BurgerFi International Inc., owner of BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, is opening its first co-branded BurgerFiand Anthony's restaurant next week in Kissimmee, just south of Orlando. Marking the first franchised store for Athony's, the location is owned and operated by franchisee NDM Hospitality, one of the original franchisees of BurgerFi.

"The debut franchise location of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings is a big win for our team, our potential franchisees, and our shareholders. It is a strategic fit with our largest BurgerFi franchisee, NDM Hospitality, to bring this innovative concept to life in our home state market," CEO Carl Bachmann said in a company press release. "Guests are looking for better dining experiences, which means we need to go where the guest is in life. Our co-branded establishment in Kissimmee, America's top tourist destination, eliminates veto votes in larger parties because there is something for everyone. Thus, we provide a resounding answer to the age-old question — 'Where would you like to have dinner?'"

Matt Falcone, COO and managing principal for NDM Hospitality, said becoming the inaugural franchisee for Anthony's was inspiring for his team.

"We are excited to introduce a unique dining experience that offers the best of both worlds: burgers, fries, shakes, coal-fired pizza and wings," he said in the release. "The strategic fusion of these two brands reflects a savvy investment strategy and reinforces our unwavering confidence in the promising future of these iconic brands."

In sync with restaurant trends, consumers crave unique dining experiences, and the dual-brand strategy addresses this demand, Bachmann said.

"It highlights the versatility of our footprint and optimizes operations, facilities, and real estate, potentially expanding to BurgerFi locations," he said. "This dual-branded approach enables existing franchisees to diversify within the same parent company, fostering growth and synergy."

BurgerFi has over 125 locations, and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings operates 59 stores.

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