KENYA – World’s leading hamburger chain, Burger King, has opened its fifth branch in Kenya as it continues to expand its footprint in the local market.
Located in Lavington, within the country’s capital, the new outlet continues to agitate the country’s fast food sector which already counts of other global brands including Java and KFC.
“The new outlet is part of the franchise’s continued expansion agenda that has seen the brand open four other outlets in the past three years with the most recent at Thika Road Mall,” the firm said in a statement.
“The new branch with a drive-in facility will provide both motorists and shoppers with the opportunity to experience Burger King’s world-renowned burgers, the whopper among other products whilst enjoying the full Burger King experience in a stress-free and convenient environment.”
Burger King made its initial investment in the country in November 2016, when it opened its first local restaurant at The Hub (Karen) under a franchise agreement with NAS Airport Services, a subsidiary of France-based catering firm Servair.
The brand also has an outlets at Thika Road Mall and two more branches within Nairobi’s central business district on Muindi Mbingu Street and Moi Avenue.
The expansion is part of the firm’s goals to capitalize on a growing Kenyan market in the wake of increasing disposable incomes, fast economic growth and a young population.
The franchise early last year announced its ambitions of opening about 20 stores a year, with most of its future locations “looking forward to giving its guests the opportunity to experience the great-tasting and high-quality products.”
Burger King Worldwide Inc. plans to expand its presence in African countries as it follows rivals such as Big Square and Hardee’s in tapping demand across various economies in the continent.
The brand already has presence Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, and Ivory Coast and is famous for its menu which includes the flame-grilled offerings of the Whopper sandwich, their brand’s flagship.
American based Burger King was founded in 1954 and it is headquartered in Miami, Florida. It is the fifth-largest fast food restaurant chain by number of locations in the world.
Its entry into the Kenyan market comes at a time when other brands are solidifying their footprint in the country.
Big Square, one of its major competitors, has also ventured into the city centre with branches distributed strategically across the capital as well as Mombasa.
Other competitors like Hardee’s and Urban Gourmet Burgers have also reinforced their stake in the fast food sector seen by their recent expansions.
