What is the oldest burger chain in the UK?

United Kingdom. Lyons obtained a licence to use the Wimpy brand in the United Kingdom from Edward Gold's Chicago based Wimpy Grills Inc. and, in 1954, the first "Wimpy Bar" was established at the Lyons Corner House in Coventry Street, London.

What was the first burger chain in the UK?

Wimpy becomes a global brand, as it opens over 1,000 restaurants in 23 countries! Our first 'Wimpy Bar' opens at the Lyon's Corner House, London. Did you know Wimpy were the first to serve hamburger based meals in the UK?

Which burger chain is the oldest?

Most historians agree that the American company White Castle was the first fast-food outlet, starting in Wichita, Kansas in 1916 with food stands and founding in 1921, selling hamburgers for five cents apiece from its inception and spawning numerous competitors and emulators.

Is Wimpy older than McDonald's?

Seventy years ago, the first Wimpy Bar opened inside the Lyons' Corner House at Oxford Circus. That was long before McDonald's first appearance in Woolwich, 20 years later, in October 1974 – 50 years ago.

Does Wimpy still exist in the UK?

There are 61 Wimpy restaurants in the United Kingdom as of April 25, 2025. The country with the most number of Wimpy locations in the UK is England, with 58 restaurants, which is about 95% of all Wimpy restaurants in the UK.

Inside Wimpy, the UK's forgotten fast food chain

Why did Wimpy shut down?

Grand Metropolitan began to phase out the Wimpy Bar in the United Kingdom, rebranding many of them as Burger King (which it also owned) because Burger King had the greater brand recognition amongst consumers, and to aid market competition against McDonald's.

Where is the oldest Wimpy in the UK?

The first Wimpy opened in The Strand, London in a Lyons Corner House in 1954. Wimpy, then owned by J. Lyons & Co, was the first hamburger chain to be set up in the UK and rapidly became known as the “home of the hamburger”.

Did Burger King take over Wimpy?

In August of the same year, Grand Met set about expanding Burger King's operations in Europe by acquiring UK-based United Biscuits restaurant operations, including the nearly 400-location burger chain Wimpy.

Which is older KFC or McDonald's?

November 1968: Kentucky Fried Chicken opens its first London branch, in North Finchley, although the capital is late to the finger lickin' party; Preston got a KFC in 1965. 1974: The UK's first McDonald's opens on Powis Street, Woolwich.

Is Wimpy halal?

Does Wimpy have a Halal accreditation? We do not currently have Halal accreditation for any of our restaurants and do not specifically identify any of the products on our menu as being suitable for a Halal diet.

What does A&W stand for?

The company name was taken from the initials of their last names – Allen and Wright. The company became famous in the United States for its "frosty mugs" – the mugs were kept in a freezer and filled with A&W Root Beer just before being served to customers. A&W Restaurants, Inc.

What is the oldest fast food chain still open?

White Castle: Pioneering Fast Food as We Know It

Two years after A&W's founding, white castle opened its doors in 1921 when Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson opened their first location in Wichita, Kansas.

What is the most ordered burger in the world?

The most eaten and most popular burger in the world by far is the cheeseburger. Invented and popularized by Americans, the cheeseburger is now available all over the world through McDonald's.

What did Wimpy say about a hamburger?

I'll pay you Tuesday." In March 1932, this then became the famous "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today". The phrase is now commonly used to illustrate financial irresponsibility and still appears in modern comedies such as The Drew Carey Show and The Office.

When did burgers become popular in the UK?

A staple part of British cuisine, we can thank Wimpy and the golden arches for bringing the concept to us in the UK first and allowing us all to go out and 'grab a burger'. Wimpy bars introduced the hamburger here in the 1950s and the first McDonald's opened here in 1974 in south-east London.

How much is a Wimpy franchise?

There are currently over four hundred and fifty Wimpy stores in South Africa. To purchase a Wimpy franchise, you will need between R 1,75 million to R 2,4 million and you will need an initial fee of R 92 500 for plans. Additionally, the company charges a project management fee which is 4% of the build cost.

Which is older, Wimpy or McDonald's?

Wimpy began in the UK in 1954 and boomed before the influx of American fast food giants like McDonald's, Burger King and KFC.

Where was the first KFC in the UK?

The first UK KFC restaurant opened in Fishergate in Preston, Lancashire back in May 1965. And it's thanks to business partners Harry Latham and Raymond Allen, who worked under the supervision of the Colonel to bring the famous KFC franchise across the pond.

Is Burger King American or British?

Burger King Corporation (BK, stylized in all caps) is an American multinational chain of hamburger fast food restaurants. Headquartered in Miami-Dade County, Florida, the company was founded on July 23, 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida–based restaurant chain.

Who owns Wimpy now?

Wimpy currently has seventy-nine fast food restaurants in the UK. Now owned by the Famous Brands group, the restaurants still offer the original Wimpy, pure beef hamburger, which in 1957 cost 1/3d and today costs £2.85.

How many Burger Kings are there in the UK?

As of 27 September 2023, Burger King UK operates 553 restaurants, 279 of which are directly owned. The remainder are sub-franchises.

When did McDonald's open in the UK?

McDonald's opened its first restaurant in the U.K. in Woolwich, south London, in October 1974.

What is Bill Gates' favorite burger?

Gates has frequently endorsed Burgermaster for its uncomplicated, quality burgers. He has said that the name "speaks for itself." He likes the no-frills approach to a wonderful burger and fries. Burgermaster's charm is in its retro appeal and quality consistency.

What is the healthiest fast food?

What is the king of all burgers?

The "King of all Burgers" is a 2.4kg (5.28 lbs) triple cheeseburger stacked and layered with cheese slices, healthy veggies, and their burger sauce. Fries were added to fill up the plate, and I had one hour to finish!! I'm dying to know why you choose Diet Coke.