Burger King is preparing to open a new restaurant in the heart of La Laguna’s historic centre, taking over a protected 19th-century building on Plaza de La Concepción.
The fast-food chain will move into number 19 on the square, right next to the popular local bar El Nido del Tucán.
The building, which dates back to 1800, is valued at over €900,000 and is part of a protected zone due to its architectural and historical significance. It is subject to strict heritage rules, meaning any changes must respect its historical features.
The site is also within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of La Laguna, where conservation laws limit what developers can do.
Renovation work has been underway for several months, but no official opening date has been confirmed as yet.
The move hasn’t gone down well with everyone, as residents and business groups have voiced their concerns, accusing big-name chains of changing the character of the old town. They say there's growing pressure from franchises setting up in historic areas, with fears that the unique identity of La Laguna could be lost forever.
