Burger King Sues Local Franchise

Five mid-Missouri Burger King locations, all owned by the same St. Louis-area family, are being sued for breaching their franchise contracts.In a federal lawsuit filed on January 28, Burger King Corporation (BKC) accuses Joseph R. Gunther and Vicki Gunther of not paying royalties on locations in Jefferson City, Moberly, Columbia and O’Fallon. Court documents filed in Florida’s Southern District state that BKC reached out to the Gunthers’ in October 2012 about the money owed for royalties, advertising and other fees due under the company’s Franchise Agreement. The company then says the franchises had either ten days to pay or their agreements would be terminated in 90 days.BKC claims it ended its franchise agreements for the Missouri Boulevard (Jefferson City); Hyde Park, Clark Lane and Business Loop 70 (Columbia); and Morley Street (Moberly) locations, along with the two in O’Fallon, on January 25.Now BKC is suing, asking for preliminary and permanent injunctions against the Gunthers and their companies, all gains or profits the restaurants have made since the franchise agreement was terminated, as well as damages. It also wants the ability for BKC employees to come to the seven locations and remove all signs, logos and appearances that resemble the Burger King brand.Burger King Corporation is based in Miami, Florida.Stay with ABC 17 News and abc17news.com as more information in this case becomes available.