• December 20, 2006

Burger King plans to open a restaurant in Tokyo mid-year 2007. It will be its first presence in Japan since 2001. The Miami-based chain expects to have 100 stores open in the next five years.

Asian partner Lotte Co. and Revamp Corp., a turnaround company, will run the restaurants. Burger King had operated restaurants in Japan from 1996 to 2001, but left the market due to weak sales and a price war with McDonald's.

However, the time is right to return: "Burger King Corporation is very focused on international growth, specifically in Asia where we have identified significant opportunities to grow the brand," said a Burger King spokeswoman.

Burger King does tailor menus to local tastes, but the spokeswoman wouldn't offer any specifics about the Japanese menu. -- Lisa Bertagnoli