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Originally posted by V-Tail:

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Originally posted by HRK:

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Originally posted by V-Tail:

what I got was a couple of patties considerably thinner than this, and way, WAY, over-cooked, to the point of incineration. Over-cooked, and dried out. My opinion, McDonald's or Wendy's does it better, snd we all know that neither of them is great. I won't be having another Culver's burger.

I'd complain, they have good service

I did not complain while at the restaurant, but the receipt had something on it that asked for a review at "TellCulvers.com" -- so, since they requested a review, I responded.

Very quickly, received an email from the location asst. manager apologizing for the screw-up and requesting my mailing address for a complimentary meal coupon. I have her name; if I do go back, I'll ask whether she's on location and if so, will place the order with her and see what happens.

Thumbs Up!

Now Back to BK's troubles...

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Paste Sensationalist Click Bait Title

Fast Food Giant Says It's Closing Its Doors For Good Story by Sean Cate • 20h

Burger King, a well-established player in the fast-food industry, is making headlines with its bold decision to close a significant number of its U.S. restaurants. This move, while strategic, reflects both internal and external factors that have prompted the fast-food giant to reevaluate its operations. By delving into the details behind this decision, as well as the company’s broader efforts to redefine its brand image, it becomes evident they are embarking on a transformative journey within the competitive realm of fast food.

Strategic Rationalization of Burger King’s Outlets
The decision to close restaurants is not a new phenomenon for Burger King. CEO Joshua Kobza’s acknowledgment of the company’s historical practice of closing a certain number of restaurants annually underscores its ongoing commitment to ensuring optimal performance.1 However, the announcement of shuttering approximately 400 U.S. locations signifies a more calculated and substantial move.

In line with this decision, Chairman Patrick Doyle’s assertion that franchisees unwilling or unable to consistently operate restaurants above the system average will be phased out speaks to the company’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of operations. This strategic pruning of underperforming outlets allows Burger King to redirect its resources and efforts towards bolstering its more profitable establishments, thereby enhancing overall performance and brand image.

The Rebranding and Modernization Strategy
The initiative to close a significant number of restaurants aligns with Burger King’s broader strategy of redefining its brand identity and fortifying its position in the competitive fast-food arena. Cognizant of the need for transformation amid challenges, including stagnant sales and intensifying competition, the company introduced the ambitious “Reclaim the Flame” rebranding campaign in 2022, amounting to $400 million in investments.2 This comprehensive strategy encompasses diverse elements, from reimagined advertising campaigns to streamlined menu offerings and comprehensive restaurant renovations, all aimed at rejuvenating the brand’s appeal.

Burger King’s commitment to modernization is further exemplified by its investment of $50 million over the next two years to revamp nearly 3,000 restaurants. These modernizations encompass an array of technological enhancements, kitchen upgrades, and physical renovations designed to enhance the overall customer experience. Innovations such as three-lane drive-thrus and advanced delivery mechanisms not only cater to contemporary consumer preferences but also set the stage for Burger King to remain a relevant and competitive player in the fast-food industry.

Burger King's Path Forward
Burger King’s strategic transformation is situated amidst a landscape of challenges both internal and external. The company grappled with digitalization setbacks during the pandemic, which hindered its ability to effectively cater to the surging demand for online orders and deliveries due to its outdated digital infrastructure. Additionally, the launch of experimental menu items, including the Impossible Burger, presented challenges that necessitated careful navigation.

Nevertheless, recent indicators suggest that Burger King’s strategic endeavors may be yielding positive results. Despite the closures, the company reported a remarkable 8.7% surge in comparable sales in the first quarter of 2023. This upward trajectory underscores the potential efficacy of the brand’s streamlined offerings, rebranding initiatives, and the targeted closure of underperforming outlets.

As Burger King competes with fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and emerging contenders like Five Guys and Shake Shack, its strategic efforts take on added significance. By orchestrating a holistic transformation involving brand image overhaul, menu refinement, and immersive dining experiences, Burger King is positioning itself to recapture lost market share and redefine its place in the fast-food landscape.

Conclusion
Burger King’s strategic decision to close a substantial number of its restaurants signifies more than just a mere operational adjustment. It’s a deliberate step towards redefining the brand, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer experiences. This transformative move comes at a crucial juncture, as the fast-food industry continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences. With its rebranding initiatives, modernization investments, and strategic closures, Burger King is setting the stage for a dynamic resurgence that could reshape its competitive standing and redefine the industry standards.

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Originally posted by egregore:

I also like Hardee's/Carl's Jr. "thickburgers"

That sounds like something I might want, but I looked at the website and did not see "thickburger" on the menu. Is that something that's local to you?

I misremembered. They used to be called Thickburgers, but now they use the Carl's Jr. nomenclature of Famous Star, Super Star, etc.

The BK write up is hogwash, I haven't seen a busy BK in years. 3 Lane drive thrus? (I hate drive thrus) when their single lane drive thrus take too long even with 2 or 3 cars.

BKs problems are the lack of and properly trained crew and an inefficient system.

In my neck of the woods even McDs are becoming too slow (one is on point, two are faltering).

Wendys are poster children for inefficiency.

There are currently 3 Burger Kings in my backwoods, hick town with a population of something like 21000.

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Originally posted by bendable:
Thank the heavens that
Arby's still has
The Meats.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tf_XEZj0aSM" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

You guys have brought this one up on the forum before. I've got to try it at least once so I can compare to other fast food joint. I've got x1 of just about everything in a x2 mile radius. McDonalds, BurderKing, Arbys, Chick Fil A, What-A-Burger, Wendy's etc...

Wendy's is usually my go to. Although my 10 year old loves a 1/4 pounder w/ cheese from McDonalds. Sometimes he swings the household vote.

I don't usually eat at Burger King anyway. The whopper never really did anything for me. But it's like they think it's their only burger. I get coupons in the mail for them and they are only for the Whopper, Whopper Jr. , the chicken sandwich and the chicken fries. Why not for the Big King? I'd like to try the Big King but I'd need the incentive of a coupon to make me go there for it. I've even tried downloading their app but I never see any deals for the Big King. Idiots.

Poor service + lack luster food + high prices = customers not coming back. BK has been awful for years. One time I went to the BK at a Busy Bee rest stop in Live Oak, FL. Was heading back to El Paso from Tampa. Order a double whopper, get in the car and hit I-10. Maybe 10 miles down the road I open up my food and it's a single whopper. Call them, no answer. Fucking bastards.

Then there was the new BK that opened up 2 minutes from my house in El Paso. Went there once, food was cold by the time I got home. Filed a complaint that was never addressed. Ended up calling them and was told they would send me a gift card for the amount of my order. Never got that gift card, still waiting and it's been nearly 3 years.

They can all go out of business.

For a fast food burger, they're not common outside of California and central Texas but I like In-N-Out.

Higher end than fast food, I liked Fuddruckers. Damn I miss those guys. Don't see too many of them anymore. Orlando used to have a couple locations.

I had occasion to stop at a BK a couple of days ago on what would have been my youngest daughters 47th birthday. She always wanted to go to BK for lunch. Anyway since last years' stop the "food" has gone downhill by an even wider margin. I will likely keep up the tradition but see if I can find something on the menu that is a bit more palatable. Maybe just a drink or a shake.

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Originally posted by Edmond:

Order a double whopper, get in the car . . . 10 miles down the road I open up my food and it's a single whopper. Call them, no answer.

Please listen carefully because our menu has changed.

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I liked Fuddruckers. Damn I miss those guys. Don't see too many of them anymore. Orlando used to have a couple locations.

There was a great Fuddruckers on SR 436 in Altamonte Springs, just east of I-4. My wife and I were frequent customers there. Order a medium rare burger, and actually get it the way you ordered it, not horribly over-cooked like almost every other burger place.

The last time we tried to go there to eat, the door was locked and there was a Sheriff's notice on the door. Something about unpaid taxes.

I was happy to see a new Fuddrucker's open in Apopka on Wekiva Springs Road, just south of 436. Until I went in. Not a "real" Fuddrucker's. No way to get a medium rare burger. One choice: incinerated (and over-priced). The trademark Fuddrucker's condiment buffet was missing. Might as well save a bunch of money and go to McDonald's for basically the same "food." This location did not last long; I guess when people realized that it was a fake Fuddrucker's, they left without ordering, as I did.

Ruby Tuesday would make a burger medium rare. Not many restaurants will do that these days. Used to be a Ruby Tuesday 1 mile from where I lived in Orlando.

In my personal opinion, BK ruined the Whopper many years ago, and the Jr Whopper as well. Both are smaller than they were when I was a teenager and loved them, especially the Jr Whopper. It's about the size of a breakfast biscuit now... what a joke! The meat quality has gone down the tubes, and even the ability of the "workers" to assemble the sandwich properly is gone (clump all the pickles in one spot for example instead of spreading them out). I haven't eaten at BK in well over a year now (except for the sausage, egg and cheese Croissandwiches which I still like), and doubt I ever will again!

Now regarding Miracle Whip, I prefer it over mayo in most cases, but still keep Blue Plate mayo in the fridge for situations that call for it; just depends on the sammich I'mma gonna eat!

Edit to add: The best hamburgers near me right now (not including home grilled of course) come from Dairy Queen of all places! Nice, well-seasoned beef patties, char-grilled to perfection, great toppings (though they still tend to clump the pickles instead of spreading them out), good buns, etc. And their fries and onion rings are normally awesome also...

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Originally posted by Edmond:

Ruby Tuesday would make a burger medium rare. Not many restaurants will do that these days. Used to be a Ruby Tuesday 1 mile from where I lived in Orlando.

I found that Ruby Tuesday's really varied. Some locations served exactly what was ordered, other locations insisted that they would only cook burgers to medium well, and there were some locations where it depended on who was working that shift. Same sort of thing at Chili's -- it depended on location, or maybe on the staff at the time of the order.

There's a redneck diner in Apopka, but that's another story.

The small town that I live in only has Hardee’s, Burger King, Wendy’s & McDonald’s as fast food burger joints.

We typically get our burgers from a couple of locally owned places. Both make delicious burgers but there are not any 7-8 dollar meal deals. The consistent quality makes them worth it. I suppose among the fast food options available, I would select Wendy’s.