this year aims to address the ongoing demand for takeout and delivery options.    

The new restaurant locations include Philadelphia; Indian Land, S.C.; Tampa, Fla.; Gaithersburg, Md.; Lakewood Ranch, Fla; Miramar, Fla.; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Jacksonville, Fla. and Condado, Puerto Rico.

Three additional locations are scheduled to open this year in Florida: Wellington, Orlando, and Miami Lakes. BurgerFi currently has 122 locations.

Airports

The company is also strengthening its presence in airports. It is currently operating in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.   

Projected airport openings in 2023 include another location in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as well as Newark International Airport.   

Gopuff

Earlier this year, BurgerFi entered into a license agreement with on-demand delivery platform Gopuff to expand the delivery of BurgerFi items in up to 30 markets nationwide by the end of 2022, following a successful pilot program in Tallahassee, Fla. 

Select BurgerFi menu offerings are currently available through the Gopuff platform in key cities that include Tallahassee, Miami, Tempe, Phoenix, and New York.  

"We are deeply committed to expanding our footprint across the nation so we can bring our unrivaled all-natural burgers to customers everywhere," said Ophir Sternberg, executive chairman at BurgerFi International. "This impressive milestone wouldn't have been possible without the support of our loyal franchisees and our partners at Gopuff."  

In November 2021, BurgerFi acquired Anthony's, a premium pizza and wing brand that operates 61 corporate-owned casual restaurant locations. As of  June 30, 2022, BurgerFi and Anthony’s operated a total of 183 locations.

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