Burger King celebrates brand milestones and 2021 logo revival

Burger King was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1953 as Insta‑Burger King, introducing flame‑broiled burgers and the Whopper in 1957. The chain was sold and renamed Burger King in 1959, later expanding its menu and nationwide presence.

The company’s advertising mascots have changed repeatedly: the animated “Little King” in the 1970s, the live‑action “Marvelous Magical Burger King” later that decade, the “Creepy King” in the 2000s, and the oversized “The King” introduced by Crispin Porter + Bogusky in 2004, which was retired and revived several times.

Burger King’s visual identity has also evolved. Early logos (1954–1969) featured a simple sun emblem and a bun‑sandwich motif introduced in 1957. A modernized design appeared in 1969, followed by a “swoosh” style from 1994‑1999 and a blue‑bun version from 1999‑2021. In January 2021 the brand launched a retro‑inspired logo, returning to its heritage bun design and discarding the swoosh after more than two decades.