Burger King is teaming up with a slew of other fast food chains to hand out free burgers on Sept. 21 in honor of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace on Monday, USA Today reported.
The chain is working with Denny’s, Wayback Burgers, Krystal, and Giraffas to hand out 1,500 “peace day burgers” to hungry customers at a pop-up restaurant in Atlanta, according to USA Today.
Per USA Today:
Burger King says the companies will give away the burgers on first-come, first-serve basis at a pop-up location near the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta. The burger will include elements of the Whopper, Denny’s Bacon Slamburger, Wayback’s Wayback Classic, Krystal’s cheese Krystal, and Giraffas’ Brutus.
The move comes after Burger King took out a full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times calling on main competitor McDonald’s to collaborate on a “McWhopper,” or a combined Burger King Whopper with a McDonald’s Big Mac. But CEO Steve Easterbrook penned an open letter saying that the company wouldn’t commit to a partnership. He wrote on Facebook:
Dear Burger King,
Inspiration for a good cause… great idea.
We love the intention but think our two brands could do something bigger to make a difference.
We commit to raise awareness worldwide, perhaps you’ll join us in a meaningful global effort?
And every day, let’s acknowledge that between us there is simply a friendly business competition and certainly not the unequaled circumstances of the real pain and suffering of war.
We’ll be in touch.
-Steve, McDonald’s CEO
P.S. A simple phone call will do next time.
The McWhopper that Burger King hoped to create would have been sold to benefit the organization, Peace One Day, which promotes the United Nation’s day to bring awareness to world peace set for Monday.
“As far as McDonald’s goes, any activity they undertake, whether in partnership with Burger King or on their own, would be incredible, as it will raise further awareness for Peace Day,” BK senior vice president Fernando Machado said in a statement. “And inadvertently, the McWhopper has 100% become a reality for some. The public wholeheartedly embraced the campaign and thousands of DIY McWhoppers have been created, reviewed, and shared on social media.”