Pumper Nic

1974-1999


Pumper Nic (or just Pumper) was a popular chain of fast-food restaurants in Argentina during the 1980s. It is currently considered by many Argentinians to be a cult classic. Its name is derived from theGerman pumpernickel, a type of bread.

It was founded by Tito Lowenstein in 1974, also an ex-owner of Quickfood, founder of the renownedArgentine beef hamburger supplier, "Paty", and the "Las Leñas" tourist complex in Argentina.

Pumper Nic's name and logo was a based upon Burger King's, before the latter started operating inArgentina. When Burger King and McDonald's started business in Argentina, Pumper had to change its logo and started losing money, eventually going bankrupt. Pumper Nic became defunct in 1999.

The franchise had a mascot, a green hippo called "NIC".