Burger King Goes Global, Re-Opens Business in Japan

The Associated Press revealed that Burger King is back in Japan. The major fast-food chain ended its price war with McDonald's by taking a 6-year leave of absence. Now they are going global, again.

One of the first 100 customers, Shinichi Fujiki, was quoted by Associated Press as saying, "It feels more like you're eating a burger." AP reports that the burgers in Tokyo are smaller and the meat is much thinner.

Burger King expects the franchise to fare better this time around. The Japanese are creating a market for the larger burgers. The Whopper is selling for 370 yen and the Double Whopper with bacon and cheese is fetching a hefty 600 yen. That's $3.05 and $5.00, according to Associated Press.

Burger King is keeping to the basic menu. There are a few differences. Like the teriyaki Whopper.

For 390 yen ($3.20) you can get a 4 oz. burger with a sweet and spicy sauce, complete with lettuce and tomato, all on a sesame seed bun.

Some favorites on other Burger King menus include the barbecue Bulgogi burger in Korea. If you ever get to Thailand you can get the Green Tea Pie.

Associated Press quoted John Chidsey, Burger King CEO, as saying that "Japan is a very important market for us, and one that we have great growth plans for in the future." A second restaurant is scheduled to open later this month.

Unlike McDonald's, which uses Australian beef, Burger King is using beef from New Zealand, according to Associated Press.

There are more than 11,000 Burger King restaurants around the globe. That number is going to increase later this year with the opening of stores in Hong Kong, Poland, and Egypt, according to Associated Press.

In reference to competitor, McDonald's, Associated Press quoted the CEO. "We think our flame-grilled food is superior to theirs, and quality at the end of the day is what the guest looks for," Chidsey said. "We think we will compete very well against McDonald's in this market."

Source: Associated Press, Business Writer, YURI KAGEYAMA ; Burger King Back in Japan After 6 Years