How Burger King Started | The Story Of Burger King

Summary

This video delves into the intriguing history of Burger King, from its humble beginnings in Jacksonville, Florida, to becoming a global fast-food giant. Founded by Keith Kramer and Matthew Burns, inspired by the efficiency of McDonald's, they introduced the Insta Broiler but later revolutionized with the Flame Broiler for a distinct taste. After financial struggles, James W. McLamore and David Edgerton took over, rebranded, and expanded. The '80s saw a marketing battle with McDonald's, innovative menu additions, and a period of decline. Acquisitions by Pillsbury and later by Grand Metropolitan brought strategic changes, including a new partnership with Coca-Cola. Under new leadership, Burger King focused on international growth and quality, going public in 2006. Today, it stands as a top fast-food chain, known for its Whopper and innovative marketing.

Takeaways

• 🍔 Burger King is renowned for its signature flame-grilled taste, particularly in its Whoppers, which has contributed to its popularity among burger chains.
• 🏠 Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, by Keith Kramer and Matthew Burns, Burger King's initial inspiration came from a visit to the original McDonald's.
• 🔥 The introduction of the flame broiler by James W. McLamore and David Edgerton revolutionized Burger King's cooking process and taste, setting it apart from competitors.
• 📈 Financial struggles in 1959 led to McLamore and Edgerton buying out the company, renaming it from 'Insta Burger King' to 'Burger King' and beginning a period of expansion.
• 🌐 Burger King went international in 1963 by opening an outlet in Puerto Rico, marking the beginning of its global reach.
• 💵 In 1967, Pillsbury Company acquired Burger King for $18 million, a move that significantly accelerated its growth and store expansion.
• 🎯 The 1980s saw Burger King engage in intense marketing competition with McDonald's, known as the 'burger wars,' to claim the title of America's favorite burger joint.
• 📊 Despite facing challenges and management inconsistencies, Burger King adapted its strategies, including menu expansion and aggressive advertising, to maintain its market position.
• 🌱 Under the leadership of Donald Smith, Burger King introduced breakfast menus, which became a significant success and contributed to increased sales.
• 🌍 After being acquired by Grand Metropolitan, Burger King revised its distribution strategies, signed with Coca-Cola, and partnered with Disney, boosting its global sales.
• 💼 The appointment of Barry King as CEO in 1989 marked a period of aggressive international expansion and focus on improving food quality and service.

Q & A

What is the signature taste of Burger King known for?

Burger King is known for its signature flame-grilled taste, particularly associated with its Whopper burgers.

Where was Burger King originally founded and by whom?

Burger King was originally founded in Jacksonville, Florida, by two men named Keith Kramer and Matthew Burns.

What inspired Kramer and Burns to start their own burger chain?

Kramer and Burns were inspired to start their own burger chain after visiting the original McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino.

What was the name of the special grill machine used in the early Burger King restaurants?

The special grill machine used in the early Burger King restaurants was called the Insta Broiler.

Who took over the company in 1954 and introduced the flame broiler?

The company was taken over by two university friends, James W. McLamore and David Edgerton, who introduced the flame broiler.

When did Burger King start its international expansion?

Burger King started its international expansion in 1963 by opening an outlet in Puerto Rico.

Which company acquired Burger King in 1967 and for how much?

Burger King was acquired by the Pillsbury Company in 1967 for a total of 18 million dollars.

Who was the Pillsbury executive responsible for Burger King's massive success in the 1980s?

Norman Brinker, a Pillsbury executive, was responsible for Burger King's massive success in the 1980s.

What was the name of the campaign where Burger King targeted McDonald's for having smaller burgers?

The campaign where Burger King targeted McDonald's for having smaller burgers is known as the 'burger wars.'

How did Burger King manage to retain its affordable prices while expanding its menu?

Burger King managed to retain its affordable prices by adding items to the menu that could be sourced from ingredients already used in their kitchens.

What significant change did the British conglomerate Grand Metropolitan bring to Burger King?

The British conglomerate Grand Metropolitan changed Burger King's distribution strategies, cancelled their contract with Pepsi, and signed a new one with Coca-Cola, while also partnering with Walt Disney.

When did Burger King go public and how much equity did it generate?

Burger King went public in 2006, generating around 425 million dollars in equity.

What is the name of the plant-based version of the Whopper launched by Burger King?

The plant-based version of the Whopper launched by Burger King is called the Impossible Whopper.