Former Burger King Construction (Manassas, VA)

Welcome back to the Shoppes at Battery Mill! Today, in our broad portfolio of nationally-recognized tenants, we will be looking at a rather common food tenant, that being the venerable Home of the Whopper. Though this time, it's probably not a part of any retail tenant collection, given it's closed down.

Former Burger King - Manassas, VA

Restaurant info

• Address: 10850 Promenade Ln, Manassas, VA 20109
• Opening date: Circa 1994
• Closing date: July or August 2018
• Features: Luxury interior, greenhouse seating, outdoor seating (former play area)
• Is now: Sonic Drive-In 

Built as part of the Promenade at Manassas shopping center, this Burger King once served as a fast-food hallmark for travelers on Interstate 66 and local residents alike. The restaurant once stood among the likes of Walmart and Builders Square, before both tenants left the shopping center. While the center continues to thrive, shifts in the market have allotted for new construction and tenants to replace original stores in the center. As a result, Burger King has moved across to the street to a new location and left this one behind. Though its abandonment is not without surprise - lots of BK remnants stayed in place, almost as if they evacuated said place. It's quite odd to see, I tell you!

This particular store is now a Sonic, who signed a lease not long after Burger King's move and opened in this spot after renovations on September 18, 2019. It is the first Sonic in Northern Virginia to open.

With that being said, let the tour begin.

 We start with the back of the store. Besides a spot for an old square Burger King sign, there's not a lot to see here. The landscaping looks decent for a store that's been closed for months.

Here's a full view of the angled facade, with the labelscar appearing on the top. I do have to wonder if the painting behind the labelscar could be the original color scheme from opening.

But hey, that's just a theory... a Retail Theory*! (* = not trademarked yet)

Looking inside the entrance of said facade, you are able to see construction in progress for the next tenant, Sonic. Old wall studs are being dismantled, with fresh new studs making the new floorplan viable. Interior views are cool and all, but why not we take a walk out to the drive-thru?

Here we go. The first board in the drive-thru advertises options for sandwiches and burgers. Whether you like chicken or beef, an advertising spot is guaranteed.

Chicken Fries... Oreo Shakes... all part of a real meal. What's not to enjoy over here?

We've come to the big-ticket spot, the menu board featuring recent BK items. It's all flashy, yet easy to read for all choices, That is, except for the combos and calories. There's also

Here's a close-up of said drive-thru board.

Now that we've ordered, moving on to greener pastures... wait, we've got an order to finish though. The hill here used to read "BURGER-KING" in gravel and was planted over after the move. It's a shame you can't always get such a cool perspective at the place you move to.

 A look inside the greenhouse, filled with small scaffolding and rubble from the remodel. This I believe was one of the last examples of greenhouse seating within fast food restaurants ('tis a shame). The interior prior had a formal look, with checkerboard tiles, plants, and wooden walls/seats finishing the space out.

 

Let's take a gander at the new restaurant, opened within the past year. While retaining some traits of the old restaurant, the new store features a concept interior and two drive-thru lanes.

A look at the greenhouse/patio seating area, some things that aren't that common in today's fast-food world. The outdoor section used to be a play area that was dismantled sometime in the early 2010s, likely for the usual reasons.

Here we are to the place of ordering. The sun shines softly on this fast-food staple of the 90s.

Amongst the plywood walls, an untouched drive-thru booth remains. Through the window you can see some tilted lighting panels from the interior as construction marches on.

A sticker from the late 2000s era of BK within the drive-thru window. Isn't this something you wish would be free? (talking about the sauces, of course)

Back to the inside - this time from another perspective! I believe this room would wind up being Sonic's kitchen. It was slightly repurposed from the old Burger King format.

Rounding out the drive-thru, you can see the brickwork being dismantled for the new Sonic facade. While tailored to said chain's design, the facade continues to maintain the basic structure of everyone's favorite flame-broiled restaurant.

Those spatula door handles are something unique about Burger King. Sure, they may not be as convenient, but at least they work. Not at this point though.

Bonus Photo

Here's the Arby's just steps away from the old Burger King. This store appears to be an early-to-mid-2000s addition to the center.

That being said, hope you enjoyed this treat of an abandoned fast food adventure! More posts are coming right up, and that being said, thanks for the support and hope to see you guys soon! -BatteryMill