Burger King leans on local franchisees in U.S. turnaround

Burger King is advancing a longterm plan to sell hundreds of companyowned U.S. restaurants to franchisees as part of its turnaround strategy. The chain, owned by Restaurant Brands International, is focusing on smaller operators who live near the locations they run and visit them regularly. The company has already begun reshaping its U.S. footprint after years of weak performance. It bought its largest U.S. franchisee, Carrols Restaurant Group, in 2024 and later planned to sell many of those restaurants back into franchise hands. Burger King ultimately wants to keep about 300 companyoperated stores while franchisees run the rest of its more than 6,000 U.S. restaurants. Executives say the approach is meant to improve operations, accountability, and franchisee profitability. Burger King is also investing in restaurant remodels, equipment, and technology, while trying to make sure new owners have a strong local connection and a longterm commitment to the brand.