Burger King has been praised by customers for announcing that it will use its social media platforms to promote independent restaurants, which have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
The fast food chain took to Twitter last night to explain its decision to temporarily stop promoting items from its own menu.
As part of the #WhopperAndFriends initiative, Burger Kign will give free social media advertising to independent restaurants that have to shut in Tier 3 areas.
Responses to the announcement have gushed about the ‘generous initiative’ and said they hope more businesses will join in, as restaurants in Tier 3 close their doors unless they can offer takeaway.
Burger King has announced they will be promoting independent restaurants who are in tier 3 on their Instagram until they’re able to reopen. Pictured: The signature dish from The Pink Simba in Harrow
Posting on Twitter last night, Burger King said there are thousands of restaurants who deserve to be as famous as the home of the Whopper. Pictured left: Signature dish at 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters in Sheffield, pictured right: Signature dish at Taking Care of Burgers in Leeds
The viral post encourages independent eateries to share images of their signature dishes using the hashtag #WhopperAndFriends, which are then being re-posted across the @BurgerKingUK Instagram channel.
Launching the initiative, the home of the Whopper wrote: ‘There’s Roti King, Sultan’s Place, Tayyab’s, Eco, Dumplings Legend, Ochi’s, Damak, Platzki…
‘In short, there are many great dishes from thousands of restaurants that deserve to be as famous as the Whopper.
‘As we head into tier three across more parts of the country, it’s clear independent restaurants need all our support.
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‘So, we’ve decided to give you a break from our burger pics and make our Instagram available to all these restaurants. Until they can reopen, the can advertise on our Instagram for free.
Almost 2,000 people have re-tweeted the post on Burger King’s Twitter page. Pictured: Signature dish at ZAAP Thai Street Food in Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle and York
Burger king boast almost 30,000 followers on Instagram. Pictured left: Signature dish at The Rustic Arms in Yorkshire, pictured right: Signature dish at mobile catering company WEFUMO
Burger King’s latest initiative follows their move earlier this year, when they encouraged fans to buy from McDonald’s
‘Friends from the hospitality industry: if you want us to share your signature dish on Instagram, post it with #WhopperAndFriends’
Restaurants in Leeds, London and Nottingham have already started posting photos of meals from their menus for the fast food giant to share with their almost 30,000 Instagram followers.
Many social media users have been impressed with the announcement, with some revealing they wouldn’t usually purchase from Burger King but will start because of their initiatives throughout the pandemic.
One person wrote: ‘Now this is a great initiative – well played @BurgerKingUK. Hoping that other brands will help our small indies (maybe in retail too)’
‘Kudos @BurgerKing simply awesome. I’m not normally a burgers gal but once this is all over I may just be giving you a shot. Well played,’ another said.
A third added: ‘What Burger King is doing is great, what you’re offering is amazing and so lovely! People don’t realise how hard it can be to make good engaging content.’
The announcement follows Burger King’s decision earlier this year to encourage fans to buy from McDonald’s to support hospitality workers during the second national lockdown in England.
Many social media users have praised Burger King for offering their support to independent restaurants and voiced hope for more businesses to follow in their steps
Source: Food Recipes and News
