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Return of the King

July 18th, 2007

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In the wake of Krispy Kreme’s insane success, Burger King has returned to Japan, and their second shop set up business in the basement of Sunshine City last month. A very good location–they are the first shop people see coming in through the underground passage starting at Tokyu Hands. Their success does not seem to come close to rivaling Krispy Kreme’s, but they had pretty long lines; the McDonald’s down the way had nobody in line, despite a steady supply of customers.

The location might explain some of it, but likely it’s the “new thing” effect that Krispy Kreme totally made off with that has helped out Burger King. The chain was previously here in Japan for several years, but lost out to McDonald’s in a price war.

In the meantime, McDonald’s, feeling the heat from places like Starbucks, has decided to start their own brand of McCafe at the end of August, offering low-cost alternatives to Starbucks. What, a McFrappuchino for ¥250?

Categories: Focus on Japan 2007, Ikebukuro Tags: by
  1. Brian Bland
    July 19th, 2007 at 11:13 | #1

    Hi Luis,
    I’m sorry this has nothing to do with BK and I hope I’m not being rude in asking you a question that has nothing to do with your blog.
    My little brother and his wife moved to Tokyo about six months ago and just had a child. I was wondering if you could recommend any place in Japan that I could order a gift to be sent to them.
    I will definitely understand if you would rather not respond to this.
    Thanks for giving me something to read over my oatmeal every morning.

    Brian

  2. Andy
    July 20th, 2007 at 01:28 | #2

    Hey, I was wondering the same thing. Saw that line in Ikebukuro. Whats the deal with Burger king ?? I mean, dont they taste gross??

  3. ykw
    July 20th, 2007 at 05:18 | #3

    It seems Americans are starting to focus more on Whole Foods for high end food. Their prices are definitely higher, yet not too high.

    www DOT wholefoodsmarket AT com

  4. Luis
    July 21st, 2007 at 16:10 | #4

    Andy: I liked the last Whopper I had when I was in the U.S., but to each their own.

  5. Andy
    July 22nd, 2007 at 08:42 | #5

    Yeah, Burger King is definitely a step up from McDonalds. I still like places like Burgerville and In and Out much better tho. Maybe its the way they’re run locally, i felt gross when i eat at mcD and BK.

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