Does Burger King help franchisees negotiate the lease or purchase of an approved site for a Restaurant?

According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Burger King does not assist franchisees in negotiating the lease or purchase of a site for their restaurant, although they may provide development services for DTL (Don't Trash the Location) locations, which can include site acquisition, negotiation, permitting, zoning, or other related development services. However, franchisees are responsible for obtaining site approval, which requires submitting a 'Site Approval Package' that includes site information, sketches, aerial photos, and evidence of property control like a letter of intent or option.

Burger King considers factors such as demographic characteristics, traffic patterns, proximity to existing restaurants (including Burger King restaurants), and the size and condition of the proposed premises when evaluating a site. Franchisees must receive written approval from Burger King before acquiring a site, and this approval indicates Burger King's willingness to be represented by the franchisee at that specific location.

If a franchisee's site approval expires and they fail to apply for or obtain re-approval, Burger King may terminate the Target Reservation Agreement (TRA) or Multiple Target Reservation Agreement (MTRA), and the franchisee could forfeit any remaining deposits. Franchisees should be aware of these conditions and ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines to avoid potential losses and termination of agreements. Burger King may also offer the franchisee the option to develop a Restaurant if Burger King proposes to develop a Restaurant in a Target Area that falls within the boundaries described in your TRA/MTRA at a site either for themselves or through another Franchisee.