Burger King Corporation To Focus On Attracting New Franchisees

Burger King Corporation announced it is seeking potential new franchisees -- entrepreneurial individuals or companies with existing Restaurant and Fast Food experience who have the right balance of skill, resources and industry experience and who are interested in growing with the BURGER KING® brand. Burger King Corporation has focused most of its growth in recent years with existing franchisees.

"Burger King Corporation remains committed to Franchising as one of the company's strategic assets," said Chairman, CEO & President John Dasburg. "Our Franchise distribution system is built on the premise that the company can be successful only if our franchisees are successful."

Ninety-two percent of the more than 11,400 BURGER KING® restaurants operating around the world are owned and operated by independent franchisees. For years, Burger King Corporation has enjoyed a very large and vibrant franchisee community that has grown the brand almost exclusively from within. Supported by Burger King Corporation, these franchisees have driven growth in many markets.

The new management team at Burger King Corporation is currently focused on strengthening the brand through its improved marketing, product pipeline, cooking platform and emphasis on service and friendliness in restaurant operations.

"We are recruiting energetic, talented and business-tested individuals and organizations that share our belief in the opportunities of the BURGER KING® brand," said Dasburg. "We will further integrate the power of this brand with the power of superior operators."

Burger King Corporation To Target Quality Locations For New Restaurants

Burger King Corporation has also established new guidelines for selecting and approving sites for new restaurants. "At Burger King Corporation, we only target quality sites on which to build restaurants," said Paul Novak, senior vice president & chief development officer, who joined the Company in May 2001. "We are focused on integrating the power of the BURGER KING® brand with the power of premier locations for our restaurants."

Novak, whose background includes managing real estate development for Marriott International, introduced a new centralized development process for Burger King Corporation shortly after joining the Company. Since then, Novak, selected members of the Executive Team and his entire senior development team review all proposed sites monthly.