Braum’s under construction at former Burger King

Oklahoma City-based W.H. Braum Inc. is building its sixth Springfield store at the site of a former Burger King.

Wattsco of Oklahoma Inc. is serving as general contractor for the nearly 5,000-square-foot Braum’s restaurant at 3020 E. Sunshine St.

After demolishing the former Burger King in October 2013, crews began construction in November. Braum’s expects to open the restaurant in mid-May, said Amanda Beuchaw, the company’s public relations director.

“We believe the demand’s there,” said Beuchaw, noting the company most recently opened a restaurant in the Queen City in 2003 at 2617 W. Republic Road. “We are always looking to expand in Springfield. It’s been a great market.”

Beuchaw declined to disclose construction costs or details of the purchase of the 1-acre parcel. The property had a 2015 appraised value of $545,400, according to the Greene County assessor’s website.

The Burger King was among a flurry of restaurants put on the market after Burnsville, Minn.-based Duke and King Acquisition Corp. filed for bankruptcy in December 2010. It was listed for sale at $849,000 in mid-2012, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Beuchaw said the Braum’s restaurant would carry the chain’s signature mix of fast food, ice cream and groceries. All Braum’s restaurants are corporate owned.