New York —
For the first time in a while, Burger King is living up to its name.
A revamped Whopper helped the chain post an 8.5% increase in US same-store sales last quarter, outpacing McDonald’s by the largest margin in more than a decade. Burger King also surpassed Wendy’s in US sales this year to become the country’s second-biggest burger chain. (McDonald’s remains firmly in first.)
In last week’s earnings call, Burger King US was highlighted as a “standout performer” in the portfolio of parent company Restaurant Brand International, which also owns Popeyes and Tim Hortons. Executives praised its focus on value meals as well as a multi-year marketing and renovation campaign.
Another aspect that helped: Making Tom Curtis, Burger King’s president, the face of the brand.
