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After 36 Years of Operation, Burger King Announces Permanent Exit From Argentina; Decision Is Part of Alsea’s Restructuring That Aims to Concentrate Investments in More Profitable Brands Like Starbucks
After more than three decades serving burgers in Argentina, Burger King has officially announced the closure of its operations in the country. The American chain, which arrived in 1989 in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is closing its doors after years of declining sales and loss of space to local competitors. The information comes from the Diário do Comércio portal.
Burger King’s Exit Strategy and Regional Restructuring
The decision is part of a divestment strategy by Alsea, the Mexican group that has held the franchise since 2006. The company also controls well-known brands such as Starbucks, Domino’s, and The Cheesecake Factory.
According to a statement, the priority now will be to redirect resources to businesses considered more profitable and with better performance in South America.
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In December 2024, Alsea had already made a similar move by selling 54 Burger King units in Spain to the British fund Cinven.
The operation in Argentina, therefore, follows the same logic of portfolio reorganization and focus on expanding brands with higher returns.
Starbucks Takes Center Stage in Strategy
Among the chains operated by the group, Starbucks is currently the highlight. The brand already has 133 coffee shops in Argentine territory and is set to receive new investments.
Meanwhile, Burger King leaves behind a network of 116 stores spread across 11 districts, including Mendoza.
Until 2018, the brand still held the runner-up position in the fast-food segment but was eventually surpassed by the local chain Mostaza.
The loss of market share and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of iconic stores, exacerbated the situation.
Potential Buyers and Next Steps
The sale process of the units will be conducted by the BBVA bank. Three groups have emerged as potential interested parties: Inverlat, owner of Havanna and former operator of Wendy’s and KFC;
Desarrolladora Gastronómica, responsible for chains such as Kentucky, Sbarro, and Chicken Chill;
and Int Food Services, an Ecuadorian group that operates KFC in other countries.
Negotiations are ongoing. So far, Alsea has maintained a discreet position and stated that new information will be disclosed “only through official institutional channels.”
With information from Diário do Comércio.
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