Burger King teaming up for 'peace burger'

Michael Winter | USA TODAY

Still trying to twist McDonald's publicity arm, Burger King announced Tuesday that it would collaborate with other sandwich chains to create a special burger to mark the annual International Day of Peace on Sept. 21.

"Our idea would be that we all come together to create a burger that combines a key ingredient from each of our signature sandwiches," BK wrote in an open letter to Denny's, Wayback Burgers, Krystal and Giraffas. "All we need from you guys is a simple 'yes' plus your cooperation and a donation to Peace One Day."

The mega-meat creation would be sold at a pop-up restaurant Burger King is building in Atlanta for this year's Peace Day, which was first celebrated in 1982. Its theme: "Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All."

Though BK said it had received "a significant number of unexpected responses from other restaurants, large and small," expressing enthusiasm for a "Peace Day Burger," its PR pitch remained focused on arch rival McDonald's, which last week declined to partner on a "McWhopper."

"Although they haven't yet agreed to come on-board, our original proposal still stands," Burger King wrote Tuesday. "McDonald's, please take your time. We're totally at peace with that."

McDonald's had no immediate response to its competitor's latest public shaming.

In a "Dear Burger King" letter posted to Facebook, McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook wrote, "We love the intention but think our two brands could do something bigger to make a difference."

"We commit to raise awareness worldwide, perhaps you'll join us in a meaningful global effort?"

Easterbrook said theirs is "simply a friendly business competition" and "certainly not the unequaled circumstances of the real pain and suffering of war."

After McD's spurned BK, Denny's took out full-page ads in USA TODAY and The New York Times declaring its appetite for a burger mashup merging the Whopper with elements of its calorie-bomb Bacon Slamburger -- a burger topped with hash browns, an egg, bacon and pepper jack cheese.

"We can name it the Whamper, the Slamopper, The WhopaSlam…Well, we can figure that out later," Denny's suggested.

BK also got a social nibble from sliders specialist Krystal. The Atlanta-based chain suggested it create a small, square Whopper for peace and perhaps call it the Kropper, the Wystal or the Tiny King.