The Whopper is the signature sandwich of the international fast food restaurant chain Burger King. Introduced in 1957, the Whopper has become synonymous with Burger King and is one of the most recognizable fast food items in the world. But what was the original price of this iconic burger back in 1967? Keep reading to find out.
The History of the Whopper
The Whopper was created in 1957 after Burger King founders James McLamore and David Edgerton realized their menu lacked a premium hamburger offering. At the time, the standard burger at Burger King (and most other quick service restaurants) contained only a thin patty and basic toppings. McLamore and Edgerton set out to create a bigger, better burger made with higher quality ingredients.
The end result was the Whopper – a 1/4 pound beef patty topped with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, and sliced onions on a sesame seed bun. The name “Whopper” was chosen because of the burger’s massive size compared to competitors’ offerings. It was priced at 37 cents, making it the most expensive sandwich on the menu.
The Whopper was an immediate success and has remained the signature menu item at Burger King for over 60 years. By 1967, 10 years after its debut, the Whopper had achieved international recognition and popularity. But how much did it cost at the time?
The Growth of Burger King in the 1960s
Burger King expanded rapidly throughout the United States in the 1960s due to the rising popularity of fast food and the immense success of the Whopper. The company adopted an aggressive franchising model, growing from a handful of Florida locations in 1957 to over 200 nationwide by 1967. The opening of a Burger King franchise required an initial investment of only $18,000, making it an attractive opportunity for many entrepreneurs and families.
By centering its menu around the lucrative Whopper, Burger King was able to set itself apart from competitors like McDonald’s and become the second largest burger chain behind McDonald’s by the late 1960s. McDonald’s focused on cheaper hamburgers like the 15 cent hamburger, while Burger King touted the superior size and quality of the 37 cent Whopper. This strategy allowed Burger King to cultivate a more premium brand image despite offering affordable fast food prices.
The Whopper in 1967
So what exactly was the price of a Whopper in 1967 at the height of its popularity? The cost of a standard Whopper sandwich in 1967 was 37 cents across all Burger King locations in the United States. While the price has steadily increased over the past five decades due to inflation and rising food costs, in 1967 it retailed for less than half a dollar.
To put the 37 cent price tag into perspective, the average hourly wage in the United States in 1967 was around $2.50. So a Whopper cost less than 1/6th of what the average American worker made in one hour. It was an indulgent yet affordable treat for families and workers on a budget.
The components of the Whopper also made it an incredible value at 37 cents. A 1/4 pound beef patty was almost unheard of at quick service restaurants at the time, yet Burger King included it as standard for their signature sandwich. Add in vegetables, condiments, and a lightly toasted bun and you had a filling and satisfying meal for under a dollar.
Adjusted for Inflation
While 37 cents was the actual price of a Whopper in 1967, how much would that equate to in today’s dollars when adjusted for over five decades of inflation?
| Year | Whopper Price | Adjusted for Inflation |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | $.37 | $3.01 |
| 2023 | $5.59 | $5.59 |
As the table shows, when adjusted for inflation, a 37 cent Whopper in 1967 would cost $3.01 in 2023 dollars. That’s still significantly cheaper than the current average Whopper price of $5.59. While costs have increased over the decades, the difference demonstrates just how inexpensive the Whopper was at the time, especially considering its premium status and high-quality ingredients.
Regional Price Variations
It’s important to note that while 37 cents was the standard, national price for a Whopper in 1967, there were some minor regional variations. Specific Burger King franchise owners had the ability to set their own prices to match local economic conditions and demand.
For example, in higher cost-of-living areas like New York City, a Whopper may have retailed for 39 or 40 cents instead of the corporate recommended 37 cent price. In rural or lower-income markets, it may have sold for 35 cents. But in the vast majority of its restaurants nationwide, Burger King sold the Whopper for 37 cents throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s.
So while a couple cents difference may have existed between regions, 37 cents can be considered the baseline, standard price for a Whopper in 1967 across the country.
The WHOPPER® Sandwich Today
Today, over 65 years after its debut, the Whopper remains Burger King’s signature sandwich and one of the most popular fast food burgers ever created. While the price has gradually increased over the decades to keep pace with inflation and food costs, Burger King still positions the Whopper as an affordable indulgence.
Adjusted for inflation, today’s Whopper prices are quite comparable to those 37 cent sandwiches back in 1967. Customers can still enjoy the same 1/4 pound of juicy flame-grilled beef, creamy mayonnaise, fresh vegetables, and perfectly toasted bun that made the original Whopper a hit.
The Whopper of today comes in a variety of flavors and limited-time offerings, like the Bacon King Whopper and the Spicy Whopper. But the classic original Whopper remains a menu staple, alongside fries and a soft drink as an American fast food tradition.
Conclusion
The Whopper first delighted customers with its large size, premium ingredients, and great value when it debuted in 1957 for 37 cents. By 1967, the signature Burger King sandwich had achieved nationwide recognition and popularity at the same 37 cent price. Adjusted for inflation over 55 years, that equates to about $3 in today’s dollars – still a great bargain for a filling meal. The Whopper represents a piece of Americana and its reasonable starting price of less than half a dollar contributed to its place as an iconic fast food burger.
