Get All Access for $5/mo

Burger King Is Starting to Sell Hot Dogs 'It's so obvious,' says the company's head of North American operations. 'I don't know why we didn't do this before.'

This story originally appeared on Fortune Magazine

Burger King

Burger King is about to change up its menu in a big way.

That's what Alex Macedo, Burger King's president of North American operations, said as he introduced the chain's newest product—Grilled Dogs. "It's so obvious," he said. "I don't know why we didn't do this before." The company worked for a year and a half to make a product reminiscent of an outdoor barbecue, grill marks included.

The Grilled Dogs were tested in five cities last year: Salt Lake City, Memphis, Baltimore, Detroit, and Kansas City. Following a successful market test, and the biggest in Burger King's history, they will finally be rolled out to all of its U.S. locations on Feb. 23. Macedo says it's the most significant change to the fast food giant's menu since it began offering chicken in 1979.

There are two variations: a classic hot dog with relish, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard; and a chili cheese dog. They're made with 100% beef and cost $1.99 and $2.29 respectively. According to The Impulsive Buy, the chain also tested a "Rodeo" hot dog with onion rings, cheese, and barbecue sauce, an "A1 Ultimate" with bacon, cheese, and A1 sauce, and a corn dog—none of which made it to the permanent menu.

Classic Dog
Image credit: Michal Addady

Chili Cheese Dog
Image credit: Michal Addady

If the classic or chili cheese varieties aren't to your liking, customizations are available. Macedo noted that there are over 200,000 ways to order a Whopper, and he wants this to be "the Whopper of hot dogs." Though it's a significantly different addition, he's confident that operations won't be slowed down. After team members watch a couple of training videos narrated by Snoop Dogg and Charo, the hot dogs should be just as easy to make as any other product.

He added that while other quick service restaurants are trying to be different and move more toward the "fast casual" realm, Burger King wants to "keep it simple and align with the essence of the brand." Macedo expects the new products to bring in a lot of growth, though he wouldn't speculate how much.

Michal Addady

Writer at Fortune.com

Michal Addady is a writer for the Fortune website.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Business Solutions

Get Down to Business with Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for 70% Off

Unlock essential Office tools with a one-time purchase — ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to streamline their workflow.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.