Burger King: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Burger King traces its origins to 1953, when Keith J. Cramer and Matthew Burns founded Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. The original concept centered on a piece of equipment called the Insta-Broiler, which could cook burgers quickly and consistently. In 1954, Miami-based franchisees James McLamore and David Edgerton, both graduates of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, acquired a franchise license and opened their first location. McLamore and Edgerton eventually purchased the company, renamed it Burger King, and introduced the flame-broiled Whopper sandwich in 1957, which became the brand's signature menu item.

Over the following decades, Burger King changed ownership several times. Pillsbury acquired the chain in 1967, followed by Grand Metropolitan and then Diageo through corporate mergers. In 2002, a consortium of private equity firms, including Texas Pacific Group, Bain Capital, and Goldman Sachs, purchased the company. Burger King went public in 2006. In 2010, 3G Capital, a Brazilian-American investment firm, acquired the company and took it private again. Then in 2014, Burger King merged with Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons to form Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which later added Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Firehouse Subs to its portfolio.

Today, Burger King operates approximately 19,700 restaurants worldwide, with roughly 6,500 locations in the United States. The company operates primarily through a franchise model, with the vast majority of its restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees. Restaurant Brands International, the parent company, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. The brand employs an estimated 30,000-plus corporate and company-owned restaurant workers, with franchised locations employing significantly more across the global system.

Company culture and employee programs:

Burger King's workforce is composed largely of hourly, entry-level crew members, shift coordinators, and restaurant managers. The company offers structured training programs for new hires, with defined pathways from crew member to shift coordinator to assistant manager and general manager. Benefits at corporate-owned locations may include meal discounts, flexible scheduling, 401(k) retirement plans for eligible employees, and health insurance options for qualifying full-time workers. Franchised locations, which represent the majority of Burger King restaurants, set their own specific benefits and compensation structures while adhering to brand standards. The company also offers a scholarship program and tuition assistance through partnerships with select educational institutions.

Yes. Most Burger King locations conduct background checks on candidates who have received a conditional offer of employment. The scope and depth of the Burger King background check can differ depending on whether the location is corporate-owned or franchised, the position being filled, and applicable state or local regulations. Entry-level crew positions typically undergo standard criminal background screening, while management roles may involve more comprehensive checks.

The Burger King hiring process generally follows these steps:

The timeline from application to start date varies by location but commonly ranges from one to three weeks.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the screenings ordered and record accessibility. Database searches can close in minutes, whereas searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may extend beyond a week. For Burger King positions, which typically involve standard employment screening, most candidates can expect results within this typical timeframe. Delays may occur if records need to be verified at multiple courthouses or if the candidate has lived in multiple jurisdictions. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for details.

A background check report may include:

The specific components included in a Burger King background check depend on the position level, location, and franchise operator policies. Entry-level crew positions typically undergo basic criminal background checks, while management roles may require more comprehensive screening.

Look-back periods vary by state law, position, and the consumer reporting agency's data sources. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, following guidelines established by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, certain states have specific limitations on how far back employers can review, and some jurisdictions prohibit consideration of certain types of records altogether.

For example, several states limit reporting of most criminal convictions to seven years, while others have adopted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when and how employers can inquire about criminal history during the hiring process. Candidates should review their state's fair-chance laws to understand local limits that may apply to their Burger King application.

Burger King does not maintain a blanket policy that automatically disqualifies candidates with felony convictions. Many Burger King franchisees evaluate candidates with criminal records on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the position. Entry-level positions such as crew member, cook, and cashier are generally the most accessible roles for candidates with prior convictions. However, because the majority of Burger King locations are independently owned franchises, hiring policies regarding criminal history vary by operator. Convictions involving violent crimes, theft, or sexual offenses may affect eligibility at some locations. Candidates with criminal records should be prepared to discuss their background honestly during the interview process.

Burger King background check requirements vary depending on the position and location. At a minimum, most locations require candidates to consent to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Common requirements include:

Franchise operators may impose additional requirements beyond these baseline standards based on their own policies and local regulations.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how employers can obtain and use background check information. The FCRA requires employers to:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance also recommends that employers consider the specific circumstances of each case rather than applying blanket disqualification policies. This individualized assessment approach supports fair-chance hiring practices by allowing candidates to explain their background and demonstrate their qualifications for the role.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Burger King may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.