Could Burger King go Vegan?
Did you like the heading? And realistically just how possible is it that Burger King could go totally vegan?
So we’re now out of the COVID-19 lockdown In New Zealand and, at time of writing we’ve had no new cases for the past few days — long may that continue. Personally, I’ve found it fine — not much different as a matter of fact because I work from home anyway. Although I must admit to missing the cafe ambience where many of my books have been written. In saying that I did improvise by having a cafe app on my computer to give me that background noise plus I make a mean flat white with the frothy soy. Make it with good tasting fair trade coffee in a simple plunger — it’s the bomb!
Where was I?
Right — Burger King. Now I’m not much of a take-away, fast-food sort of a girl, but I do know that they have a place in our society and I applaud the ones who offer vegan choices. Image my surprise when I saw a news item come across my desk which said:
PETA is trying to get Burger King locations in New Zealand to reopen as vegan restaurants, post-pandemic.
I soon learned that the N.Z. Burger King had gone into receivership during the lockdown and so the animal rights organisation, PETA, wrote a letter to the receiver, KordaMentha, and asked that they consider reinventing the chain to an all-vegan business. It certainly would be revolutionary — well, here in N.Z. as this is a chain that is throughout the country.
It was reported back in April
The owners of the Burger King franchise in New Zealand have been placed in receivership owing more than $65 million. Receivers, KordaMentha, said the fast food chain which has more than 80 outlets around the country had been significantly affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
Our nation is now open into Level 2 — giving us all a greater amount of freedom and the fast food outlets are now open for business as usual. But it appears BK is really struggling which means around 2,600 employees will be out of work if it really does go under. (Although the Burger King in my neighbourhood appears to be doing fine).
Such an uncertain future, hence the reason PETA reached out and suggested that they rebrand. And to be perfectly honest what a great business plan that would be!!! They could easily market the fact that they sure will be helping to prevent any future likelihoods of zoonotic diseases!
The US CDC has warned that 75 per cent of new or emerging diseases originate in animals something we’ve known for a very long time. Let’s face it animals have given us avian and swine flues, bovine tuberculosis, Ebola, MERS, Nipah virus, SARS and COVID-19 not to mention AIDS, measles, Lymes and even Leprosy.
The thing is what a great time for a business to capitalize on the booming demand for vegan food. At the time of writing this — Burger King has not made a public response.
Until next time….
