Burger King Ban: American City’s Reason
- In Mattoon, Illinois, a fast-food anomaly exists: Burger King is forbidden.
- the conflict began in 1957 when Gene and Betty Hoots established their restaurant, also named Burger King, in Mattoon.
- as the national chain expanded, it planned a location within 40 miles of Mattoon.
Burger King’s Illinois Ban: A Small Town’s Victory Over Fast Food Giant
Table of Contents
- Burger King’s Illinois Ban: A Small Town’s Victory Over Fast Food Giant
- Burger King’s Illinois Ban: Your Questions Answered
- Why Isn’t There a Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois?
- What’s the Story Behind the Burger King Ban in Mattoon?
- Who Won the Burger King Lawsuit?
- How did the Original Burger King Win?
- Is the Original Burger King in Mattoon Still Open?
- What’s the Current Status of the Burger King Ban?
- Did burger King Ever Try to Settle the Lawsuit?
- Will Burger King Ever Return to Mattoon?
- Comparing the Burger Kings: Mattoon vs. National
In Mattoon, Illinois, a fast-food anomaly exists: Burger King is forbidden. Unlike countless cities worldwide where the chain thrives, Mattoon maintains a legal blockade against the King, rooted in a decades-old court battle.
The David and Goliath Story of Burger King vs. Burger King
the conflict began in 1957 when Gene and Betty Hoots established their restaurant, also named Burger King, in Mattoon. While the national Burger King chain predates the Hoots’ establishment by three years, it didn’t expand into Illinois until 1961, giving the local Burger King a head start.
as the national chain expanded, it planned a location within 40 miles of Mattoon. In 1968, the Hoots family took legal action, arguing that the national chain’s use of the Burger King name infringed upon their established commercial rights within the area.
A Judge Rules for the Hometown burger King
A federal judge sided with the Hoots family, issuing an injunction that prohibited the national Burger King from opening a restaurant within a 20-mile radius of Mattoon. This ruling remains in effect, making Mattoon a unique territory where the Burger King logo is absent.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Burger king attempted to negotiate with the Hoots family, offering $10,000 to drop the lawsuit. Betty Hoots, speaking to the Illinois Times, stated they told Burger King to “leave.”
The Original Burger king Still Thrives
The original Burger King in Mattoon continues to operate under the ownership of Ernie Drummond, a former manager for the Hoots, and his wife, Jodi. The restaurant prides itself on fast, pleasant service and “fresh, never frozen hamburgers.”
Will Burger King Ever Return to Mattoon?
Burger king boasts approximately 19,000 locations worldwide, with nearly 6,800 in the United States. Yet,the iconic sign remains absent in Mattoon.
It remains unclear whether Burger King has attempted to establish a presence in the area or if they are content with the existing agreement, according to the Daily Mail.
Burger King’s Illinois Ban: Your Questions Answered
Why Isn’t There a Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois?
The absence of a national Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois, is a unique situation stemming from a decades-old legal dispute. Unlike most cities around the globe where the fast-food chain thrives, Mattoon has maintained a “legal blockade” against Burger King. The local Burger King restaurant successfully defended its rights, preventing the national chain from establishing a presence in the area.
What’s the Story Behind the Burger King Ban in Mattoon?
The story is a classic David vs. Goliath tale. the core conflict revolves around the use of the name “Burger King.”
1957: Gene and Betty Hoots established thier own restaurant in Mattoon and named it Burger King.
1961: The national Burger King chain, which predates the Hoots’ restaurant, expanded into Illinois.
1968: The national Burger King planned a location within 40 miles of Mattoon, prompting the Hoots family to take legal action. They argued that the national chain’s use of “Burger King” infringed on their local business rights.
Who Won the Burger King Lawsuit?
A federal judge sided wiht the Hoots family. This ruling prohibited the national Burger King from opening a restaurant within a 20-mile radius of Mattoon. This decision remains in effect today.
How did the Original Burger King Win?
The key to the original Burger King’s victory was that they had established their business in Mattoon before the national chain had expanded into Illinois. The Hoots family’s lawsuit argued that the national chain’s operation in the area would infringe their established commercial rights attached to the Burger King name, persuading the court that they had priority.
Is the Original Burger King in Mattoon Still Open?
Yes, the original Burger King continues to operate in Mattoon. It is currently owned by Ernie Drummond and his wife, Jodi.ernie Drummond was a former manager for the Hoots family. The restaurant prides itself on fast, amiable service and “fresh, never frozen hamburgers.”
What’s the Current Status of the Burger King Ban?
The ban remains in effect. The national Burger king is still prohibited from opening a restaurant within a 20-mile radius of Mattoon.
Did burger King Ever Try to Settle the Lawsuit?
According to a report by the Daily Mail,Burger King attempted to negotiate with the Hoots family and offered them $10,000 to drop the lawsuit. However, Betty Hoots, speaking to the Illinois Times*, stated they told burger King to “leave”.
Will Burger King Ever Return to Mattoon?
That remains uncertain. While the national Burger King company has a global presence with approximately 19,000 locations worldwide, and nearly 6,800 locations in the United States, the iconic sign is still missing in Mattoon. Whether Burger King has made further attempts to establish a presence in the area,or if they are satisfied with the existing agreement,is not publicly known.
Comparing the Burger Kings: Mattoon vs. National
Here’s a comparison of the two Burger King entities:
| Feature | Original Burger King (Mattoon) | National Burger King |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mattoon, Illinois | Worldwide (approx. 19,000 locations) |
| Ownership | Ernie Drummond & Jodi | Corporate |
| legal Status in Mattoon | Operates freely | Banned within 20-mile radius |
| Claim to Fame | “Fresh, never frozen hamburgers” & hometown history | Global fast-food chain |