Court documents in the ongoing dispute between YouTuber Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson and Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC) include text messages outlining a proposed relaunch plan for MrBeast Burger that would pivot away from the original ghost-kitchen model.

Inside the filings

Reporting based on the filings says Donaldson discussed seeking to terminate his partnership with VDC and prevent the company from using his name, image or likeness in connection with the brand. The texts then describe a “MrBeast Burger 2.0” concept built around collaboration with an established quick-service restaurant chain, including references to McDonald’s or Burger King as potential partners.

The same messages also include internal business targets, such as reaching $100 million in sales and pursuing an eventual buyout valuation in the $300 million to $400 million range, according to the reports summarizing the documents.

The resurfaced relaunch discussion comes against the backdrop of dueling lawsuits filed in 2023. Donaldson sued to exit the arrangement, alleging that quality-control issues and inconsistent customer experiences harmed his reputation and brand.

VDC responded with a countersuit, alleging Donaldson failed to meet contractual obligations and that his public criticism undermined the business, with damages described as being in the nine-figure range in contemporaneous reporting.

Why the fast-food angle is notable

A potential partnership with a large fast-food operator is a huge shift from the delivery-first licensing approach that helped MrBeast Burger scale rapidly but also limited control over food preparation across third-party kitchens. Recent reporting has characterized the brand’s challenges as closely tied to operational consistency and oversight, issues that became central to the dispute.

The filings do not indicate that a deal with McDonald’s, Burger King, or any other chain was finalized. Instead, they provide additional detail on strategies discussed privately while litigation was ongoing and while both sides continue to contest control, responsibilities and the future use of the MrBeast Burger brand.

Featured image courtesy: MrBeast