James McLamore and David Edgerton: From Flipping Burgers to Fast Food Royalty

In partnership with

The Spark: A Whopper of an Idea

In the sweltering heat of Miami, 1954, two young entrepreneurs stood outside a small burger joint, their eyes gleaming with ambition. James McLamore and David Edgerton had just witnessed the meteoric rise of McDonald's, and they knew they had to act fast. With nothing but $12,000 in their pockets and a dream of revolutionizing fast food, they were about to embark on a journey that would change the face of the industry forever.

Grilling the Competition: Challenges and Breakthroughs

Flame-Broiled Beginnings

McLamore and Edgerton's story began with the acquisition of a struggling franchise called Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. The previous owners had run into financial difficulties, but where others saw failure, these visionaries saw opportunity.

The Secret Sauce

Their breakthrough came with the introduction of the Insta-Broiler, a revolutionary cooking device that would become the cornerstone of their operation. This machine allowed them to produce consistently delicious burgers at a rapid pace, setting them apart from the competition.

The Recipe for Success: Building an Empire

Whopper-Sized Vision

In 1957, McLamore and Edgerton made a decision that would define their brand: they introduced the Whopper. Priced at a whopping 37 cents, it was twice the price of a regular hamburger but promised a taste experience like no other.

Franchising Frenzy

The duo's business acumen shone through in their franchising strategy. They expanded rapidly, reaching over 250 locations in just eight years. Their approach was so successful that it caught the eye of the Pillsbury Company, which acquired Burger King in 1967 for a tasty sum.

Lessons from the Grill: Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Innovate or Flame Out: The Insta-Broiler and the Whopper were game-changers. Always look for ways to differentiate your product.

2. Strike While the Iron's Hot: McLamore and Edgerton saw an opportunity in the fast-food market and moved quickly to capitalize on it.

3. Build a Strong Foundation: Their focus on quality and consistency laid the groundwork for a global empire.

The Royal Feast: Achieving Fast Food Dominance

Today, Burger King boasts over 18,000 locations in more than 100 countries. The brand that McLamore and Edgerton built from the ground up has become a household name, standing toe-to-toe with industry giants.

In the cutthroat world of fast food, James McLamore and David Edgerton proved that with the right recipe of innovation, timing, and sheer determination, anyone can go from flipping burgers to wearing the crown. So, aspiring entrepreneurs, ask yourselves: What's your Whopper-sized idea?

This post was made in partnership with DEEL. DEEL helps companies simplify every aspect of managing an international workforce, from culture and onboarding, to local payroll and compliance.

Discover the many benefits of global hiring

Global hiring and remote work are rising. Deel’s here to help. With our Business Case for Global Hiring Guide, we’ll guide you through everything.

Learn more about:

• Benefits of global hiring

• Global hiring methods

• Costs of global hiring

• Solutions to global hiring challenges

Isn't it time you dive into a world of global hiring capabilities? Explore the ins and outs of global hiring with our free, ready-to-use guide.

Download now