Beckham, Leno to sell new Burger King menu

Burger King

Beckham in the new Burger King ad.

By msnbc.com staff

David Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Salma Hayek, Jay Leno, Steven Tyler and Sofia Vergara -- these are the celebrity faces that Burger King has recruited to sell the biggest menu expansion in its 58-year history.

Burger King says the new menu, which includes more than a dozen new menu items -- including snack wraps, chicken strips, smoothies and frappe coffee drinks -- deserves to be represented by ?a diverse cast of A-list celebrities representing the many faces of the American melting pot.?

Burger King?s move to a more healthy menu has more to do with ?keeping up with the Joneses than anything else,? said R.J. Hottovy, a Morningstar analyst.

The number-three burger chain?s menu has not changed along with its competitors, including McDonald?s and Wendy?s, which recently edged out Burger King as the nation?s number two burger chain. These fast-food chains have already changed their menus to attract new customers with breakfast items and healthier food.

?This strategy won?t dislodge [Burger King?s] top rivals,? Hottovy told CNBC. ?It?s not a game changer.?

Enlisting stars such as Beckham to sell the new menu ?smacks of desperation,? Wedbush Securities equities analyst Nick Setyan told CNBC.

The soccer star, better known for his pinpoint kicking accuracy, woos a woman at the front counter when he orders a Real Fruit Smoothie at a Burger King in the latest spot.

And he certainly seems to be on message when it comes to the fast-food chain's new menu. He said Burger King?s commitment to healthy eating, and also supporting charities, ?is showing commitment to areas he is passionate about.

?I am happy to help the brand launch its first smoothie platform, which is a great addition to any diet,? Beckham said in a statement.

Burger King is spending about $750 million over the next 12 months to introduce 10 new items across the country. R.J. Hottovy, Morningstar restaurant analyst and Nick Setyan, Wedbush Securities senior equity analyst, weigh in on how to play the fast ...

sweet potato recipes green bean casserole recipe karina smirnoff pumpkin cheesecake deviled eggs pie crust pie crust