Burger King’s much-publicized restaurant makeover is finally making its way to Traverse City.

Coming soon: a new sleek interior, comfy chairs and every flavor of Coca-Cola you can imagine to the outdated restaurant on U.S. 31 South next to Meijer.

The Burger King corporation first announced its “20/20” global redesign in late 2009, but it will take years for all its locations to adopt the updated look because the required renovation is based on franchise agreements. Franchisees own an estimated 90 percent of Burger King’s stores.

Here in Traverse City, Burger King is synonymous with the Casciano name – specifically Chris, Dan III and Mike – the three brothers who own and manage six locations in and around town.

“It’s our most tired store, so it’s a good time for this to be happening,” says Chris Casciano of the U.S. 31 South location.

“Both Wendy’s and McDonald’s are doing the same thing,” he adds. “Burger King has to get in the game in order to compete.”

The 20/20 design, intended to set the tone until the year 2020 and beyond according to company officials, is marked by chrome-trimmed booths, brick walls, corrugated metal, red and black paint and “flame” chandeliers.

Casciano says the Traverse City re-do is more aptly described as “20/20 Lite” with softer colors, a lounge area and TVs, along with stainless steel and red accents. It also will include the region’s first freestyle Coca-Cola machine – offering more than 100 flavors.

Cost of the renovation is in the $500,000 range, according to Dan Casciano, but it also typically brings a double-digit increase in business. “We’re hoping for a 10 to 12 percent uptick,” he says.

Right now the restaurant is completely operational, but on May 13 the dining room will shut down, though drive-thru service will be available through the 19th. The entire operation will be closed May 20 through 24, re-opening for business on the May 25. (Special note to the Coca-Cola lovers out there: The Freestyle machine won’t be available until July 1.)

A Grand Rapids-based construction company that has done work for the Casciano’s Burger Kings for years is the general contractor, says Mike Casciano, with several local subcontractors hired on for various aspects of the project.
The Cascianos’ five other locations include: Front Street, Garfield Cherryland, Chum’s Corners, Acme and Grand Traverse Crossing.

The next store to receive the new 20/20 look will be Acme, but not until 2015.