CHICAGO — Burger King plans to launch a massive new coffee line as it tries to overhaul its breakfast menu and boost its slumping business.
The nation’s No. 2 burger chain will add Starbucks’ Seattle’s Best Coffee in a phased rollout that begins this summer, executives told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The move takes a page from rival McDonald’s success with its McCafe line of coffee drinks, which have been credited with boosting its performance. The deal also adds a new wrinkle to the coffee wars, because McDonald’s coffee campaign has been seen as taking aim at Starbucks.
“We’ll be delivering a better cup of coffee,” said John Schaufelberger, senior vice president of Burger King’s global product marketing and innovation, who said improving the company’s breakfast business is among the chain’s “top strategic priorities.”
More than 7,000 Burger Kings will sell the coffee and iced varieties that come with a choice of plain, vanilla or mocha flavors and whipped toppings.
