Burger 21 Chef Departs

The burgers are still good and the fries still hot, but behind the scenes things are a bit different at Westchase's restaurant.

Front Burner Brands, the parent company of Burger 21, announced recently that they have parted ways with notable chef and visionary for the restaurant Chris Ponte, according to the Tampa Tribune.

Ponte opened his own restaurant Cafe Ponte in Clearwater in 2002. The highly touted fine dining restaurant is considered one of Tampa Bay's best. For the past few years Ponte has consulted for Front Burner, which properties also include Grill Smith and The Melting Pot.

Contract negotiations broke down between Ponte and Front Burner, which led to his departure, according to the The Stew, a blog by Tribune writer Jeff Houck.

Burger 21 opened in November 2010 in Westchase. Front Burner announced this week they are opening another Burger location in Carrollwood in the fall at 11777 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

 The second Burger 21 location will be approximately 3,500 square feet and seat 98 customers.

“The success of Burger 21 has exceeded our initial projections, and we’re very excited to move forward with growing the concept and offering our affordably priced gourmet burgers and shakes to the masses,” said Mark Johnston, CEO of Front Burner Brands in a press release.