History of Burger King in Timeline

Burger King, founded in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida, is a global hamburger fast-food chain. David Edgerton and James McLamore, Miami-based franchisees, acquired the company in 1959 after it faced financial struggles. The company went through multiple ownership changes, including a public offering in 2002 led by TPG Capital, Bain Capital, and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners. In 2010, 3G Capital of Brazil acquired a majority stake and initiated a restructuring. Ultimately, 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway merged Burger King with Tim Hortons, forming Restaurant Brands International, a Canadian-based parent company.

1926: Birth of James McLamore

James McLamore, one of the Miami-based franchisees who purchased Insta-Burger King in 1959, was born in 1926.

1927: Birth of David Edgerton

David Edgerton, one of the Miami-based franchisees who purchased Insta-Burger King in 1959, was born in 1927.

1928: Birth of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol, the pop artist featured in the "Eat Like Andy" advertising campaign in 2019, was born in 1928.

1953: Insta-Burger King Founded

In 1953, Keith G. Cramer and Matthew Burns founded Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida, after being inspired by the McDonald brothers' original store.

1957: Introduction of the "Whopper"

In 1957, Burger King added the "Whopper" to its menu. It became Burger King's signature product.

1959: Burger King Begins Franchising

In 1959, Burger King Corporation began franchising using a regional model. Franchisees purchased rights to open stores within a geographic region, which led to issues in product quality control and operational procedures.

1959: McLamore and Edgerton Purchase the Company

In 1959, James McLamore and David R. Edgerton, Burger King's Miami, Florida franchisees, purchased the company after it faltered.

1959: Edgerton and McLamore Purchase Insta-Burger King

In 1959, after Insta-Burger King encountered financial problems, Miami-based franchisees David Edgerton and James McLamore purchased the company.

1963: First Location Outside Continental US

In 1963, Burger King began its expansion outside of the continental United States with a store in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

1967: Burger King Sold to Pillsbury

In 1967, James McLamore and David R. Edgerton sold Burger King to the Pillsbury Company after running it as an independent entity for eight years and expanding to over 250 locations.

1969: First Canadian Restaurant

In 1969, shortly after being acquired by Pillsbury, Burger King opened its first Canadian restaurant in Windsor, Ontario.

1971: First Australian Restaurant

In 1971, Burger King opened its first restaurant in Australia, in the Perth suburb of Innaloo.

1971: Establishment of Hungry Jack's in Australia

In 1971, due to trademark issues, Burger King established operations in Australia under the name Hungry Jack's, using a name derived from Pillsbury's pancake mixture products. Jack Cowin, the Australian franchisee, selected and modified the name.

1975: First European Restaurant

In 1975, Burger King opened its first restaurant in Europe, located in Madrid.

1977: Star Wars Product Tie-In

In 1977, Burger King pioneered the "product tie-in" advertising practice through a partnership with Lucasfilm, Ltd., to promote the film Star Wars. Burger King sold beverage glasses featuring Star Wars characters.

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1978: Donald N. Smith Hired

In 1978, Burger King hired McDonald's executive Donald N. Smith to revamp the company through a plan called "Operation Phoenix".

1978: Franchise Agreement Restructuring

In 1978, Donald N. Smith initiated a restructuring of Burger King's franchising agreements as part of Operation Phoenix. The new agreements restricted franchisees to living within one hour of their restaurants and prohibited them from operating other chains.

1979: Introduction of Burger King Specialty Sandwich Line

In 1979, as part of Donald Smith's Operation Phoenix, Burger King introduced the Burger King Specialty Sandwich line. This new product line expanded the menu with non-hamburger sandwiches, including chicken and fish options, targeting adults 18-34.

1980: Smith Leaves Burger King

In 1980, Donald N. Smith left Burger King for PepsiCo shortly before a system-wide decline in sales.

1981: First Attack Ad

In 1981, Burger King introduced the first attack ad in the fast food industry, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar, claiming that BK burgers were larger and better tasting than McDonald's, leading to a lawsuit from McDonald's parent company.

1982: Expansion into East Asia

Beginning in 1982, Burger King and its franchisees started operating stores in several East Asian countries, including Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea.

1982: McDonald's and Disney Deal

In 1982, McDonald's and The Walt Disney Company signed a deal to promote Disney's animated films, overshadowing Burger King's early success in product tie-ins.

1983: Addition of the Croissan'Wich

In 1983, Burger King added the Croissan'Wich to its breakfast product line, which until then had been a market Burger King had not entered.

1984: Brinker Leaves Burger King

In 1984, Norman E. Brinker left Burger King to take over Dallas-based gourmet burger chain Chili's.

1984: Pillsbury acquires DiversiFoods

In 1984, Pillsbury acquired DiversiFoods, a holding company spun off from Chart House that owned Burger King locations, and absorbed it into Burger King's operations.

1985: Introduction of AM Express Product Line

In 1985, Burger King introduced the "AM Express" product line as part of a menu revamp, adding new breakfast products like French toast sticks and mini-muffins.

1987: Death of Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol, the pop artist featured in the "Eat Like Andy" advertising campaign in 2019, died in 1987.

1988: Relaxation of Franchise Changes

By 1988, Pillsbury had relaxed many of the franchise changes initiated by Donald N. Smith, scaling back construction of new locations, leading to stalled growth of the Burger King brand.

1989: Pillsbury Acquired by Grand Metropolitan

In 1989, the British entertainment conglomerate Grand Metropolitan acquired Pillsbury, Burger King's parent company.

1991: Beauty and the Beast's Release

The film Beauty and the Beast was released in 1991, and later included in a 10-movie promotion contract with Burger King in 1994.

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1992: Hurricane Andrew Damages Headquarters

In 1992, Burger King's headquarters experienced major damage from Hurricane Andrew.

1992: Aladdin's Release

The film Aladdin was released in 1992, and later included in a 10-movie promotion contract with Burger King in 1994.

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1993: Introduction of Multi-Tiered Value Menu

In 1993, Burger King added a multi-tiered value menu with items priced at 99¢, US$1.99, and $2.99 as part of James Adamson's Operation Phoenix, aiming to add a value menu and value meals.

1993: Meatloaf Specialty Sandwich Offering

In 1993, Burger King's Meatloaf Specialty Sandwich and limited table service, along with special dinner platters, failed to generate interest and were discontinued.

1994: Disney Switches to Burger King

In 1994, Disney switched from McDonald's to Burger King, signing a 10-movie promotional contract that included films such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Toy Story.

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1995: Burger King Enters Northern Alberta, Canada

In 1995, Burger King entered northern Alberta, Canada, after paying the founders of another chain named Burger King.

1995: Toy Story's Release

The film Toy Story was released in 1995, and was included in a 10-movie promotion contract with Burger King signed in 1994.

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1996: Death of James McLamore

James McLamore, one of the Miami-based franchisees who purchased Insta-Burger King in 1959, died in 1996.

1997: Grand Metropolitan Merges with Guinness

In 1997, Grand Metropolitan merged with Guinness, forming the holding company Diageo, which continued the parental disregard of the Burger King brand.

1998: Small Soldiers Promotion

In 1998, Burger King promoted the DreamWorks Pictures film Small Soldiers with kids' meal toys. This led to controversy due to the PG-13 rating of the film, and BK altered commercials and included a disclaimer.

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1998: Replacement of Tiered Menu

In 1998, Burger King replaced its tiered value menu with a more standard value menu. The value meals were separated into their own menu segment, featuring seven products including the Whopper Jr., Chicken Tenders, and a bacon cheeseburger.

December 1999: Pokéball Toy Recall

In December 1999, two hazardous incidents involving the Pokéball toy from Burger King's Pokémon franchise partnership, including the death of a 13-month-old child, resulted in the toy being recalled.

1999: Testing of Variable Speed Broiler

In 1999, Burger King began testing a variable speed broiler that could handle multiple items with different cooking rates and times.

2000: Diageo Decides to Sell Burger King

In 2000, Diageo, the parent company, decided to divest itself of the money-losing Burger King chain and put the company up for sale.

2001: End of Unsuccessful Slogans

Around 2001, Burger King concluded a series of unsuccessful slogans and advertising programs that had started in the early 1980s, including the notable advertising flop "Where's Herb?".

2001: Franchise State Affecting Value of Company

By 2001, stagnant growth and the condition of Burger King's franchises began to affect the company's overall value.

2001: Closure of Japanese Locations

Due to high competition, all of the Burger King locations in Japan were closed in 2001.

July 8, 2002: Burger King Employees Move to New Headquarters

On July 8, 2002, 130 Burger King employees began working at the new headquarters, with the remaining employees scheduled to move in phases throughout August 2002.

2002: Targeting 18-34 Male Demographic

From 2002 to 2010, Burger King aggressively targeted the 18–34 male demographic with larger products that often carried large amounts of unhealthy fats and trans-fats.

2002: AmeriKing Bankruptcy and Franchisee Financial Restructuring Initiative

In 2002, AmeriKing Inc., one of Burger King's largest franchisees, was forced to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to a $300 million debt. CEO Brad Blum initiated the Franchisee Financial Restructuring Initiative to assist distressed franchisees.

2002: Burger King Holdings Goes Public

In 2002, Burger King Holdings was the parent company of Burger King when it went public.

2002: Revamping of Value Menu

In 2002, Burger King revamped its value menu, adding and removing various products such as chili and its Rodeo Cheeseburger.

2002: TPG Capital Acquires Burger King

In 2002, Burger King was purchased from Diageo by a group of investment firms led by TPG Capital for US$1.5 billion, marking the company's return to independence.

2002: TPG Capital Acquisition

In 2002, shortly after TPG Capital, L.P. acquired Burger King, CEO Brad Blum initiated an overhaul of its advertising programs to improve the company's performance.

2003: Hiring Crispin Porter + Bogusky

In 2003, Burger King hired the advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky (CP+B) to revamp its advertising with new campaigns, focusing on a hip and subversive approach.

2003: Introduction of New Menu Items

In 2003, Burger King introduced new products to its menu, including revamped chicken products, a new salad line, and its BK Joe brand of coffee, to appeal to a more adult demographic.

2006: Heartland Foods Valued at Over $150 Million

By 2006, Heartland Foods, a company formed by Al Cabrera after purchasing distressed AmeriKing stores, was valued at over $150 million and was sold to GSO Capital Partners.

2006: Value Menu Revamp

In 2006, Burger King revamped its value menu again, adding and removing several products. Many of these items have since been discontinued or modified.

2006: Burger King Goes Public Again

In 2006, Burger King was taken public again with a highly successful initial public offering after being revitalized and reorganized by its new owners.

2006: PETA Resolution for Humane Slaughter

In 2006, PETA, as a shareholder in Burger King's parent company, proposed a resolution to the board to adopt controlled atmosphere killing (CAK) for more humane slaughter.

June 2007: Re-entry into Japanese Market

Burger King re-entered the Japanese market in June 2007.

2007: Burger King Announces New Supplier Policies

In 2007, Burger King announced new supplier policies, prioritizing controlled atmosphere killing (CAK) and committing to increased use of cage-free eggs and crate-free pork. This was in response to PETA's resolution and was recognized by advocacy groups as setting a higher standard for animal welfare compliance.

2008: Largest Chain in Mexico and Spain

As of 2008, Burger King had become the largest chain in several countries including Mexico and Spain.

2008: Deployment of New Broiler Models

In 2008 and 2009, Burger King deployed two new variable speed broiler models system-wide.

2008: Market Share Driven by Foreign Expansion

Starting in 2008, Burger King predicted that 80% of its market share would be driven by foreign expansion, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Indian subcontinent regional markets.

2009: Deployment of New Broiler Models

In 2008 and 2009, Burger King deployed two new variable speed broiler models system-wide.

2010: New Ownership Terminates CP+B

Following the sale of Burger King in late 2010, the new ownership group terminated the seven-year relationship with CP+B and hired McGarryBowen to create a new advertising campaign focused on food and ingredients.

2010: Targeting 18-34 Male Demographic

From 2002 to 2010, Burger King aggressively targeted the 18–34 male demographic with larger products that often carried large amounts of unhealthy fats and trans-fats.

2010: 3G Capital Purchases Burger King and Begins Menu Restructure

In 2010, after the purchase of Burger King by 3G Capital, a program was initiated to restructure the menu, shifting away from the previous male-oriented focus. Approximately 20 new products were developed, and others were reformulated.

2010: 3G Capital Acquires Burger King

In late 2010, 3G Capital of Brazil acquired a majority stake in Burger King in a deal valued at US$3.26 billion and initiated a restructuring of the company.

March 2011: Reformulation of BK Chicken Tenders

In March 2011, Burger King, under 3G ownership, began restructuring its menu by introducing a reformulation of its BK Chicken Tenders product, moving away from a male-oriented menu.

April 2011: Chidsey Resigns; Behring Becomes CEO

In April 2011, John W. Chidsey tendered his resignation as co-chair of Burger King's board of directors, leaving Alex Behring as CEO and chair after the restructuring by 3G Capital.

April 2011: 3G Capital to Divest Corporate Locations

In April 2011, the 3G Capital ownership group announced plans to divest many corporate-owned Burger King locations, aiming to increase privately held restaurants to 95%.

2011: Shift Away from Male-Oriented Menu

Beginning in 2011, Burger King started to move away from its previous male-oriented menu. The company introduced new menu items, product reformulations, and packaging as part of 3G Capital's restructuring plans.

2011: End of CP+B Relationship

In 2011, Burger King's new owner, 3G Capital, ended its relationship with Crispin Porter + Bogusky (CP+B) and moved its advertising to McGarryBowen for a new product-oriented campaign.

April 2012: Divesting corporate owned locations

As part of 3G's restructuring plan, in April 2012, Burger King decided to divest itself of its corporate-owned locations by re-franchising them to private owners, aiming to become a 100% franchised operation by the end of 2013.

April 2012: Rollout of New Menu Items

Beginning in April 2012, Burger King officially rolled out approximately 10 new or reformulated menu items in the United States, including new soft serve products, smoothies, frappés, and chicken strips. The Whopper was reformulated with new cheese and packaging.

2012: Expansion Plans in Asia

By the end of 2012, Burger King planned to add over 250 stores in Asian territories such as India, China, Japan, and Macau.

2013: Second Largest Hamburger Chain Globally

At the end of its 2013 fiscal year, Burger King was the second-largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants in terms of global locations, behind McDonald's.

2013: Divesting gives profit

In 2013, Burger King saw a profit of US$68.2 million after divesting corporate-owned locations.

2013: Shift to Franchised Model

In 2013, Burger King's new owners moved to an almost entirely franchised model, with 99.7% of outlets being privately owned and operated.

August 2014: Merger with Tim Hortons Announced

In August 2014, 3G announced plans to acquire Tim Hortons and merge it with Burger King with backing from Berkshire Hathaway.

August 2014: Talks about buying Tim Hortons

In August 2014, reports surfaced that Burger King was in talks to buy the Canadian restaurant chain Tim Hortons. The merger between Burger King and Tim Hortons created Restaurant Brands International Inc.

2014: Burger King Ranked Fourth in US Sales

At the end of 2014, Burger King ranked fourth among US food chains in terms of US sales, behind McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway.

2015: Restriction on Antibiotics in Chicken

At the end of 2015, Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, announced that its subsidiaries would not use chicken fed antibiotics "critically important" to human health, though this referred to a limited class of antibiotics.

2016: Lease Agreement for New Headquarters

In 2016, Burger King signed a build-to-suit lease agreement for a new 150,000 square feet headquarters building at 5707 Blue Lagoon Drive.

2017: Burger King Commitment to Chicken Welfare

In 2017, Burger King committed to requiring chicken suppliers to breed higher-welfare chicken strains, reduce stocking density, improve light levels and litter quality, and use controlled atmosphere stunning before slaughter.

2018: Death of David Edgerton

David Edgerton, one of the Miami-based franchisees who purchased Insta-Burger King in 1959, died in 2018.

2018: Burger King moves into its new headquarters

In 2018, Burger King moved into its new headquarters at 5707 Blue Lagoon Drive.

December 31, 2018: Burger King's Global Presence

As of December 31, 2018, Burger King reported having 17,796 outlets in 100 countries, with nearly half located in the United States.

February 2019: "Eat Like Andy" Campaign Launch

In February 2019, Burger King launched the "Eat Like Andy" advertising campaign during Super Bowl LIII, featuring footage of Andy Warhol eating a Whopper and offering an "Andy Warhol Mystery Box" via DoorDash.

April 9, 2019: Burger King Sues Franchisee

On April 9, 2019, Burger King filed a lawsuit against Fritz Management LLC to remove Burger King trademarks from 37 units in South Texas due to unsanitary conditions found at a restaurant in Harlingen, Texas.

May 2019: Lawsuit with Franchisee Settled

In May 2019, the lawsuit between Burger King and Fritz Management (a subsidiary of Sun Holdings Inc) was settled, with the franchisee retaining the trademarks on all 37 units.

November 19, 2019: Lawsuit Over Impossible Whopper

On November 19, 2019, a vegan from Atlanta, Georgia, filed a lawsuit against Burger King, alleging the company failed to clearly disclose that Impossible Whopper burgers were heated on the same grill as beef burgers. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

2019: Release of Impossible Whopper

In 2019, Burger King released the "Impossible Whopper" burger, a vegetarian burger featuring a plant-based patty from Impossible Foods.

2019: Planned Closures of Low-Volume Locations

In 2019, Burger King reported plans to close up to 250 low-volume locations per year, with closures coming into effect in 2020.

February 2020: Announcement to Remove Artificial Ingredients

In February 2020, Burger King announced it would remove artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors from the Whopper by the end of 2020.

July 2020: Introduction of Low-Methane Whopper Patty

In July 2020, Burger King announced that it would begin selling a Whopper patty made from cows on a low methane diet.

December 2020: Burger King India IPO

In December 2020, Burger King India launched an initial public offering (IPO) on the BSE and NSE in India, which was oversubscribed by 150 times. On December 14, 2020, the stock price opened at ₹112.5 per share, nearly double the IPO price of ₹60, and closed at ₹135.

2020: Planned Closures of Low-Volume Locations

In 2019, Burger King reported plans to close up to 250 low-volume locations per year, with closures coming into effect in 2020.

2020: Business Slowing after Pandemic

In 2023, Tom Curtis, president of Burger King U.S. & Canada, announced a new store design, to tackle slowing business after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

February 2021: Testing of "Royal Perks" Loyalty Program

In February 2021, Burger King began testing a customer loyalty rewards program called "Royal Perks" in Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, New Jersey and Long Island, New York.

March 8, 2021: International Women's Day Controversy

On March 8, 2021, Burger King UK was criticized for a sexist tweet stating, "Women belong in the kitchen," during their International Women's Day campaign, later issuing an apology after severe backlash.

2021: Tom Curtis Appointed President of Burger King U.S. and Canada

In 2021, Tom Curtis was appointed president of Burger King U.S. and Canada, overseeing the operation of the Burger King Corporation in those regions.

2021: Reduction of Value Items and Product Configuration Changes

In late 2021 and early 2022, Burger King announced that it would cut back on value items and alter product configuration because of inflationary pressures and to speed up drive-thru lanes.

March 2022: Suspension of Corporate Support in Russia

In March 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Burger King claimed to have suspended all corporate support in Russia, including operations, marketing, supply chain, investments and expansion, due to pressure to halt operations.

March 28, 2022: Lawsuit Filed Over Whopper Size

On March 28, 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Burger King, alleging the fast food chain falsely advertised the Whopper to "look about 35% bigger in its advertising than it is in reality".

2022: Reduction of Value Items and Product Configuration Changes

In late 2021 and early 2022, Burger King announced that it would cut back on value items and alter product configuration because of inflationary pressures and to speed up drive-thru lanes.

2022: "Have it Your Way" Commercials Release

In late 2022, Burger King released the "Have it Your Way" commercials, which became viral on social media such as TikTok after the 2022-23 NFL playoffs due to its repetition and catchiness.

February 2023: "Have it Your Way" on Streaming Services

In February 2023, Burger King's "Have it Your Way" commercials, which had gone viral after the 2022-23 NFL playoffs, made their way onto music streaming services like Spotify.

February 2023: Josh Kobza Appointed CEO of RBI

In February 2023, Josh Kobza was appointed CEO of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King.

October 2023: Announcement of "The Sizzle" Store Design

In October 2023, Tom Curtis, president of Burger King U.S. & Canada, announced a new store design branded "The Sizzle" at its annual franchisee convention in Canada.

2023: Report Raises Doubts on Burger King's Chicken Welfare Commitment

In 2023, a report by Compassion in World Farming stated that Burger King had not reported progress on their 2017 commitment to improve chicken welfare, raising concerns among animal advocates.

2023: Vegan Royale Bakon King

In 2023, after successful testing of vegan products, Burger King UK announced it would offer a Vegan Royale Bakon King, made with vegan bacon, vegan cheese and a vegan burger made by The Vegetarian Butcher.

January 2024: RBI to Purchase Carrols Restaurant Group

In January 2024, Restaurant Brands International, the owner of Burger King, announced it would purchase Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest franchisee of the chain, for around $1 billion, with the goal of remodeling and selling the restaurants back to franchisees.