Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, has announced its acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest Burger King franchisee in the U.S. This strategic move is expected to bring about significant changes for Burger King as it aims to revitalize its business. The deal, valued at approximately $1 billion in cash, will see Restaurant Brands pay $9.55 per share to acquire Carrols, which operates over 1,000 Burger King restaurants and 60 Popeyes locations.
Burger King has historically relied heavily on franchising, with almost all of its restaurants being franchise-owned. However, this acquisition signifies a shift in strategy for the fast-food giant. With only 175 corporate-owned locations, Burger King has lagged behind its competitors, and Wendy’s recently surpassed it as the second-largest burger chain in the U.S. in terms of sales. The acquisition of Carrols will allow Burger King to regain its competitive edge by investing in restaurant remodels and advertising, thus driving demand and increasing profitability for its franchisees.
Restaurant Brands plans to swiftly remodel 600 of Carrols’ Burger King locations over the next five years. These renovated restaurants will then be sold back to franchisees, enabling the company to focus its attention on accelerating remodels and explore opportunities for refranchising the restaurant network in smaller packages. This strategic approach aims to involve new and existing franchisees who have a close connection to the communities in which they operate.
Tom Curtis, president of Burger King U.S. and Canada, explained the importance of portfolio-wide remodels, stating, “When consumers see consistent improvements across the market, it helps with recruiting, staffing, and enhances the overall image and perception of the brand.” By investing approximately $500 million from Carrols’ operating cash flow, Restaurant Brands will finance the renovation project.
The Burger King development team is set to meet with Carrols to discuss plans for remodeling 120 restaurants annually, doubling Carrols’ initial target for 2024 renovations. This ambitious approach demonstrates Burger King’s commitment to rejuvenating its brand and solidifying its position in the competitive fast-food industry.
After divesting the majority of Carrols’ locations within five to seven years, Burger King intends to retain a couple of hundred restaurants for strategic purposes such as innovation, training, and operator development. This long-term vision ensures that Burger King remains adaptable and forward-thinking in an ever-evolving market.
Carrols Restaurant Group has consistently outperformed the rest of the Burger King U.S. system. In its fourth-quarter preannouncement, Carrols reported a 7.2% increase in same-store sales for its Burger King locations, with a 2.9% rise in traffic. This impressive performance further emphasizes the value and potential for growth that Restaurant Brands sees in Carrols as a strategic acquisition.
Restaurant Brands International’s acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group marks a turning point for Burger King. By investing in restaurant remodels, advertising, and enhancing franchisee profitability, Burger King aims to regain its position as a leading force in the fast-food industry. The strategic approach of remodeling Carrols’ Burger King locations and working closely with franchisees aligns with the goal of revitalizing the brand and fostering community connections. With Carrols’ track record of outperforming the competition, this acquisition presents an opportunity for Restaurant Brands to drive growth and propel Burger King back into the forefront of the market.
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