Miami-Dade County Mayor and The Beacon Council announce Burger King commitment to Miami

(Miami, FL – Aug. 27, 2014) – Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and The Beacon Council President & CEO Larry K. Williams spoke with Burger King CEO Daniel Schwartz about the company’s definitive agreement with Tim Hortons under which the two companies will create a new global powerhouse in the quick service restaurant sector. With approximately $23 billion in system sales, the new company will have an extensive international footprint and significant growth potential.

Schwartz stated: “We are excited to bring together these two iconic brands under one roof and believe we will be able to create more value together than either company could deliver on its own. The brands themselves will continue to be managed independently and Burger King’s global headquarters will remain in Miami where it was founded 60 years ago. We’re extremely proud of our heritage and our deep roots here and will continue to support and preserve our long-standing commitment to the local community.” 

The Burger King announcement caused speculation locally and it was important to Mayor Gimenez and Williams to understand any possible implications to the local economy.

“I am very happy to have been informed that the 'original Home of the Whopper' will continue to call Miami-Dade County home,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said. “Burger King is a part of our community and a major employer for nearly six decades. We hope they will remain in Miami-Dade for decades to come." 

“It was great to hear directly from Daniel about Burger King’s rich history in Miami-Dade County and how they are committed to our community,” The Beacon Council President & CEO Larry K. Williams said. “We will continue to engage in future conversations with Burger King about our local economy.”

Schwartz added that the majority of Burger King Restaurants are franchises, which are small businesses that support the local economy.  

About The Beacon Council
The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, is a not-for-profit, public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth by coordinating community-wide programs; promoting minority business and urban economic revitalization; providing assistance to local businesses in their expansion efforts; and marketing Greater Miami throughout the world.