Burger King menu brings unexpected international collaboration to US | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

American fast-food chains often seem to save the most exciting limited-time menu items for their international markets — often launching exotic desserts, crazy burgers, and unexpected partnerships in other countries.

While factors out of their control may lead them to make these choices, it’s hard not to wonder if U.S. consumers are being left out of all the fun releases on purpose.

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Fast-food giants like McDonald’s (MCD) , Burger King, and Starbucks (SBUX) frequently find themselves at the center of these speculations, which can lead to backlash from their own customers.

When Starbucks Japan gets a cool new seasonal Frappuccino, McDonald’s Singapore unveils a new Crispy Mac ‘N Cheesy Wrap, and Burger King releases an exciting collaboration anywhere but in the U.S., jealousy can get the best of anyone, prompting some of us to make one or two nasty comments on social media.

Burger King brings an international partnership to the U.S.

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Burger King debuts its first-ever partnership with an exciting brand

Restaurant Brands International’s (QSR) Burger King partnered with Naruto, the iconic manga series, to debut a limited-time menu collaboration in Brazil last December.

This launch featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. It also consisted of four new items on the regular menu, including a shake, fries with toppings, a crispy chicken burger, and a new Whopper.

The collaboration was so successful in the Brazilian market that Burger King released it in France only a month later.

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This second launch also featured a King Jr. Meal with Naruto-themed toys, food, and packaging. Additionally, Burger King x Naruto merchandise was released to make it unique for the French market.

The partnership gained traction worldwide, especially across the U.S., with fans asking for the Naruto collaboration to be brought nationally.

However, months flew by without updates, leaving American fans with little hope of its U.S. debut — until now.

Burger King brings its Naruto collaboration to U.S. fans

Burger King has unveiled that it will finally bring its Naruto collaboration to the U.S. on July 21, but it’s being more cautious.

This new national launch will be a King Jr. Meal with unique toys featuring the show’s most iconic characters, including Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Hinata Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Gaara.

However, this latest release is entirely different from its international launches because, as exciting as this is, no Naruto-themed food or beverage will be included.

Malaysia will simultaneously get its own Naruto King Jr. Meal, but Naruto-themed food and drinks will be included for this launch, as will new immersive fan experiences at select locations.

Burger King has not revealed why the U.S. won’t get Naruto-themed food or beverages, but there seems to be a pattern tied to this decision.

Although Naruto has a global following, its biggest fan base is in Asia, which is fitting given its Japanese origins. The series is also very popular in Brazil and France and ranks as the top kids’ show.

The manga series has a solid U.S. following, as it has been translated into English to meet fans’ demand. Still, its American fandom is much smaller than its Asian, European, and South American counterparts.