Did you know that Burger King is called Hungry Jacks in Australia? Why is Burger King called Hungry Jacks instead?
Burger King wanted to expand their famous flamed broiled burgers to Australia in the early 1970s but, they had a complication when they discovered the name Burger King was already trademarked by another company. In the late 1990s the Burger Name expired and was purchased by the US based company starting a mulit-year law battle.
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Why Are Burger King Restaurants Called Hungry Jacks In Australia
In the early 1970s when the American Based Company Burger King wanted to expand into Australia they discovered that the name Burger King was already trademarked.
Where Did The Name Hungry Jack Come From
The name Hungry Jack was selected by the Australian Franchise owner, Jack Cowin.
Hungry Jack was based on a pancake mix that was branded by Pilsbury at the time.
Are Hungry Jacks The Same As Burger King In Australia
Hungry Jacks is basically Burger King under a different name but, it is owned by a completely different franchise company that is located in Australia.
Burger Kings Breakfast Hours (Explained)
Can You Find A Burger King In Australia
In The late 1990s the trademarked name “Burger King” expired and was purchased by the US-based Burger King Company.
The US Based company started opening up competing restaurants in Australia and started a long-lasting dispute between Burger King and Hungry Jacks.
During this time period, you would’ve found both Burger King Restaurants and Hungry Jack’s in Australia.
In 2001 Hungry Jacks won the lawsuit and the ownership of the name “Burger King” in Australia.
You would’ve thought that they would’ve changed their restaurants to “Burger King’s” but, they had established themselves under the Hungry Jacks name and decided to keep it.
At this time you will only find Hungry Jacks restaurants in Australia.
Are Hungry Jacks The Same As Burger King
Hungry Jacks is the Australian version of Burger King, they are basically the same thing.
If you have ever been to a Burger King you will feel like you are at a Burger King when visiting Hungry Jacks.
What Are The Differences Between Hungry Jacks And Burger King
There are some differences between the American-based Burger King and its Australian match Hungry Jack.
- The breakfast sandwiched or “BREKKY’s” are very different in Australia
- The hashbrowns look very similar to McDonald’s style hashbrowns
- You will find grilled cheese sandwiches at Hungry Jack
- Hungry Jacks has sticky date pudding
- You can get ice cream and drumsticks at Hungry Jacks
- You will find Fanta Bursts and Bursties at Hungry Jacks
- At Hungry Jacks, you can order a side salad instead of fries in a kid’s meal
What Came First Burger King Or Hungry Jack
Burger King established its first in the United States, the brand under the name Hungry Jacks did not make an appearance in Australia until 1971.
Are There Any Other Countries Where Burger King Is Called Hungry Jack
Australia is the only country where you will find Burger King under the name of Hungry Jacks.
Was Burger King Always Called Burger King
Burger King has not always been called Burger King, when the restaurant first opened in 1954 it went by the name Insta-Burger King.
The name was simplified to Burger King in 1957.
Why Do Chain Restaurants Change Their Names In Different Countries
Sometimes the names of well-known restaurant chains do not translate well into the market and language of certain geographic regions making it common to change the name if needed.
The majority of chain restaurants will still maintain their branding and appearance.
You may also discover that chain restaurants will often alter their menus to suit the area of the world and the popular diets of the customers in that region.
Final Thoughts
Hungry Jacks and Burger King have an interesting story and a long history.
Regardless of the legal battles and contention between the two, they have managed to grow themselves into some of the most successful fast food chains in the world.
It appears that Hungry Jacks and Burger King are both here to stay.
