Burger King Plans Whopper Bars

Burger King Plans Whopper Bars
By JANET ADAMY

Burger King Holdings Inc. will open its first Whopper Bar in Orlando, Fla., in February as it lays plans to put the bars across the globe.
Burger King
A rendering of Burger King's plans for the Whopper Bar.
The fast-food chain plans to open six to 20 Whopper Bars in the next 12 to 18 months, said Russ Klein, Burger King's president of global marketing, strategy and innovation. In addition to the U.S., the company is looking at locations in Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Orlando bar will be part of the Universal Orlando Resort.
Since first disclosing plans for the bars in March, Burger King has been adjusting the concept. The restaurants will be a smaller, more modern version of Burger King's regular outlets built around the Miami-based chain's signature sandwich.
The menu will have only one-third, or possibly fewer, items than a typical Burger King, including about six to eight varieties of the Whopper. Those could include the Texas Double Whopper, a Whopper with chorizo, or other versions that have been limited-time offerings in Burger King restaurants. The bars also will feature more grab-and-go items to cater to a higher level of walk-up traffic, possibly including salads.
Still in the plans is the possibility of putting beer on the bar's menu in the U.S. and abroad. "We're not interested in being in the business of hard liquor, but beer is certainly an option," Mr. Klein said.
Already the company has altered its decor plans, replacing a proposed brick wall with a more industrial-looking corrugated metal backdrop. Mr. Klein said employees will wear "uniforms that might better be described as clothing" that would be appropriate to wear out after they're off the clock.
Burger King is in negotiations for 20 to 25 Whopper Bar sites around the world. Mr. Klein said the company is looking to put the bars in places like airports, beaches, cruise ships, sporting venues and other locations where there may be less space available for a restaurant. He said that prices may be higher than at a typical Burger King, in part because restaurants in these locations often command higher prices.
Write to Janet Adamy