Burger King

Burger King is a prominent name in the global fast-food industry, renowned for its flame-grilled hamburgers and a wide array of quick-service menu items. The company was originally founded in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. A year later, James McLamore and David Edgerton acquired the business, rebranding it as Burger King and moving its headquarters to Miami, Florida. A key moment in the company's history came in 1957 with the introduction of the Whopper sandwich, which quickly became a signature item and helped distinguish the brand in a crowded market.

Over the years, Burger King has grown significantly, establishing its first Canadian location in 1969 and expanding into Europe by 1975. As of November 2025, Burger King operates over 19,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries and territories, making it the second-largest fast-food hamburger chain globally. This expansive reach is largely supported by a franchised business model, with a variety of restaurant formats including drive-thru, in-line, and free-standing locations.

In recent years, Burger King has been actively expanding its global presence, focusing on new store openings, remodels, and adopting digital-forward formats. The company is particularly targeting growth in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Recent initiatives have included the development of drive-thru only prototypes and increased investment in digital ordering and delivery infrastructure, reflecting the brand's commitment to innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving market.

Burger King is part of Restaurant Brands International, a parent company formed in 2014 following a merger with Tim Hortons, which has further strengthened its international presence and operational scale. For commercial real estate professionals, Burger King's extensive network, strong brand recognition, and adaptable site formats make it a compelling tenant. Its ongoing expansion and commitment to digital innovation ensure a steady pipeline of projects in both established and emerging markets worldwide.