McDonald's announced a couple of years ago that it was considering opening a location in Belize, probably Belize City, but that hasn't come to pass.
Other frachisors apparently have looked at Belize but worried about the security problem in Belize City (who needs a gang shoot out in your restaurant?) and of course about the relatively small markets with low disposable income. Also, there are all kinds of anticompetitive rules and laws in Belize, high import duties, not to mention politicians to pay off.
My personal opinion is that franchised fast food would do great in Belize. Since many Belizeans have cable TV from the U.S. or have visited the U.S. they know all about U.S. franchisees and are often disposed toward this kind of fast food.
I personally would hate to see any more international franchises in Belize, but frankly it will happen and probably fairly soon.
But what would really be welcomed by a lot of people in Belize is something like a K-Mart or Wal-Mart with low prices. This would quickly dominate the market. But again import duties and other regulations in Belize are problems.
By the way, HL Burger is the local fast-food chain that advertises itself (probably in violation of all kinds of copyright and trademark laws) as "the Burger King of Belize." It has eight or ten locations, including one in San Pedro (Middle Street).
--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine
http://www.belizefirst.com/