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BY LAUREN ZIMA
America likes fast food and fast delivery -- why not combine the two? Seems that’s what Burger King is thinking -- the fast food chain is now offering home delivery at some of its stores. KUSA reports.
“It’s in Virginia and Maryland. The fast food chain has quietly rolled out delivery services at nine of those stores in those states. They plan to offer at six more stores in Virginia next week. No word on when or if they might go nationwide.”
The Washington Post has details.
“Available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., deliveries cost $2 and there is a minimum order of $8 to $10, depending on the market … Burger King doesn’t deliver fountain drinks, milkshakes, coffee and breakfast foods …”
On CNBC, panelists think this fast idea will … fade fast.
“Herb, you think it’s disgusting.”
“It’s ridiculous. Who wants Burger King delivered to their home? By then, the fries will be soggy. ... If you’re gonna get the fast food, go get it -- walk -- good exercise. ... This will be a failure.”
But Fox Business points out, BK has a solution to the soggy fries problem.
“ … Burger King said it has developed new packaging technology, including thermal bags to keep food ‘hot and fresh.’”
Still, Gawker sees an issue with the timeframe. BK says it will deliver within 30 minutes -- but only offers delivery to homes within 10 minutes of a store.
“The plan is to get Americans to pay extra to wait 30 minutes to get food from a restaurant that is less than ten minutes away. … Should be a smashing success.”
But Burger King says it has had success with delivery - just not in the US. The chain offers delivery in Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, Columbia and Peru. And MSNBC says the company has even more motivation ...
“ … it's about to be unseated by Wendy's as America's No. 2 burger chain (behind No. 1 McDonald's) for the first time since Wendy's was founded in 1969. … Wendy's 2011 sales were projected to hit $8.42 billion, a $53 million leg up over Burger King's sales in 2011.”
So will Americans go for delivery? As the LA Times puts it...
“Home delivery is convenient, and Americans love convenience.”
Burger King has 7,500 restaurants in the US and Canada. Currently, McDonald’s offers delivery only in Manhattan, and Wendy’s doesn’t offer it at all.
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