JERUSALEM (JTA) — Three years after leaving Israel, Burger King is in talks to open franchises in the country.

Burger King is expected to open 12 restaurants in its first year back in Israel and 15 the following year, according to the Israeli business publication Calcalist.

The desire to return to Israel stems from ownership changes in the international company, according to Calcalist.

Burger King’s 55 franchises in Israel closed in the summer of 2010 and reopened as the Israeli franchise Burger Ranch. Israelis appear to prefer an Israeli-style burger to Burger King’s American-style Whopper, the company said then in a statement.

Starbucks, Wendy’s and Dunkin’ Donuts are other American franchises that did not make it in Israel.

Burger King first entered the Israeli market in 1993.