This article is about the major international fast food restaurant chain and corporation. For the unaffiliated defunct fast food chain in Alberta, Canada, see Burger King (Alberta).
Burger King's first restaurant opened on July 23, 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. The "Insta" name came from the broiling machines and milkshake machines used in the early restaurants. The Insta-Burger King name was short-lived, lasting for only one year.
Burger King
1954–1957
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Unknown
Launched:
1954
After Insta-Burger King experienced financial difficulties in 1954, two Miami-based franchisees David Edgerton and James McLamore purchased the company and shortened it to present-day Burger King.
1957–1968
SVG NEEDED
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Unknown
Launched:
1957
As of 2022, this logo is still used at the chain's oldest active location in Naperville, Illinois, which has only ever received an interior renovation.[1][2]
1968–1994
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom
Launched:
December 8, 1968
This is the chain's most iconic and longest-used logo, and introduced the basic template for all of its logo designs thereafter. It was introduced in December 1968; an early variant, with differently drawn R's and K, was alternatively used until 1970. This logo (and a later modification seen below) remained in use on signage at many older locations until 2001, while many others retained the signs with the preceding logos until 2004-2005.
This logo was briefly revived for a commercial during Super Bowl LIII in February 2019. In May of the same year, it was reused on cup drinks to promote the third season of the Netflix series Stranger Things (which takes place in the 1980s).
1994–1999
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Unknown
Launched:
May 1, 1994
Introduced on May 1, 1994, this logo is a modified version of the 1968 logo with the text looking much less cartoony than in the original. It was initially used in tandem with the preceding logo, but within several months had replaced it outright.
Although this logo was retired in 1999, it is still used in some countries including Australia, where the Hungry Jack's restaurant chain uses a logo based on this design.
On July 1, 1999, Burger King unveiled a new logo designed by Sterling Brands. This logo is similar to the 1968 and 1994 logos, but features a blue C-shaped crescent around the logo. This logo is still used at many locations.
On December 21, 2020, Burger King started rolling out a modified version of the 1968 and 1994 logos. Designed by Jones Knowles Ritchie, it was trademarked on May 1, 2020, with the restaurants, advertisements, uniforms, and the majority of Burger King's branding and products having been changed to feature this logo, with its website and mobile apps being updated to include it on January 7, 2021, along with a full overhaul of the website and app. Many restaurants are currently being renovated with this logo.
