http://burgerdays.com

It's no longer a matter of if D.C. will get another new burger joint, it's now just a matter of how many. And from the sounds of it, we gotta whole lotta beef on the way. The latest burger franchise to with plans to start slinging the burgers in the D.M.V. is Tampa-based concept Burger 21. A company rep tells us the joint has franchise deals in place for four locations in Virginia and Maryland and, while the specific sites are still to be determined, they'll be developed in Alexandria, Tysons, Fair Lakes and Rockville. Burger 21 was founded by the owners of The Melting Pot (which just closed their only D.C. location) and are differentiating themselves from the rest of the burger scene with --stop us if you've heard this one-- "premium ingredients," "chef-inspired burger creations" and a "varied menu." And in perfect corporate speak, we're told that Burger 21 "fills a void in the burger business"'and "delivers a gourmet experience without the gourmet price." The fast-casual concept has a full lineup of beef burgers, 10 in all, which are available in both 4.5 and 6 ounce versions made with fresh, 78/22 lean-to-fat, all-American Angus chuck. Their most popular seller is a cheeseburger (The Cheesy), but looking at the menu, the Black & Blue (blackened patty, bacon, bleu cheese) and Philly Cheese (grilled peppers and onions, provolone and white American, Dijon chive mayo) were the ones that caught our eyes. Also, we're happy to see the availability to double-stack any of their burgers. Joining the beef are seafood, veggie, chicken and turkey burgers, salads, hot dogs, chicken tenders, shakes, floats and sundaes. On the side, they've got regular and sweet potato fries, bacon and scallion-topped cheese and ale fries and turkey chili. And, when Burger 21 opens up their doors here, they'll be a brand new, burger-slinging member of the BOTM club, as on the 21st of each month ('natch), they roll out a different featured burger and shake. (Unfortunately, this month's is beef-free: the Spicy Thai Shrimp Burger.) There are currently five Burger 21 locations in Tampa and Orlando, and we're told to expect the first D.C.-area joint to open within the next year. For those keeping score, that brings the total of new and upcoming D.M.V. burger slingers to FIVE SIX* including last month's Smashburger opening in Fairfax, last week's opening of Holy Cow in Del Ray, Plan B Burger Bar's plans for the District and Texas-based Mooyah Burger's impending D.C. invasion. And we still haven't forgotten about Five Napkin's D.C. expansion plans. Hey Umami, In-N-Out-- you don't want to be late to the party, do ya? *How could we forget about the eye-doctor-approved Bolt Burgers?