Vintage photos show what it was like to eat at Burger King in the 1980s
This article explores the history of Burger King through vintage photographs from the 1980s. It highlights the brand's growth and evolution, including recent updates to the signature Whopper.
Why it matters
It provides cultural context on the evolution of American fast-food chains and their enduring brand strategies over several decades.
A crew member at Burger King holds up a double cheeseburger in 1989. Glen Martin/The Denver Post/Getty Images In 1954, the first Burger King opened its doors. An early version of the Burger King logo featured curved letters sandwiched between two yellow buns. The Whopper, which has been around since 1957, was still popular well into the 1980s. Burger King has grown from a small-time burger joint to a major American corporation. When Burger King first opened in 1954, it served 18-cent flame-broiled burgers, milkshakes, and fries. Three years later, the chain introduced its signature Whopper — now, that same burger is fueling growth for the burger chain. In February, Burger King updated the Whopper with a new bun, "creamier" mayonnaise, and box packaging after customers complained that the burger's old paper wrapper sometimes left it squished in transit. The changes appear to be paying off.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in