In 1998, Burger King in Manhattan Had Free Internet Access for Customers

In 1998, the internet was still a relatively new phenomenon, largely confined to universities and research institutions. Recognizing the emerging potential of this technology, Burger King made a bold move: they opened the first-ever internet cafe at a location in Manhattan, New York City.

This innovative venture aimed to capitalize on the growing public interest in the internet while providing customers with a unique dining experience. The cafe offered free internet access to patrons who purchased a meal, allowing them to browse the web, check email, and explore the burgeoning online world while enjoying their Whoppers.

At a Burger King restaurant in New York’s financial district, you might hear an unusual question: Do fries come with the World Wide Web?

The Burger King at 182 Broadway was the first to offer Internet access. The Internet came with fries and burgers at the Burger King on Broadway at John Street in Manhattan, which was providing 20 minutes of Internet time with each minimum purchase of $4.99 ($3.29 for breakfast). The restaurant has mounted 20 computers with access to the Internet above a countertop where, in an earlier age, people might have punched in their jukebox selections rather than URLs.

Imagine stepping into a Burger King in 1998. Instead of the sleek, modern interiors we’re accustomed to today, you’d likely find a more traditional fast-food setting with a dedicated corner or section equipped with a few clunky computers. Dial-up connections were the norm, so the experience would be slow by today’s standards, but it was undeniably groundbreaking for the time.

Burger King’s experiment with internet cafes was a pioneering effort in the fast-food industry. It demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to customer engagement and recognized the potential of the internet to revolutionize how people interact with businesses. While the widespread adoption of internet cafes didn’t quite materialize as predicted, Burger King’s initiative serves as a reminder of the company’s willingness to embrace new technologies and explore innovative concepts.