Burger 21 Coming to New Tampa

Westchase and Carrollwood have Burger 21 locations. Now, New Tampa will get one, too.

The "fast casual, chef-inspired" burger and shake joint has signed a lease for its third location in the Tampa Bay area. Burger 21 New Tampa is slated to open at  — Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Trout Creek Drive — in Spring 2012.

"As we expand Burger 21 across Tampa Bay and beyond, we're targeting established retail and restaurant hubs within family-prone areas with diverse populations," said Alisha dos Santos, communications manager for owner Front Burner Brands. "New Tampa certainly fits that criteria."

The New Tampa location will occupy an end cap at Trout Creek, seating 80 customers and featuring 2,600 square feet of interior space, plus a patio, according to Burger 21 officials. 

At least one New Tampa Patch reader is excited about the forthcoming eatery.

"I LOVE Burger 21! It's so delicious!" Meghan Weddle wrote on New Tampa Patch's Facebook page. "The best is the cinco burger!"

But Stacy Hiles, owner of Stacy's Gluten Free Goodies on Cross Creek Boulevard, was less than thrilled.

"Too many burger places! How about something healthy?" she wrote on Facebook.

Burger 21 in October and its Westchase location in November 2010.