Burger 21’s Valley locations close after local franchisee passes away

The Arizona expansion plans of Burger 21 – a Florida-based fast-casual concept from the owners of The Melting Pot – have come to an abrupt halt with the death of the local franchisee.

The last Valley location – on the southeast corner of the 101 and Ray in Chandler – closed after the Aug. 27 death of Arizona franchisee Dan Lenhauser at age 52. A location in Scottsdale closed several months earlier.

Signs on the doors indicate the Chandler restaurant was closed for the Sept. 3 funeral, but it hasn’t reopened since. It has no voicemail message on its phone, and the company’s website lists no Arizona locations.

The Scottsdale location had opened in July 2014. The Chandler one followed in November. The chain still has 17 locations in six states.