Burger King Seeks Sanctions: Burger King, under the umbrella of Restaurant Brands International, has made a bold move, seeking sanctions against the lawyers involved in a class action that alleges the fast-food giant misled customers about the size of its burgers and sandwiches.
The revised lawsuit, according to Burger King, raises an “unfounded and unprecedented complaint” that displaying appealing images of menu items is somehow unlawful. The legal team representing the plaintiffs refutes these claims, asserting there’s no basis for the sanctions requested by Burger King.
This legal battle, ongoing for over a year in Miami federal court, involves allegations that Burger King’s Whoppers and other offerings are smaller than advertised. The company has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that its menu images accurately represent what customers receive.
While many claims in the case were retained by U.S. District Judge Roy Altman in August, he dismissed claims linked to TV and online ads, finding no explicit promise from Burger King regarding the size or weight of the burgers that it didn’t fulfill.
Customers participating in the proposed class action argue that Burger King misrepresented its burgers, making them seem 35% larger and containing twice as much meat as they actually do. In response, Burger King argued that the food images on its menu boards are meticulously crafted by skilled professionals using high-quality cameras. However, they acknowledged that these images may not perfectly align with the reality of quick-service restaurant operations.
Also Read: Burger King Whopper Lawsuit: Judge Rules Fast-Food Chain Must Defend Against Size Discrepancy Claims
Furthermore, Burger King highlighted that a similar lawsuit filed by two of the plaintiffs’ attorneys against its rival, Wendy’s, was dismissed in Brooklyn federal court in September.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address these allegations, and whether the lawyers involved will indeed face sanctions. A representative from Burger King has not issued an immediate response to the request for comment regarding this matter.
The case is titled Walter Coleman, et al., v. Burger King Corporation, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 1:22-cv-20295.
For the plaintiffs, the legal team includes Anthony Russo of The Russo Law Firm, Mark Panzavecchia of Panzavecchia & Associates, and James Kelly of The Law Offices of James C. Kelly. Representing Burger King are Michael Joblove of Venable and Jeffrey Jacobson of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the Burger King controversy?
Burger King faced a class action lawsuit claiming that their Whopper burger was falsely advertised to appear 35% larger than it actually was. The lawsuit also alleged that the burger contained significantly less meat than what was promised to customers.
Why did Burger King decline?
Burger King’s decline is evident from the consistent drop in sales. The inconsistency in product quality and customer service is a major contributor to this downfall. Customers anticipate the same taste and quality of their beloved Whopper, regardless of their location, be it New York or New Delhi.
What ingredients did Burger King ban?
Burger King has made a bold move by permanently removing 120 artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives from its menus across the country. This includes a range of additives that are difficult to pronounce, such as aluminum, bleached flour, sorbic acid, and Yellow #5 food dye. By taking this step, Burger King is prioritizing the health and well-being of its customers, while also ensuring that its food remains delicious and satisfying. This decision is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, natural ingredients in all of its menu items.
How Burger King faces lawsuit over size of Whopper?
Burger King is facing a class-action lawsuit from consumers who accuse the fast-food chain of deceiving customers. The lawsuit alleges that Burger King has breached its contract by showcasing its popular burger with overflowing ingredients that make the sandwich appear 35% larger. The customers claim that the burger contains more than double the amount of meat than what is actually served. This misleading advertising has caused harm to consumers who have paid for a product that does not meet their expectations.