Burger King has unveiled ambitious plans to more than triple its restaurant footprint in China over the next decade, under a new joint venture with Beijing-based private equity firm CPE. The expansion strategy is part of the fast-food giant’s effort to tap into the growing Chinese market and strengthen its presence in Asia.

Under the agreement, the newly formed Burger King China will receive a $350 million investment from CPE. Once finalized, CPE will hold an approximately 83% stake, while Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, will retain 17% ownership and a seat on the board.

---

Expansion Goals: From 1,250 to 4,000+ Locations

Currently, Burger King operates roughly 1,250 restaurants in China. The joint venture plans to expand this number to more than 4,000 outlets by 2035, representing a significant push to grow the brand in one of the world’s largest fast-food markets.

“China remains one of the most exciting long-term opportunities for Burger King globally,” said RBI CEO Joshua Kobza.
“Our recent investments and this joint venture underscore our confidence in the Chinese market and will unlock Burger King’s full potential.”

---

History and Market Context

Burger King first entered China in 2005, opening its inaugural outlet opposite a Buddhist temple in downtown Shanghai. Despite its global brand recognition, Burger King has struggled to achieve the same success as rivals like McDonald’s and KFC in the country.

• KFC: Over 12,600 restaurants in China as of September 2025.
• McDonald’s: Around 6,800 outlets last year.

The competition remains fierce, with Western fast-food chains and growing local competitors fighting for market share in China’s rapidly evolving food industry.

---

Strategic Investment and Growth Plans

The joint venture with CPE will provide Burger King with the capital and local expertise necessary to scale operations rapidly. The partnership reflects a broader trend of Western food and beverage companies leveraging local private equity partnerships to expand in China.

A similar move was made by Starbucks, which last week announced it would sell 60% of its China business to Hong Kong-based Boyu Capital, aiming to grow its coffeehouse network from 8,000 to over 20,000 outlets.

“This presents a path to grow and better compete in a highly competitive market,” said Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol.

---

Future Outlook for Burger King in China

With the Chinese middle class continuing to expand and urban populations increasingly embracing Western dining experiences, Burger King aims to capture a larger share of China’s fast-food market. The joint venture will allow the chain to adapt its menu, marketing, and service model to local tastes while accelerating outlet openings across major cities.

Industry analysts suggest that Burger King’s expansion, if successful, could significantly narrow the gap with McDonald’s and KFC, positioning it as a more prominent competitor in China’s multi-billion-dollar fast-food sector.