Texas group rebuilding Burger King presence in Springfield

Another project is underway off of West Republic Road, and Springfieldians might be surprised by the new addition.

Despite the closure of at least three local Burger King restaurants over the last few years, Texas-based EYM Group LLC is building a Burger King restaurant and retail building in Springfield’s Republic Plaza at 1929 and 1937 W. Republic Road.

The two buildings are owned by EYM Realty of Missouri LLC, a real estate division of the franchisee group for Burger King, Denny's and Pizza Hut restaurants in eight states.

Salvador Elias, an EYM Group officer, said the group manages several Missouri Burger King locations, including restaurants in Kansas City and Springfield. EYM manages one of the four operating restaurants in Springfield. The other locations are managed by groups located in California, Minnesota and New Jersey, according to Greene county assessor records. 

"We believe in the city," Elias said. "We already have some presence there and we like it there. It's a nice community and that's why we decided to invest in the area."

The $1.2 million project is expected to be complete in August, across the street from the upcoming Magers Crossing retail center, Gene Taylor Community Outpatient Clinic and planned extension of Kansas Expressway. EYM Group does not have any signed tenants for the 2,100-square-foot retail building next to the restaurant, and the developer is not releasing lease information until construction is complete. 

Over the last few years, several Burger King restaurants have closed in Springfield. Former locations have been occupied by a Braum’s fast food restaurant, Casey’s General Store and CVS Pharmacy, according to previous Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

EYM Group acknowledged the sharp turn for the international brand, but Elias said the Burger King franchise is doing better after a change in ownership.

Burger King was bought out in 2010 by Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital, according to Forbes. Two years later, Burger King struck an $11 billion takeover of Tim Horton’s, a Canadian restaurant chain. Berkshire Hathaway helped fund the acquisition, and then the Burger King chain was renamed Restaurant Brands International. The new company doubled its quarterly net income in February to $118.4 million.

Since then, Elias said the Burger King brand has been more innovative and productive.

“Based on the ideas that they have, we believe in the brand,” he said.