Burger King's "abdication" of the Loop?

[C K Dexter Haven]

From Cecil's Mail:

Once upon a time, there were as many Burger King restaurants in downtown Chicago as any other fast food franchise. Now, they have all but vanished (I think the only BK left in the Loop is in the Thompson Building). Any reason why the King "abdicated" the Loop?
Willie Holmes

[Mr Downtown]

They were all owned by Ameriking, a big franchisee that had a big chunk of the Chicago market. Ameriking went into bankruptcy about three years ago. I don't know what the story is at the Thompson Center, nor do I know why no other franchisee has reestablished any downtown locations.

I miss them, though. There's nothing like flame-broiled.