Burger King was founded in 1954 and began franchising in the US in 1959. It now has nearly 12,000 restaurants globally, generating over $500 million in annual revenue. To obtain a Burger King franchise requires an initial fee of $50,000 plus additional startup costs totaling $1.4-2.5 million. Franchisees must also pay monthly royalty and advertising fees. Qualifications include a net worth of $1.5 million and $500,000 in liquid assets.