Burger King - Benton Harbor

Over the past fifty years, the company has changed ownership four times. Its third ownership group, a partnership including TPG Capital, Bain Capital, and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, acquired the chain in 2002. In late 2010, 3G Capital from Brazil bought a majority stake in Burger King for $3.26 billion. Shortly thereafter, the new owners began restructuring the company to improve its operations. 3G, in partnership with Berkshire Hathaway, eventually merged Burger King with the Canadian donut chain Tim Hortons under a new parent company called Restaurant Brands International. The 1970s marked a peak in the company's advertising efforts, but by the early 1980s, Burger King’s marketing began to lose focus. Over the next twenty years, several ad campaigns, often orchestrated by various advertising agencies, failed to meet expectations. However, in 2003, Burger King hired the Miami-based Crispin Porter Bogusky (CPB) as its advertising agency. This partnership resulted in a complete revamp of the brand's marketing strategy, featuring a new mascot known as The King and a strengthened online presence. While this campaign was initially successful, some commercials faced criticism for being sexist or culturally insensitive. In 2011, 3G Capital ended its relationship with CPB and engaged McGarryBowen for a new product-focused campaign targeting specific demographics. Burger King's menu has evolved over the years from a simple selection of burgers, fries, sodas, and milkshakes to a wider array of offerings. In 1957, the Whopper was introduced as the first major addition to the menu and has since become Burger King's signature item. However, the company has also launched several products that failed to resonate with customers. Interestingly, some of these failed items found success in international markets where Burger King adapts its menu to local tastes. From 2002 to 2010, Burger King aggressively marketed to a male demographic aged 18-34, offering larger portions often high in unhealthy fats. This strategy eventually harmed the company’s financial standing and resulted in negative feedback. Starting in 2011, the company shifted away from its previously male-focused menu, introducing new items, reformulating products, and relaunching packaging as part of 3G Capital's restructuring initiative. By December 31, 2018, Burger King operated 17,796 locations across 100 countries, with nearly half situated in the United States. The vast majority of these locations are franchise-owned, and since 2013, the company has transitioned to a mostly franchised business model. Burger King's approach to franchising varies by region, with some regional franchises operating as Master Franchises responsible for selling sub-licenses. However, the relationship between Burger King and its franchisees has not always been smooth. Tensions have arisen at times, leading to legal disputes between the company and its licensees. Notably, the Australian franchise, Hungry Jack's, operates under a different name due to brand-related disputes and numerous legal challenges between the two entities.

The restaurant was spotless, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I particularly enjoyed the presence of a round lady who works in the mornings from 8 to 10. Your iced mocha coffee is absolutely perfect!

I usually stop by this restaurant on my way to work in the morning, and I always order the same thing because I can’t resist it! The food is consistently good, and I never have to worry about getting old or greasy hash browns—the meal is always served warm. One morning, I received the wrong order (that was my fault for not checking my sandwich before leaving). I called them, and they quickly resolved the problem without any hassle. The atmosphere is always pleasant, and the manager made sure I was taken care of and guaranteed I received the correct order the next morning. Mistakes happen, but it’s how we handle them on both sides that truly makes a difference!