How Burger King's Whopper Jr. Was Accidentally Invented
Did you know the Burger King Whopper is more than 65 years old, only a few years younger than the restaurant itself, per Britannica? The restaurant's founders created the sandwich in 1957, after learning of a competitor's success with extra-large burgers in Gainesville, Florida, reported The Gainesville Sun. Now a signature item, this flame-broiled burger is a fast food favorite all over the world, but what about its younger sibling, the Whopper Jr.?
Contrary to what some may assume, these two burgers were not introduced by the restaurant chain at the same time. In fact, by all accounts, the "Jr." didn't exist until the early '60s. What's even more interesting, though, is the rather serendipitous story behind its creation. The founders didn't wake up one morning and say, "You know what? Let's make a smaller version of the Whopper for kids to enjoy. Wouldn't that be fun?"
No. Burger King's Whopper Jr. was actually not planned at all; it was invented completely by accident (and necessity) in a single day by a man named Luis Arenas Pérez in Puerto Rico, according to Primera Hora.
The Whopper Jr. was the result of last-minute improvisation
Here's how it all started, according to legend: Burger King was founded in the early '50s in Florida, says the chain. Over time, as the restaurant became more popular, more restaurants started popping up in new locations across the U.S. and eventually in other territories and countries.
In 1963, Pérez opened his own franchise in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The date of the grand opening was approaching, but there was a problem, says The San Diego Union-Tribune: The bun molds for the regular Whoppers were MIA. Realizing the buns wouldn't arrive on time for opening day, Pérez decided to use the molds for the regular hamburger buns instead, but topped the smaller patties with the same ingredients as the Whopper. Flame-broiled beef patty, lettuce and tomatoes, mayo, ketchup, and pickles — all between the smaller sesame-seed-topped soft bun, and bam: The Whopper Jr. was born, just in time for the Carolina grand opening.
The enduring popularity of the Whopper Jr.
Despite the fact that Burger King's signature burger, the full-sized Whopper, made no appearance at the Carolina Burger King on opening day, it seemed like everybody who enjoyed the Whopper, from customers to higher-ups, had an equal-sized love for the Whopper Jr. Pérez's creation was such a big hit that — as we know — it was ultimately added to Burger King's official menu.
The new addition became the perfect flame-broiled burger option for customers who loved the taste and toppings of the original Whopper but were daunted by the original serving size. The Whopper Jr. is almost exactly half the size of the standard Whopper, according to Burger King — perfect for kids, or any adult who doesn't want to bite off more than they can chew.
Now known affectionately as the creator of the Whopper Jr. by El Nuevo Día and other hometown outlets, Pérez eventually landed a spot in the Burger King Hall of Fame, according to QSR Web, and grateful customers would agree he deserved the honor. It makes you wonder what other foods were the product of a fortunate accident, doesn't it?