New Burger 21 Franchisee Makes Waves in Local Ocala Community through National Charitable Initiative

Burger 21® is an award-winning, “beyond the better burger” fast casual franchise, offering a unique variety of craveable burger creations. As part of the brand’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves, Burger 21 donates 10 percent of its restaurants sales to local schools and charities on the 21st of each month.

Just a short six weeks ago, Ken DePasquale, Mike Signorelli and John Usher, co-owners of Cococala, LLC, opened their very first Burger 21 restaurant in Ocala, Fla., a small community in Northern Florida. The new franchise group wasted no time getting involved to support the community in which it operates. As long-time members of the Ocala community on a business and personal level, the partners wanted to donate to a local organization close to their hearts: Blessed Trinity School and Church.

“Since I have such personal ties to the organization, I knew right away this was the first organization we wanted to support through the ‘B Charitable’ initiative,” said Ken DePasquale, Burger 21 franchisee. “We are proud to be the largest donors in the Burger 21 franchise system for the month, especially since we are one of the newest franchisees in the network and still growing our presence in the Ocala community.”

As part of the initiative, DePasquale, Signorelli and Usher donated more than $1,000 to the church on March 21st, 2016.

The Blessed Trinity School and Church has 13 different departments through which it serves the Ocala community, including an elementary school, middle school and high school, as well as an elder care center, among many others. The organization also operates churches in several other countries throughout the world, including a thriving parish in Uganda.

To date, hundreds of schools and charities from across the country have benefitted from the “B Charitable” program. Since its inception, Burger 21 has provided more than $127,000 in contributions.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Ashley Sawyer, director of franchise development for Burger 21, at 813-327-7881
or asawyer@burger21.com or visit www.burger21franchise.com.