The BK Lounges

in Traverse City

As my dad and I drove home from the Home Depot last night, I asked him a serious question. I said, "Do you really think Traverse City can support four Burger Kings?"

As we talked about the number of BKs in TC, we realized there are actually six of them — SIX Burger Kings in Traverse City, Michigan. Unless there are more, we came up with Chums Corners, by Meijer on M-37, corner of Front and Garfield, corner of Garfield and South Airport, Acme, and by Home Depot.

What brought the question about is that I have never seen more than three or four cars at the Burger King right by the Home Depot. The busiest ones in my mind are the one on the corner of Front and Garfield and the one just down the road at South Airport and Garfield. The ones by Meijer and in Acme never seem overly busy.

Of course, this is not based on any data metric at all, just opinion. And, I'll be honest, I never have paid that close attention to the number of customers at Traverse City, Michigan, Burger Kings. But I do have to wonder if it is necessary to have six of them in TC? How much revenue does a Burger King or McDonalds have to produce to be viable?

As far as McDonald's in TC there are several spots, as well. Locations include Front Street, Acme, Chums Corners, across from Meijer on M-37, corner of Cass St. and South Airport.

As far as I know there are only two Wendy's, and I'm not even sure the Acme Wendy's is open anymore. It used to be that the Wendy's in Acme was a great place to stop and enjoy the salad and other items available at the Super Bar — that went away 25 years ago!

It's clear that Traverse City has been able to support four, er, six Burger Kings for several years; however, I would be curious if TCMI really needs that many fast food options …