In 1990, Burger King decided that three-inch sliders were the future of fast food. For one hopeful year, “Burger Buddies” — two mini cheeseburgers fused together at the bun — tempted late-night drive-thru crowds and after-school carpools alike. Then the little burgers vanished, leaving only commercials on worn VHS tapes and a trail of wistful Reddit threads. Let’s rewind to see where the Buddies came from, why they disappeared, and whether they could ever return.
What Exactly Were Burger Buddies?
- Two flame-broiled mini burgers, hinged by a single bun
- Sold in twin packs (and occasional six-packs) for pocket-change prices
- Advertised as a “grab-and-go” snack for teens and night owls
A Mini-Burger Arms Race
Burger King did not invent the idea. White Castle had owned the slider niche since 1921, and McDonald’s flirted with mini “Hamburger Baskets” in regional tests during the 80s. Burger King’s first counterpunch was Burger Bundles in 1987 — boxes of three conjoined sliders. Bundles sold briskly but slowed kitchens, so corporate chefs re-engineered the product into the two-pack Buddies three years later.
Why the Buddies Vanished
- Grill logistics – Holed buns let cheese drip into the clamshell broiler, forcing time-consuming clean-ups.
- Margin squeeze – The promo price dipped as low as 29 cents per pair during a 1991 TV blitz. Profits evaporated.
- Packaging cost – Custom teal cartons cost more than regular wrappers.
- Menu clutter – By 1992, stores were juggling BK Broilers, Chicken Royales, and breakfast launches. Something had to go.
Fan Memories
“Summer ’90 was NES marathons and Burger Buddies runs at midnight.” — r/nostalgia user Reddit
Threads across Reddit and Facebook remember tearing the burgers apart for dipping or sharing with siblings. A few former crew members admit the tiny patties often slipped through the broiler, “raining beef pellets into the fire.”
Attempts at a Comeback
| Year | Name | What Changed | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Burger Bundles | 3-pack, hinged buns | ~1 year |
| 1990 | Burger Buddies | 2-pack, thicker patty | ~1 year |
| 2008 | BK Burger Shots | Free-floating buns, six-pack | < 1 year |
| 2019 | Cheeseburger Bundle | Regional test, 3 micro-patties | Limited |
None stuck, but each revival sparks new speculation that mini burgers might return yet again.
Could Burger Buddies Work Today?
The slider craze never really died. Shake Shack plugs “sliders” on delivery apps, and White Castle just opened a 24-hour Vegas flagship. With ghost kitchens and automated broilers, the prep issues that doomed Buddies are solvable. Nostalgia marketing is hotter than ever, and social media loves bite-sized food. If Burger King wants the buzz McDonald’s scored with its adult Happy Meals, a limited Buddies drop might be the easiest win on the board.
Retro Commercial Gallery
Burger Bundles launch spot, 1987
“Where Do Burger Buddies Come From?” ad, 1990
Breakfast Buddy Sandwich promo, 1991
Hungry for more fast-food flashbacks?
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