Burger King, based in Miami, recently opened a new pop-up restaurant in Costa Rica to introduce its plant-based items in the area, Food Industry Executive reported.
The new establishment, Burger King San Pedro, opened on Aug. 25 in San Jose, Costa Rica.
“We recognize the changing needs of our guests and our planet,” Sabrina Ferretti, VP, head of Burger King International Marketing, said. “Our goal is to offer the widest possible variety of meat-free meals to the largest possible demographic intersection. We want all of our guests to find something that suits their dietary desires, without sacrificing the great Burger King® taste they’ve come to know and love. Burger King® has introduced plant-based burgers in 70 countries and the ultimate goal is to offer plant-based options in our restaurants all over the world.”
The new slate of items will include the meatless options, Veggie Nuggets, the Veggie Whopper and the Veggie King.
“The global QSR chain has taken note of shifting attitudes toward meat and its alternatives,” the report continues. “With the plant-based meat market exploding, many guests, even those who do not follow a vegan lifestyle, are searching for other options with protein sourced from plants.”
The effort is one of several made by the franchise, including the launch of its plant-based items, Cajun Veggie King and the Vegan Nuggets at previous trial outlets in Vienna, Basel or Geneva.
“Costa Rica is one of the best-performing plant-based markets in LAC for Burger King®, based on sales of the Veggie Whopper at the company’s retail locations,” the report continues.
Following the establishment of the brand’s first LAC pop-up in Santiago, Chile and in Vienna, Austria, the launch will be developed through a collaboration with plant-based meat brand, The Vegetarian Butcher.
“The opening of the veggie restaurant in Costa Rica is the perfect way to celebrate our three-year partnership with Burger King. With products for all meat lovers – from vegetarians to carnivores,” Hugo Verkuil, CEO of The Vegetarian Butcher, said.