Fast-food giant helping struggling franchisees

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 9:50 a.m.

MIAMI -- Super-sized debt from costly restaurant upgrades is choking some Burger King franchisees and in turn, the company's ability to grow, so the fast-food giant is stepping in to help.

Burger King said Monday it will pay the fees for financial services firm Trinity Capital to evaluate franchisees who apply for help restructuring their debt.

Years of corporate mandates to renovate signage and revamp restaurant landscaping and decor, among other improvements, have left some franchisees in financial straits, said Rob Doughty, a Burger King spokesman.

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