What was the net change in the number of franchised Burger King outlets during 2023?
Burger_King Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at the Start of the Year | Outlets at the End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2022 | 7,053 | 6,992 | -61 |
| 2023 | 6,992 | 6,640 | -352 | |
| 2024 | 6,640 | 5,524 | -1,116 | |
| Company-Owned | 2022 | 51 | 50 | -1 |
| 2023 | 50 | 138 | +88 | |
| 2024 | 138 | 1,177 | +1,039 | |
| Total Outlets | 2022 | 7,104 | 7,042 | -62 |
| 2023 | 7,042 | 6,778 | -264 | |
| 2024 | 6,778 | 6,701 | -77 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 109–124)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Burger King's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of franchised Burger King outlets during 2023 was a decrease of 352 locations. At the start of 2023, there were 6,992 franchised outlets, and by the end of the year, this number had dropped to 6,640. This represents a significant reduction in the number of franchised locations within a single year.
This decrease in franchised outlets could be due to a variety of factors, such as closures, terminations, or non-renewals of franchise agreements. For a prospective franchisee, this trend may warrant further investigation to understand the reasons behind the net decrease. Understanding the factors driving closures or terminations can provide valuable insights into the health and stability of the Burger King franchise system.
It's important for potential franchisees to consider these figures in the context of the overall systemwide outlet summary. While the number of franchised locations decreased, the number of company-owned outlets increased during the same period. This could indicate a strategic shift by Burger King towards more company-owned operations, which might affect the support and resources available to franchisees. Prospective franchisees should inquire about Burger King's long-term strategy regarding the balance between franchised and company-owned locations.
Overall, the decrease in franchised outlets in 2023 highlights the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before investing in a Burger King franchise. Understanding the reasons behind this trend and Burger King's plans for the future can help potential franchisees make informed decisions and assess the risks and opportunities associated with the franchise.