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 KingThis fantastic barbecue bacon burger has it all: melted cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, crispy bacon and thick onion rings. A cheeseburger doesn't get much better than this!
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 PieThe streusel topping on Dutch apple pie means you can cut out all the time you'd typically need to chill and roll dough in a classic double crust.
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 NuggetsPacked with flavor and quick to make, this chicken nuggets recipe is so easy, you’ll never grab a bag of frozen nuggets at the store again.
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: Strawberry Hand Spun ShakeGrab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
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 CheesecakeOur no-bake Oreo cheesecake proves that you don’t need to turn the oven on to make a delicious dessert.
Inspired by: French Toast SticksFrench toast sticks are the perfect kid-friendly, make-ahead breakfast. Simply prep the sticks and freeze them, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.