Burger King never tires of giving its fans new takes on the Whopper presumably because the fast-food giant's audience has an endless appetite for new versions of the classic sandwich. That recently included a Spider-Man Whopper, which featured a red bun (and no actual spiders) and has at times included all sorts of variations on a sandwich that's really just a cheeseburger.
While McDonald's (MCD) Big Mac at least has the weird middle bun, the Whopper is really just a Burger King burger with a bigger patty with more toppings. It's special because the chain tells you it's special -- and when it was launched i n 1957, it was unique to have a quarter-pound burger patty because it took longer to cook.
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But, the sandwich being nothing special has not stopped the Restaurant Brands International (QSR) company building its business squarely on the back of Burger Kinf's best-known product. The company has literally put the Whopper name on dozens of sandwiches all around the world.
Some, like the 9 "Pregnancy Whoppers" which briefly hit the chain's menu in Germany were clearly an attempt to get attention. Very few people actually want Cucumber & Marmalade, Strawberry Ice Cream & Fries, or Cream & Gherkins (a type of pickle) Whoppers, but the stunt does get people talking.
When Burger King releases a serious new Whopper -- a variant on the classic with some new twist meant to reach a mass market -- it's a much bigger deal. The chain has now done that and two new Whopper Jr. sandwiches have begun appearing on the chain's menu nationwide.
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Burger King Adds Two New Whopper Jr. Sandwiches
Burger King executives have talked often about how they see the Whopper as a premium brand that can be used to bring people into its restaurants. It's newest take on the classic sandwich, in the form of two new Whopper Jr. sandwiches, does not deviate too far from the formula, according to a report from Chew Boom.
- The BBQ Bacon & Cheese Whopper Jr. features flame-grilled beef patty topped with crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, pickles, sliced white onions, American cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun.
- Meanwhile, the new Bacon & Swiss Whopper Jr. includes a flame-grilled beef patty topped with crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, pickles, sliced white onions, and Swiss cheese on a toasted sesame seed bun.
What's interesting is that no actual Whopper version of these sandwiches is being marketed. Technically, you could upgrade the patty to the classic Whopper burger, but the chain may not also be willing to let you trade up to the larger Whopper bun.
Both of these products fit Burger King's broader strategy to leverage the Whopper brand. There's nothing exotic or even interesting, but adding bacon, a new sauce, and/or a different cheese has been a formula that works pretty well for the chain.
The BBQ Bacon & Cheese Whopper Jr. has 390 calories while the Bacon & Swiss Whopper Jr. has not yet appeared on Burger King's website. A normal Whopper Jr, has 330 calories.
Burger King is also selling a mix-and-match Whopper Jr. Duo for $5 at participating locations.
