Burger King's 'Impossible' Whopper Sparks Fast-Food Chain’s Best Quarter Since 2015

Burger King is the latest fast-food chain to post huge business due to the introduction of meatless menu items.

In their third-quarter earnings report, Restaurant Brands (QSR), the parent company of Burger King, reported a 10% increase in sales at the chain, singling out the success of the plant-based Impossible Whopper. Burger King locations that were open for at least a year posted a 5% growth in sales, the best number since 2015, CNN reports.

Restaurant Brands shares have risen roughly 30% in the past year, driven by both the Impossible Whopper and the viral success of the Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich. This growth far outpaced its rivals, including the 10% for McDonald’s and 20% for Yum! Brands, the owner of KFC and Taco Bell.

Beyond Meat, another plant-based meat substitute company, has also driven success for other fast-food chains. Doughnut and coffee chain Dunkin recently moved up the nationwide rollout of its Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich two months following the success of the item in its New York City initial release.

Beyond saw much less success with Canadian chain Tim Hortons, which pulled Beyond Meat sandwiches from its stores in all but two provinces due to meager sales. Tim Hortons is also owned by Restaurant Brands.