BURGER King is still evaluating whether Worcester would be a good place to launch a new location following news that 60 new restaurants are coming.

Earlier this month, Burger King revealed plans to open more than 60 new restaurants across the UK over the next two years.

Worcester previously had a Burger King in The Cross but it closed in the early 2000s, and a 'Bring Back Burger King to Worcester' petition to parliament was rejected because "It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for."

A spokesperson for Burger King said: "Burger King UK is regularly evaluating opportunities to bring our great-tasting products to more guests in new locations. 

"We do not currently have information to share with regard to this area, but we will keep you informed of further information if it becomes available."

The fast-food chain, which currently runs 553 UK restaurants, revealed higher sales but a slump in profits for the past year.

Burger King, which has been owned by private equity firm Bridgepoint since 2017, said its continued expansion helped to drive a 39 per cent jump in revenues to £294.5 million in 2022.

It came as the business opened 32 new restaurants and acquired 74 from the largest franchise partner, Karali Group.

Burger King UK directly owns 279 restaurants, with its remaining sites run as franchises.

The hospitality business said higher cost inflation caused underlying pre-tax earnings to fall to £15.2 million from £33.1 million a year earlier, despite the increase in sales.

Mr Murdoch said: “I am pleased to announce a resilient full-year performance and strong strategic progress in 2022 as we announce ambitious plans to open 60 new restaurants over the next two years.

“Alongside new restaurant openings and the acquisition of our largest franchise partner, Karali Group, we continued our strategic focus on growing digital sales including home delivery and the introduction of our loyalty scheme on the Burger King app.

“We also continued to invest in our customer proposition – our remodelling programme is well underway with 42 restaurants being upgraded during 2022 and 2023, and we are progressing our menu innovation to cater to all preferences.

“Looking ahead we see significant opportunity for further growth and are encouraged by the strong pipeline of new openings, supported by additional funding from Bridgepoint.”