Burger King is kicking off its biggest growth push in years.
The global chain has formed a joint venture with Chinese investor CPE, aiming to grow from around 1,250 to over 4,000 stores by 2035.
💰 3.5 billion reasons: CPE is investing 350 million USD in the new company “Burger King China.” The funds will go toward new restaurant openings, marketing, menu development, and supply chains.
📜 20-year license: The joint venture gets exclusive rights to operate Burger King in China. CPE holds 83 %, while Restaurant Brands International (RBI) retains 17 % and a board seat.
🥡 Growth despite slowdown: Despite China’s sluggish economy, sales rose 10.5 % in Q3 — driven by new campaigns, improved apps, and hits like the “Krispper Chicken Burger.”
🏃♂️ Race against McDonald’s: While Burger King targets 4,000 outlets by 2035, McDonald’s aims for 10,000 by 2028. CPE plans to make Burger King faster, more digital, and healthier.
🌆 Fast food with a Chinese twist: CPE, active in the consumer and healthcare sectors, wants to adapt Burger King to local tastes with lighter recipes, vegetarian options, and regional menus.
🥦 Healthy China 2030
Through its “Healthy China 2030” plan, Beijing aims to cut obesity rates and reduce salt, sugar, and fat intake. Restaurants are encouraged to offer healthier options and more transparent nutrition labeling.
For fast-food chains, this creates a challenge: to prove that profit and public health can go hand in hand.
Sources: CNBC, The Observer China, Press Release RBI
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