Burger King’s CEO tries to strike a balance on prices

On the call: Burger King CEO John Chidsey

Burger King Holdings Inc. has tried to strike a balance when adding new items to its menu during the most recent quarter, making sure it has offerings on its value menu like its BK Breakfast Muffin and as well as higher-priced products like its the more expensive BK Breakfast Bowl.

But one of the quarter’s most successful menu items was its BK Fire-Grilled Ribs, which sold out of restaurants earlier than anticipated.

Chairman and CEO John Chidsey explained how the items, which typically cost more than $7 for some eight-piece orders, fared during a conference call with investors on Tuesday.

QUESTION: How did rib sales affect results?

RESPONSE: “Many of our guests opted to buy the larger rib pack size, helping to sequentially increase average check in the U.S. over third quarter’s average check. The over 10 million ribs sold demonstrated that guests are willing to pay higher price points for compelling, innovative products.