Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 25
Burger King Launches New Chicken Nuggets Sept. 1 as U.S. Same-Store Sales Jump 8.5%
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 25

Burger King Launches New Chicken Nuggets Sept. 1 as U.S. Same-Store Sales Jump 8.5%

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 25

Summary

  • September 1 will bring Burger King’s revamped chicken nuggets to U.S. menus, with all-white meat, crispier breading and new marinades priced from $1.99 for four pieces to $7.49 for 20.
  • Thousands of customer complaints that the old nuggets were “rubbery,” “dry” and “disappointing” drove the change, part of a multiyear menu overhaul that already includes a remodeled Whopper.
  • That overhaul is gaining traction: Burger King posted 8.5% U.S. same-store sales growth last quarter, beat McDonald’s by its widest margin in more than a decade and moved past Wendy’s into No. 2 among U.S. burger chains.
  • Chicken has become a key fast-food battleground as beef costs rise and consumers view poultry as a healthier option, with rivals from Taco Bell to McDonald’s and KFC already expanding nugget, tender and sauce offerings.
  • Technomic said nuggets remain open territory for burger chains, and Burger King has room to grow—about 30% of McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A customers add nuggets, roughly double Burger King’s rate.

Insights

Can a simple chicken nugget upgrade truly secure Burger King's newly won spot as America's second-largest burger chain?
Are these revamped white-meat nuggets actually a healthier choice, or just a clever distraction from skyrocketing beef prices?