Who Owns Burger King?
Burger King is owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc., a publicly traded American fast food holding company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Burger King was founded in 1953 and became part of RBI through a 2010 acquisition by 3G Capital, followed by the 2014 merger with Tim Hortons. The brand operates over 18,000 locations globally and is known for its flame-grilled Whopper sandwich.
Parent Company
Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Acquired
2010
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Miami, Florida, USA
Who Owns Burger King?
- Parent Company: Restaurant Brands International Inc.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2010
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: QSR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Restaurant Brands International Inc. | Wholly owned |
History of Burger King
- Founded: 1953
- Founders: Keith J. Kramer, Matthew Burns
- Acquired by Restaurant Brands International Inc.: 2010
Burger King was founded in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida, by Keith J. Kramer and Matthew Burns as Insta-Burger King. The original restaurant was inspired by the McDonald brothers' assembly-line production system and featured a cooking device called the Insta-Broiler.
In 1954, the struggling company was purchased by David Edgerton and James McLamore, who renamed it Burger King and introduced the signature Whopper sandwich in 1957. The new owners expanded the chain through franchising, growing to over 250 locations by 1967 when they sold the company to the Pillsbury Company.
Burger King changed ownership multiple times, including acquisition by Grand Metropolitan in 1989 and Diageo in 1997. The brand struggled under Diageo's ownership before being purchased by a private equity consortium led by Texas Pacific Group in 2002. In 2010, 3G Capital acquired Burger King for $3.3 billion, taking it private and implementing operational improvements before the 2014 merger with Tim Hortons created Restaurant Brands International.
About Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. operates as a fast food holding company with four primary brands: Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Firehouse Subs. The company's business model focuses on franchise operations, with the majority of restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees.
The company generates revenue through franchise fees, royalties, advertising fees, and restaurant sales from company-owned locations. RBI provides its franchisees with brand support, supply chain management, marketing, and operational guidance.
Restaurant Brands International employs approximately 50,000 people across its corporate offices and company-owned restaurants. The company maintains its headquarters in Toronto, with additional offices and operations supporting its global franchise network.
- Founded: 2014
- Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: QSR
Where Is Burger King Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Australia, China
Brands Owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc.
- Firehouse Subs - American fast food restaurant chain specializing in submarine sandwiches with a ...
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - American fast food restaurant chain specializing in Louisiana-style fried chicke...
- Tim Hortons - Canadian multinational fast food restaurant chain known for coffee and donuts, o...
Burger King Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Global franchise network providing extensive market reach
- +Strong brand recognition with signature products like the Whopper
- +Operational support and resources from RBI's shared services
- +International expansion expertise and established supply chains
- +Marketing power and advertising scale through RBI
Considerations
- -Franchise model creates variability in restaurant quality and service
- -Intense competition in the fast food industry
- -Dependence on RBI's strategic decisions and resource allocation
- -Health concerns associated with fast food consumption
- -Market saturation in some regions affecting growth potential
Frequently Asked Questions About Burger King
Competitors to Burger King
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yum Brands | USA | 1952 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Berkshire Hathaway | USA | 1940 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Domino S Pizza Inc | USA | 1960 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Papa Johns International | USA | 1984 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Yum Brands | USA | 1958 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Yum Brands | Ireland | 1978 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
KFC
Owned by Unknown Company
American fast food restaurant chain specializing in fried chicken, owned by Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), with over 30,000 locations globally and new KFC Division CEO Scott Mezvinsky appointed in March 2025.
Dairy Queen
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
American fast food chain specializing in soft serve ice cream, burgers, and other fast food items, known for its Blizzard treats and family-friendly atmosphere.
Domino's Pizza
Owned by Domino's Pizza, Inc.
American multinational pizza restaurant chain and the largest pizza delivery company in the world.
Papa John's Pizza
Owned by Papa John's International
American pizza restaurant franchise company.
Pizza Hut
Owned by Unknown Company
Global pizza restaurant chain owned by Yum! Brands, founded in 1958 with over 18,000 locations in more than 100 countries.
Supermacs
Owned by Unknown Company
Irish fast food restaurant chain specializing in burgers and chicken, owned by Yum! Brands.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Burger King competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. Stock Information
Jobs at Restaurant Brands International Inc.
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