Burger King Corporation is an American multinational fast food restaurant chain specializing in flame-broiled hamburgers, with its iconic Whopper sandwich as a flagship product. Originally founded as Insta-Burger King on July 23, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, by Keith J. Kramer and Matthew Burns, the company introduced innovative broiler technology for quick-service burgers. Facing financial difficulties by 1954, it was acquired by Miami-based franchisees James McLamore and David Edgerton, who rebranded it as Burger King and shifted operations to Miami. The chain began franchising in 1959, expanding rapidly across the United States and internationally starting with Puerto Rico in 1963. Key milestones include the launch of the Whopper in 1957 and the creation of its mascot, 'The Burger King,' in 1955.

Over its history, Burger King has undergone multiple ownership changes that shaped its growth and strategies. In 1967, it was acquired by the Pillsbury Company for $18 million, which introduced menu expansions and stricter franchise controls under executives like Donald N. Smith in the late 1970s. Pillsbury was bought by Britain's Grand Metropolitan in 1989, forming Diageo, which took the chain public in 2002 after partnerships with TPG Capital, Bain Capital, and Goldman Sachs. In 2010, Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital acquired a majority stake for $3.26 billion, leading to restructuring efforts. By 2014, 3G merged Burger King with Tim Hortons under the new Canadian parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which also owns Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. These transitions helped Burger King compete with rivals like McDonald's, though it has faced challenges in sales and profitability.

Today, Burger King operates over 19,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories, serving approximately 11 million guests daily through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the brand emphasizes its flame-grilled flavor and has pursued innovations like plant-based options and marketing campaigns. It has been criticized for contributing to childhood obesity and animal welfare issues in its supply chain, though it has made commitments to sustainable sourcing. As part of RBI, Burger King continues to focus on global expansion and digital ordering to maintain its position as the second-largest hamburger chain worldwide.