Business
Why Burger King Is Called Hungry Jack’s in Australia?
Walk into any of the more than 440 Hungry Jack’s restaurants scattered across Australia and you’ll order a Whopper, fries and a Coke — exactly as you would at a Burger King anywhere else in the world. Yet the iconic American fast-food chain operates under a completely different name Down Under, a quirk that has puzzled international visitors for decades.
The story behind the name traces back more than 50 years to a trademark clash, a clever workaround involving pancake mix and a long-running legal battle that ultimately strengthened the Australian operation. As of March 2026, Hungry Jack’s remains the sole master franchise of Burger King Corporation in Australia, proudly Aussie-owned and deeply embedded in local culture while serving the same flame-grilled burgers that define the global brand.
The tale begins in 1970 when Canadian-born entrepreneur Jack Cowin secured the rights to bring Burger King to Australia. Cowin, who had already helped introduce KFC to the country, planned to open the first outlet in 1971. But he quickly discovered a major obstacle: the “Burger King” name was already trademarked in Australia by a local businessman named Don Dervan.
Dervan, an American immigrant, had opened a small drive-in takeaway restaurant called Burger King in Adelaide, South Australia, as early as 1962. At the time, the U.S. Burger King had not yet trademarked the name in Australia, allowing Dervan to register it locally. By the early 1970s, his operation had grown to about 17 locations. Dervan refused to sell or relinquish the trademark, telling representatives he would part with everything except the name.
Unable to use its global brand, Burger King — then owned by Pillsbury — provided Cowin with a list of alternative names based on existing trademarks the company already held. Cowin selected “Hungry Jack,” the name of a popular Pillsbury pancake mix sold in the United States. He tweaked it slightly to the possessive “Hungry Jack’s” and launched the first Australian restaurant in Innaloo, Perth, on April 18, 1971.
The rebranding proved successful. Hungry Jack’s expanded rapidly, building a strong local identity while delivering the same menu items as its American counterpart. The name stuck, becoming a familiar part of Australian fast-food culture alongside rivals like McDonald’s.
The 1990s Legal Battle
The situation grew more complicated in the 1990s when the original Australian “Burger King” trademark held by Dervan’s business lapsed. Burger King Corporation saw an opportunity and attempted to enter the market directly under its own name. The company opened several standalone Burger King outlets, mostly in New South Wales, while simultaneously blocking Hungry Jack’s from expanding by denying approval for new locations under the franchise agreement.
This move sparked a bitter legal dispute. Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd, controlled by Cowin, sued Burger King Corporation, alleging breach of the franchise agreement and bad faith conduct. In a landmark 2001 ruling, Australian courts sided with Hungry Jack’s. The judge found that Burger King had acted improperly by trying to undermine its own franchisee while competing directly against it.
The court awarded Hungry Jack’s substantial damages — reports at the time cited around $45 million to $71 million — and upheld the franchise agreement. Burger King ultimately withdrew its competing stores, which were rebranded as Hungry Jack’s. By 2002-2003, the parent company had effectively conceded the Australian market, leaving Hungry Jack’s as the undisputed operator.
The episode became a classic David-versus-Goliath story in Australian business circles, highlighting issues of good faith in franchise relationships. It also demonstrated the power of local branding and customer loyalty. By then, Australians had embraced Hungry Jack’s as their own, making a full switch to the Burger King name impractical and unnecessary.
Hungry Jack’s Today
In 2026, Hungry Jack’s operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Competitive Foods Australia, still led by the Cowin family interests. The chain employs more than 19,000 people and serves over 1.7 million customers weekly, grilling more than 125 million Australian beef patties each year. Its menu closely mirrors global Burger King offerings, including the Whopper, but with occasional Australia-specific items and promotions that reflect local tastes.
The restaurants maintain the same flame-grilled burgers, generous portions and quick-service model that define the brand worldwide. Hungry Jack’s has adapted to modern trends with plant-based options, breakfast menus and digital ordering while preserving the core experience that made it popular.
The name difference occasionally confuses tourists, who search for “Burger King” only to be directed to Hungry Jack’s. Many international visitors discover the quirk through social media or travel forums and leave with stories of the “Australian Burger King that isn’t called Burger King.”
Legal experts note that the case remains a notable example in franchise and trademark law, illustrating how early registration of names can shape international expansion and how courts can protect long-standing franchise relationships from bad-faith actions by franchisors.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Over five decades, Hungry Jack’s has become more than a fast-food outlet — it is a piece of Australian pop culture. The distinctive red and yellow branding, the “Have It Your Way” ethos (adapted locally) and memorable advertising campaigns have cemented its place alongside other homegrown or localized chains.
The story also serves as a cautionary tale for global brands: failing to secure trademarks in every market can lead to unexpected complications. Similar quirks have occurred with other companies, such as Woolworths, where an Australian retailer adopted the name after the U.S. version did not trademark it locally.
As of March 2026, there are no active plans to rebrand Hungry Jack’s to Burger King. The Australian operation thrives under its established name, benefiting from decades of customer familiarity and loyalty. The chain continues to expand selectively, focusing on prime locations and adapting to changing consumer preferences around sustainability, convenience and menu innovation.
For visitors and locals alike, stepping into a Hungry Jack’s offers the familiar taste of a Whopper while highlighting one of the more unusual chapters in global fast-food history. The name may differ, but the flame-grilled experience remains unmistakably consistent with Burger King restaurants worldwide.
The enduring success of Hungry Jack’s proves that sometimes the best-laid corporate plans can be upended by a single trademark — and that a clever alternative, combined with strong local management and customer support, can create something even more iconic in its own right.
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Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to debate the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, clash over oil exports and gas prices, and challenge President Donald Trump’s strategy as tensions surge in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising tensions in the Middle East are spilling into domestic energy policy debates as lawmakers weigh how global conflict is hitting Americans at the pump. With oil markets reacting to instability around the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over supply disruptions are now colliding with questions about whether U.S. energy policy serves domestic consumers first.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to argue that the current crisis underscores what he sees as a fundamental policy flaw: continuing to export U.S. oil while prices rise at home.
S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin breaks down Iran tensions, oil market volatility, supply disruptions, and global energy risks on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
When Bartiromo pointed to his legislation aimed at stopping U.S. oil exports during the Iran conflict and pressed him on why he supported that move, Khanna framed the issue as prioritizing domestic supply.
“Maria, it’s common sense. Why would we be sending our oil overseas when Americans are getting fleeced at the pump… We should have our oil supply for Americans… That would bring down the price,” Khanna said.
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The debate comes as oil flows through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes face disruptions, amplifying price volatility and renewing scrutiny over U.S. export policy first loosened nearly a decade ago. Critics argue exports strengthen global energy influence, while others say they disconnect domestic production from consumer relief.
U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) delivering remarks in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)
Bartiromo pushed back, noting that the U.S. has been producing oil at high levels and questioning whether restricting exports would address the broader energy picture.
“This was a giveaway in 2015 to the big oil companies… It was good for them… Not good for the average consumer,” Khanna added.
OIL PRICES PLUNGE AFTER IRAN SAYS STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN FOR COMMERCIAL SHIPPING TRAFFIC
The exchange reflects a broader divide over energy policy as global supply disruptions put pressure on prices while policymakers debate whether exports strengthen U.S. influence abroad or limit relief at home.
Lexington Institute vice president Rebecca Grant discusses the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and analyzes U.S.-Iran talks on ‘Making Money.’
Bartiromo also pressed Khanna on the broader strategy toward Iran, questioning how diplomacy would prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon and whether Tehran could be trusted.
“The American people are tired of it. They want people who are going to be team America. They want to bring gas prices down here and care about our nation and get us out of these wars,” he said.
Crude oil prices crossed the key psychological mark of $100 per barrel last week, the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite attempts by the US administration to reassure markets, the conflict in the oil-rich Middle East continues to intensify.
Iran has warned that oil prices could surge to as high as $200 per barrel if the conflict escalates further. Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader and son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic “tool of pressure” that must remain shut during the conflict. In a message aired on state television, he also warned that US military bases across the region could face attacks as Iran seeks retaliation for casualties from the conflict.
Oil prices have risen amid growing expectations that the Strait of Hormuz may remain shut, disrupting global energy trade. The narrow 33-km waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman carries more than 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in global energy markets.
What lies ahead for oil prices
Global crude oil prices could rise to $120 per barrel in the near term and potentially reach $150 per barrel if the war continues for over a month and geopolitical tensions remain elevated in West Asia, said Kayanat Chainwala, Assistant Vice President at Kotak Securities.
“Any prolonged disruption to this trade route will be bullish for crude oil and negative for other commodities, as it fuels inflation concerns and could delay interest rate cuts,” Chainwala said.
A report by Nuvama also noted that crude prices could climb to $150 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for four to eight weeks. However, such extreme price levels could eventually lead to demand destruction and trigger alternative supply responses.The report added that Asian economies are likely to bear the brunt of the disruption, as nearly 13 million barrels per day (mbpd) of oil shipments to countries including China, India, Japan and South Korea pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Systematix Institutional Equities said global crude markets have entered a phase of heightened volatility over the past two weeks, driven by the destruction of oil and gas assets in West Asia, which has added a strong geopolitical risk premium to prices.
“Tanker freight rates and insurance premiums for vessels passing through high-risk zones have also surged, significantly raising procurement costs,” the brokerage said.
How Indian stock markets may react
The Nifty 50 fell 5.3% last week as the Iran–Israel conflict, a weakening rupee, persistent FII outflows and concerns over fuel supply weighed on sentiment. While Systematix expects near-term volatility to impact valuations, it continues to prefer Reliance Industries, Petronet LNG, Deep Industries and Gulf Oil as long-term bets.
According to Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, market direction in the coming weeks will largely depend on developments in the Iran conflict and the trajectory of crude prices, given their implications for inflation, corporate margins, the current account deficit and RBI policy flexibility.
“A firm dollar and higher US bond yields may keep FIIs selective and volatility elevated. Selective value opportunities may emerge in fundamentally resilient and domestically driven sectors, while energy-sensitive segments could remain under pressure if crude prices stay elevated,” he said.
He added that domestic institutional buying has provided some cushion, but a sustained market recovery would likely require clear signs of geopolitical de-escalation, stabilisation in crude prices and improved clarity on fuel supply dynamics.
Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research – Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said market volatility is likely to persist as geopolitical tensions disrupt the energy market and keep risk sentiment fragile.
“Indian equities have seen a sharp correction in 2026 amid heightened global uncertainty, resulting in significant erosion of market value across segments,” Khemka said.
The Nifty 50 has declined over 11% so far this year, while the Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices are down around 10% each. In March alone, the Nifty has fallen about 8%, marking its steepest monthly decline since the pandemic-driven crash of March 2020.
On the currency front, the Indian rupee recently hit a record low of Rs 92.45 against the US dollar as rising energy prices and risk-off sentiment heightened concerns about India’s current account deficit, given the country imports nearly 88% of its crude oil requirements.
Elevated oil prices have also intensified concerns around inflationary pressures, widening external balances and pressure on corporate margins, prompting investors to trim equity exposure and shift towards safer assets.
“Rate-sensitive and cyclical sectors such as banking, financial services and automobiles have seen notable selling pressure,” Khemka added.
Looking ahead, markets are expected to remain highly sensitive to developments in the West Asia conflict, movements in crude oil prices and trends in foreign fund flows.
“Persistent foreign outflows and elevated oil prices could keep sentiment cautious, while any signs of easing geopolitical tensions may provide relief to markets,” he said.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
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A view shows a second-generation R1S at electric auto maker Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, on June 21, 2024.
Joel Angel Juarez | Reuters
A tornado damaged part of Rivian Automotive‘s factory in central Illinois over the weekend, according to a message sent to employees Sunday night by CEO RJ Scaringe that was viewed by CNBC.
The tornado touched down on the plant, Scarigne said. That area was being used for parts storage and logistics for Rivian’s upcoming R2, which is a crucial product for the company that’s expected to be on sale this spring.
Scaringe said operations in the damaged area are expected to resume this week, while other major portions of the plant, such as its assembly lines, are operating as planned. No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident, according to a company spokeswoman.
“While Building 2 has sustained damage and is closed for the time being as we complete our assessments, I am incredibly relieved to share that there were no injuries at our plant,” Scaringe said in his message to employees.
Scaringe said the company would “share more information as it becomes available, but for now, our priority is ensuring our Normal [Illinois] team is safe and supported.”
Apparent photos posted online of the aftermath, which was first reported by TechCrunch, showed damage to the roof and at least one wall of the recently constructed building.
The National Weather Service reports the factory was hit amid a “significant tornado outbreak” that occurred Friday across the upper Midwest. Confirmed tornadoes near the factory Friday night were classified as EF1, with estimated peak winds of 100 mph, according to NWS.
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American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Sommers joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to warn that a global oil shortfall and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could drive gas prices higher just as peak summer demand begins.
President Donald Trump pushed back Monday on his own energy secretary’s claim that a return to $3-a-gallon gas will not come through the end of the year.
“No, I think he’s wrong on that, totally wrong,” Trump told The Hill on Monday, when asked about Energy Secretary’s Christopher Wright’s interview with CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.
Trump remains steadfast in his conviction that gas prices in America are going to drop precipitously “as soon as this ends,” referring to the oil blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, echoing oft-repeated vows for those concerned that oil prices in America might actually return all the way up to Biden administration levels.
“The blockade is very powerful, very strong,” Trump added to The Hill, pointing at Iran’s obstruction effort. “They lose $500 million a day with the blockade up. We control it. They don’t control it.”
BESSENT WARNS GAS STATIONS THAT TREASURY DEPT WILL KEEP THEM ‘HONEST’ AFTER SPIKE IN PRICES
The AAA Fuel Prices state by state show the highest prices in the coastal states and the lowest prices in the midwest states. (Gasprices.aaa.com)
Wright’s comments were not all that unaligned with Trump’s position, but Wright was a bit less convicted on prices on when gas might drop below $3 again.
“I don’t know, that could happen later this year, that might not happen until next year, but prices have likely peaked and they will start going down,” Wright told CNN’s Jake Tapper, who asked further that gas “might not be under $3 a gallon until 2027?”
“Certainly, with a resolution of this conflict, you will see prices go down,” Wright added. “Prices across the board on energy prices will go down.”
OIL PRODUCERS ORG SHREDS CALIFORNIA DEM FOR BLAMING IRAN WAR FOR HIS DISTRICT’S GAS PRICES
Gas prices in the U.S. are higher amid the Iranian Strait of Hormuz obstruction, but they are still well below the Biden-era prices due to inflation caused by restrictive fossil fuel energy policy. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
“Under $3 a gallon is pretty tremendous — in inflation-adjusted terms,” Wright added to Tapper. “We had that in the Trump administration, but we hadn’t seen that in inflation-adjusted terms for quite a long time. We will get back there, for sure.”
Fuel prices in America on Monday are at an average of $4.04, according to AAA.
The highest average prices come in the coastal states, the only places where gas is over $4, while the midwest states have the lowest averages in the low-to-mid 3s.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEV | CHARGING ROBOTICS INC | 3.3 | +0.80 | +32.00% |
| SUN | SUNOCO | 63.05 | -1.49 | -2.31% |
| XOM | EXXON MOBIL CORP. | 146.44 | -5.54 | -3.65% |
| CVX | CHEVRON CORP. | 183.99 | -4.16 | -2.21% |
| SHEL | SHELL PLC | 87.81 | -3.69 | -4.03% |
| DINO | HF SINCLAIR | 57.15 | -2.96 | -4.92% |
BESSENT RULES OUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN OIL FUTURES MARKET DURING IRAN WAR
Trump had long warned that the rise in American gas prices at the pump was a transitory inflation issue on the expectation that global oil supply was strained due to Iran’s retaliatory choking off of oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have also noted for weeks that the U.S. is a net exporter of oil, has plenty of supply, with only a fraction of oil from the Middle East. So when local gas stations raised prices under the fear of future supply shortages elsewhere around the globe — potential “bad actors,” according to Bessent — they were not only guessing, but expecting something that would never come, they argued.
“We’ll be looking at Treasury to try to keep the retail gas stations honest — that you did this on the way up, better be doing this on the way down,” Bessent told the CNBC Invest in America Forum last week. “And I am sure the president will call out anyone who’s a bad actor.”
Former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down the global oil supply shock driving gas prices higher, weigh in on when relief could come at the pump and slam Democratic energy policies.
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What went up, must now come down, Bessent told the CNBC forum host Wednesday when asked if the above was a warning.
“I’m sure that,” Bessent said with a calculated pause, “everyone will be a good actor.”
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