MIAMI – Burger King Holdings Inc. said Friday that revenues were up 12 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 with increased sales worldwide.

Comparable sales were up 3.6 percent, marking the 19th consecutive quarter of worldwide same-store-sales growth. In the United States and Canada, comparable sales were up 3.0 percent, the 18th consecutive quarter of same-store-sales growth. Additionally, the system opened 67 net new restaurants, the highest number of first quarter net restaurant openings in seven years.

As a result, the company posted strong revenues for the first quarter of $674 million, up from $602 million in the same quarter last year.

"We significantly expanded our revenue as we leveraged our global footprint and broad-based consumer appeal. Our guests continue to seek our affordable pricing, elevated quality and convenience. We believe our brand is positioned to perform well in spite of the current economic slowdown as proven by our track record of continued sales increases," said John Chidsey, chairman and chief executive officer.

Source: Burger King Holdings Inc.