This Beloved “Better Burger” Chain Plans to Open Up to 20 New Locations This Year

BurgerFi, the popular chain known for its "better burger" philosophy, may be coming to a neighborhood near you. The company has just revealed that it is aiming to open 15 to 20 locations by the end of this year. Currently, the fast-casual chain has stores in 110 locations in 22 states and territories.

The company has made some big moves lately, including the acquisition of Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza last year and continuing on with outstanding sales. According to the most recent earnings report, the total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased 261% to $35.1 million compared to $9.7 million during the same quarter in 2020, mostly due to the new Anthony's acquisition.

"2021 was a fantastic year of growth and transformation at BurgerFi despite the many industry-wide effects of COVID-19," said Executive Chairman at BurgerFi Ophir Sternberg in a statement. "We were able to lay the foundation for significant growth through opening 16 BurgerFi restaurants and through the acquisition of Anthony's in November."

burgerfi cheeseburger — Courtesy of BurgerFi

The company didn't see the major losses of the pandemic that some other fast-food chains saw, mainly because of a focus on digital sales, according to BurgerFi's CEO, Ian Baines. Because digital access had worked so well for them, the company is planning on expanding the communication and technology with guests, creating what it calls a "digital ecosystem."

BurgerFi has successfully tested self-ordering kiosks, which led to higher check averages and increased order accuracy. All corporate stores and some franchise locations will soon have self-ordering kiosks, the company says. The recently acquired Anthony's Coal-Fired Pizza is already using artificial intelligence technology to answer phones during busy times, according to Restaurant Business.

BurgerFi's historical success has capitalized on customers' desire for premium beef. The company has committed to what it calls a "Never-Ever" program, which sets a standard for using organic, steroid-free, humanely raised, antibiotic-free, and free-range beef. The chain has received overall positive reviews since branching out of its flagship location of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.