It’s been a big year of fast-food changes. Recently, we found out that McDonald’s burgers are getting a makeover. Then, a few months back, Starbucks announced adjustments to its Rewards program. Some chains—like Chipotle—have opened new restaurants. Others have announced that they have decided to close restaurants, the latest of which is Burger King. By the end of 2023, Burger King will shut down hundreds of its nearly 7,000 restaurants across the country.
Why Are Burger King Stores Closing?
According to Joshua Kobza, CEO of Restaurant Brands International, Burger King’s parent company, the practice of closing several stores is not unprecedented. In a Q1 earnings results call Kobza stated that in the past, “a couple hundred” Burger King restaurants close every year. Up to 400 Burger King locations will close by the end of 2023, in addition to 124 locations that have shut down this year already.
Both Kobza and Chairman Patrick Doyle emphasize that the focus will be on the dedication of the franchise operators. “There will always be a minority who aren’t dedicated, enthusiastic operators,” Doyle says of franchisees. “We’ll work with them to leave the system.” Kobza also adds that there will be collaboration with smaller franchises to “improve the overall health.”
Will More Burger King Stores Close?
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On whether additional stores will be closed to the already allotted 300 to 400 stores, Kobza says it depends. He states that there is uncertainty, but that they are already seeing the business embark on a “pace of recovery.”
Where Are Burger King Stores Closing?
Although there is no confirmation of which restaurant locations will close down, some are following the closure trends. So far, Burger King restaurants have appeared to close in the Midwest and certain states in the West. States like Michigan and Illinois have seen some particularly large store closures already. Minnesota, Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming may also feel the heat, as Burger King restaurants are prominent there.
Of course, amongst these store closings, we can always turn to our favorite Burger King copycat recipes to enjoy Burger King in the comfort of home.
Burger King Copycat Recipes
Inspired by: Chicken FriesKid-friendly and quick, these crunchy oven-baked chicken fries are coated with a mixture of crushed potato chips, panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip them in ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or honey-mustard sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Inspired by: Rodeo KingEvery family has a burger of choice, and this is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Inspired by: Cini MinisMaple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
Inspired by: Grilled Chicken SandwichA creamy lemon-dill spread adds summery flavor to tender chicken served between slices of grilled French bread with slices of lettuce and tomato. Serve it for lunch, or for a light and breezy dinner on the patio. —Orien Major, Hinton, Alberta
If you do make your way to Burger King, this is everything we know about their latest
chicken sandwich options.
Inspired by: Dutch Apple PieEverything about this Dutch apple pie recipe (especially the crumble!) makes it the top request at our family gatherings. The oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can't be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan
Inspired by: WhopperFor an
easy weeknight dinner, try these juicy burgers. A dollop of chili sauce on top makes them extra flavorful. —Ron Treadaway, Acworth, Georgia
Inspired by: Egg-normous BurritoI like to use a second slow cooker to keep the tortillas warm and pliable when I serve these hearty burritos. Just place a clean wet cloth in the bottom, then cover it with foil and add your tortillas.—Beth Osburn, Levelland, Texas
Inspired by: Bacon CheeseburgerIn Utah, fry sauce is a beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I added honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Inspired by: French FriesThese fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
Inspired by: Chicken NuggetsI like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Inspired by: Pancake PlatterYou just can't beat a basic buttermilk pancake for a down-home country breakfast. Paired with sausage and fresh fruit, these pancakes are just like the ones you get at Cracker Barrel. —Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan
Inspired by: Chicken Garden Salad
Inspired by: Strawberry Hand Spun ShakeCool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Inspired by: CheeseburgerGo on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes,
a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Inspired by: Ham, Egg & Cheese BiscuitI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired by: Crispy Chicken TendersThese strips are designed for kids, but tasty enough for company. The tender strips are moist and juicy and would also be great on a salad. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado
Inspired by: Quarter Pound KingMy husband and I like to make up recipes together. The sauce for this juicy burger tastes even better when it has been refrigerated overnight. —Mary Potter, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Inspired by: Oreo Cookie CheesecakeOreo cookies and cheesecake—how can you go wrong? I made 20 of these crowd-pleasing no-bake Oreo cheesecakes in all different sizes for my wedding, and they were a big hit.—Leanne Stinson, Carnduff, Saskatchewan
Inspired by: French Toast SticksKeep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
