Burger King (Mattoon, Illinois)
For the unrelated Burger King, see Burger King.
Mattoon’s Burger King in September 2007 Burger King is a restaurant founded by the Hoots family and operated by Burger King LLC of Illinois in Mattoon, Illinois, United States; it is not related to the fast food chain Burger King. The restaurant’s founders claim it is the “original” Burger King and predates the fast food chain. A 1968 court case between this restaurant and the larger Burger King chain is a well-known case in United States trademark law regarding the Lanham Act. History The Burger King in May 2011 Mattoon residents Gene and Betty Hoots bought the successful Frigid Queen ice cream shop from Gene’s uncle, Bill Paullin, in 1952. In 1954, Gene expanded the busin… Continue Reading (3 minute read)