The concept started gaining traction in the 1950s, and the Whopper arrived in 1957. It was large, flame-broiled and topped with fresh ingredients — and it became the sandwich the chain built its name on. From early on, Burger King emphasized consistency and let customers decide how they wanted their food prepared.
By the 1970s, slogans like “have it your way” became part of the company’s identity. Ads pushed this idea hard, with scenes of made-to-order burgers and families enjoying quick meals together.
Uniforms, signs and restaurant interiors reflected the style of each era. In the late 1970s, some locations highlighted their team’s “genuine smiles” in local advertising. That balance of national branding and local ownership helped Burger King feel familiar wherever people found one.
Below, we’ve collected vintage photos, ads and articles that show how Burger King grew from a new idea into a staple of fast food. Take a look through the decades to see how the chain built its place in American culture.
Where 60-second service begins with a smile… and ends with one (1966)
Burger King — the nation’s fastest-growing chain of self-service restaurants — is so delightfully different, no wonder it has caught America’s fancy!
Not a drive-in… not a cafeteria… not a diner — Burger King is a unique concept in restaurants, designed for America-on-the-move.
At Burger King, there are no waiters, no waiting, no tipping. Give your order, and in just about 60 seconds, your hot food is ready to enjoy. The atmosphere is home-like, casual, relaxed. And you can eat inside where the weather is perfect for comfort.
The whole family will enjoy the good-tasting, nourishing food — like the famous open-flame broiled Whopper… an exclusive Burger King creation that’s a nutritionally-balanced meal in itself — big enough to satisfy a healthy appetite. And the kids will love those super-size shakes, too.
Wherever you go…. look for the sign of the happy King on a Bun. It’s the sign of good food, 60-second service, and pleasingly low prices. That’s Burger King — home of the Whopper.
1966 Burger King: In all the world, there’s only one Whopper
Have it your way, at Burger King (1976)
Getting what you want at Burger King goes double now. Big, juicy double beef hamburgers. Double beef cheeseburgers. And double beef Whopper sandwiches. Twice the beef in every bite. And delicious.
Get ’em with all the trimmings. Or we’ll make ’em for you special — on the double. Only Burger King fixes it your way without a lot of waiting.
Herb – you must be joking: Vintage Burger King slogan bumper sticker
Vintage Burger King magazine ad – Baseball family (1976)
Burger King and Cap’n Crunch cereal (1976)
ALSO SEE: 70 popular vintage 1970s cereals we loved & we miss
Burger King restaurant workers in uniform (1978)
“These smiles are the genuine article – not pasted on. Our customers like that!” – Floyd Bond, owner-operator of two Burger King restaurants, Los Angeles, California
Before they were famous: Actresses in a Burger King commercial (c1982)
In the front here, we have Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lea Thompson, and Elisabeth Shue (the latter two would reunite a few years later in the Back to the Future movies!).
Vintage Burger King Whopper 1984
Burger King in Black Enterprise magazine (Oct 1982)
Burger King fast food – Salad or pita? (1984)
Burger King Whopper ad – Aren’t you hungry (1984)
Vintage 1980s Burger King ad – Make it special
Burger King – Black History Month (1989)
Burger King Big King (1998)
