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Capturing the imagination

Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second-largest fast-food hamburger chain in the world, after McDonald’s, with about 12000 outlets in 73 countries. About 90% of Burger King restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees with 665 of these outlets based in the US.

How the company licenses its franchisees varies depending on the region, with some regional franchises, known as master franchises, responsible for selling franchise sub-licences on the company’s behalf.

Analysts have opposed views on the prospect. Absa Securities analyst Chris Gilmour says the burger market in SA was saturated: “I am very surprised they would consider this, unless they are using SA as a springboard into Africa.”

But Vestact fund manager Sasha Naryshkine believes there is room for a new competitor in SA: “The fast-food sector has done astonishingly well over the past few years, and there is still potential for growth. Burger King is a well- known international brand and could compete with Famous Brands ’ Steers division.

“But its fame would not guarantee its success. Subway is a well-recognised brand and it has not managed to capture the imagination of South Africans.”

- Burger King looks set to come to SA, FastMoving.co.za, July 7, 2011.

2. Local artist Steve Yee paints a gruesome and depressing picture when explaining what happened to the Chinese who once lived on the site of Sacramento’s rail yards.