Tuesday, June 17, 2008

(Jolly old) BK sliders

Even with the U.K.’s love of all things royal, the Burger King may never have enjoyed a reception quite like he’s getting these days across the pond. The blogosphere is rippling with British-accented talk of the wooden-faced icon’s latest European menu addition, a product that seems likely to jump back home at some point. After all, what do Brits know about sliders?

Yet that’s what BK added to the menu of its British operations in late May. Not that this is your conventional mini-burger, a la what you’d get at White Castle, Krystal or any number of chains or fine-dining restaurants these days in the States. Indeed, BK’s new Angus 6 Pack is actually an oversized, scallop-edged burger that’s served with what could best be described as a modular bun. The patty is actually meant to be six small, interconnected burgers. The top and bottom of the bun are similarly styled. Patrons are urged to pull the item apart to form six minis—two topped just with catsup, two with catsup and cheese, and two with bacon added to those garnishes.

If the Angus 6 Pack is indeed added to the menus of stores in the U.S., it wouldn’t be the first time that Burger King featured sliders. In the 1980s, the chain added a multi-pack of minis called Burger Buddies. The product was indeed to be purchased as a snack. But franchisees yelped about the item because the little patties would slide through the grill of the concept’s signature chain broiler.

The use of a bigger, six-in-one patty would alleviate that problem.

2 comments:

  1. Why can't the chains just come up with a "sensible" sized burger. If it is not the Super Size Me/Over The Top burgers a la Hardee's, it is now the Mini-Me Burger!

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  2. I am a big fan of sliders. As a consumer, I want to be seduced by the operator's imagination. Seems BK is trying too hard..again. A slider is a small burger on a small (usually smaller) bun. Why make 'em a six pack? Why not just make them consistently good and generally available in quantities that I choose. What if I want it my way (remember that line) and order 3, or 9, even 11? Also, BK can easily fix their equipment to handle any size burger. Use a screen.

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