Focus remains on US
In 2011, the chain had 12.512 fast-food restaurants, of which 60% are in
the US and Canada. For 2016, the chain aims for 17.000, with the
additional 4.500 openings mostly scheduled for the US (4.000). This move
is necessary to start a fightback against runaway market leadersMcDonald’s and nearest competitors Wendy’s, who have recently taken over
Burger King’s second place.
Belgium could receive up to 230 openings, but that figure is based on
very preliminary estimates. Up to now, the chain only has a significant
presence in only four Western European countries: Germany, the
Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Burger King is owned by Brazilian investment fund 3G Capital, but the
Brazilian branch – entitled to several hundred openings as well – is a
separate entity that is not included in the aforementioned figures.
