Burger King Says Coke’s Still the One

Burger King Corp. said it will stick with Coke and Dr Pepper/Seven-Up products at its restaurants, dealing yet another blow to PepsiCo Inc.’s efforts to strengthen its fountain business. Burger King, a unit of Britain’s Diageo, said it will continue its relationship with Coca-Cola Co. and Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Cos., a unit of Cadbury Schweppes. Pepsi had lobbied hard for the Burger King account. The hamburger chain also announced a major renovation of its 10,000 restaurants worldwide, including bright new color schemes, new employee uniforms, new products, including a half-pound “great American burger,” and even a new corporate logo. Burger King appears to be on a roll. The company says its share of the U.S. fast-food hamburger market increased from 17.2% in 1993 to 21.9% in 1998.