BK taps Lotte-Revamp group for Japan debutBK taps Lotte-Revamp group for Japan debut

MIAMI Burger King Corp. has awarded exclusive development rights for that country to Burger King Japan Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Tokyo-based Lotte Co. Ltd. and Revamp Corp., also based in Japan. —Signaling its brand’s impending debut in Japan’s hotly contested quick-service market,

Burger King Japan’s first unit is expected to open in Tokyo early this year, the Miami-based brand owner said. “Japan presents significant opportunities for Burger King and is important to our international development strategy,” said John Chidsey, Burger King’s chief executive. —Signaling its brand’s impending debut in Japan’s hotly contested quick-service market,

Japan is arch-rival McDonald’s second-largest national market outside the United States. —Signaling its brand’s impending debut in Japan’s hotly contested quick-service market,

Burger King opened its first branch in a neighboring economic powerhouse, South Korea, in 2005. —Signaling its brand’s impending debut in Japan’s hotly contested quick-service market,

Burger King and its franchisees operate more than 11,000 restaurants worldwide. —Signaling its brand’s impending debut in Japan’s hotly contested quick-service market,