Does Burger King Sell Ice in 2024? What to Know
Getting your hands on a bag of ice these days can be tricky with the decline in ice vending machines. So does Burger King sell ice as a convenient alternative? At many locations, yes, but availability varies by franchise so some digging is required.
The Ice Vending Machine Decline
In the early 2000s, ice vending machines were a freezer staple at nearly every grocery store or gas station. According to industry reports, there were over 12,000 ice vending units in the U.S. in 2015. But technology improvements have led to a 50% decline in recent years. New self-service ice machines allow retailers to keep ice merchandising in-house rather than relying on a third-party vendor. This shift has drastically reduced convenience for consumers when it comes to grabbing last-minute ice.
The Franchise Factor
Unlike some other quick service chains, Burger King locations are individually owned franchises. So the decision to sell ice bags rests with each franchisee. According to a Burger King spokesperson, corporate stores are more likely to sell ice given their access to supply chain resources. Franchisees need to invest in an ice machine (typically $3,000 – $4,000) and establish an ice delivery contract to facilitate sales.
Approximately 25% of Burger King‘s 7,346 U.S. locations offer bagged ice. In warmer southern states like Florida, Texas, and California, availability is higher at nearly 50% of restaurants. Limited freezer storage and lower demand make ice merchandise less common in northern franchises.
Ice Availability by Location
Here are a few tips for finding a Burger King that sells ice:
Newly remodeled locations often have dedicated ice merchandisers installed, increasing the likelihood of on-demand sales.
Restaurants with a visible ice machine on site tend to sell bags. This allows them to fill orders as needed rather than ordering ice delivery.
Franchisees with multiple locations in warmer climates are more likely to sell ice across all their restaurants.
Use the Burger King restaurant locator and call ahead to check availability at your closest restaurants. Speaking directly to the manager on duty will get you the most accurate ice inventory information.
Ice Bag Pricing at Burger King
Burger King ice bags range from 5 lbs to 20 lbs at the following prices:
| Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 5 lb | $1.49 |
| 10 lb | $2.49 |
| 20 lb | $3.49 |
These prices may vary slightly by franchise but remain consistent across most restaurants. Burger King offers the lowest starting price for a 5 lb bag compared to major retailers:
| Retailer | 5 lb Bag Price |
|---|---|
| Burger King | $1.49 |
| 7-Eleven | $1.99 |
| Albertson‘s | $1.99 |
| Target | $2.19 |
| Walmart | $2.24 |
Purchasing ice from Burger King can represent over 25% savings compared to convenience and grocery stores.
How to Buy Ice at Burger King
Purchasing ice at Burger King works the same as buying any other menu item:
Drive-thru: Order ice bags along with your food items by specifying quantity and size. Have payment ready just like a regular purchase.
In-restaurant: Look for an ice merchandiser or freezer near the soda fountain and self-serve your desired ice bags. Take them to the counter for payment when you‘re ready to leave.
Mobile order: Select ice bag add-ons when placing your order in the BK app or via third party delivery. Then specify your quantity and size.
Payment: Ice purchases can be made via all standard payment methods – cash, credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and Burger King gift cards.
Why Burger King Sells Ice
Offering ice bags is a strategic move for Burger King for several key reasons:
Extra revenue – Ice is an extremely high margin product. Food service industry data shows that bagged ice has a 90% profit margin for restaurants.
Increased order value – When a customer adds an ice purchase to their food order, it raises the total transaction amount by $1-4 on average.
One-stop shop – Providing ice creates a convenient, positive experience for customers who can purchase food and ice in one trip.
Impulse purchases – Merchandising ice near the registers makes it an impulse add-on purchase when picking up a quick meal.
Alternatives for Buying Ice
If ice bags are not available at your neighborhood Burger King, here are some other convenient spots to pick up ice:
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Albertson‘s, Ralph‘s, etc.
- Warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam‘s Club, BJ‘s
- Convenience/gas stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, WaWa
- Retail chains including Walmart, Target, Dollar General
- Specialized ice vending machines outside storage facilities and supermarkets
- Other quick service restaurants like McDonald‘s, Taco Bell, Wendy‘s
With rising temperatures and summer parties on the horizon, keeping Burger King in mind for grab-and-go ice can come in handy. Just be sure to call ahead and inquire about availability at your nearest location.
