Marketing
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Courtesy of Chili's Grill & Bar
Chili’s arcade-inspired video game slams rising fast food prices
Inspired by the cult classic BurgerTime, the game is meant to drive loyalty program sign-ups and serve as an outlet to vent frustration.
By Peter Adams • June 26, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle extends coveted Celebrity Card to fans on social media
Consumers can apply for the card once reserved for notable figures across TikTok, Instagram and X to receive one free meal per day for a year.
By Jessica Deyo • June 25, 2024 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Permission granted by Homeroom
TrendlineIndependent restaurants
In an industry built on in-person interactions and long-term relationships with customers, the pandemic has dealt a serious blow to independent operators, but many have pivoted and found new ways to reach diners.
By Wedstraunt staff -
Courtesy of Popeyes
Popeyes adds 6 boneless wing flavors to permanent menu
The new items come just months after the addition of bone-in wings to the core menu, which helped drive sales at the chain during Q1.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 25, 2024 -
Permission granted by Perkins
Perkins rebrands, launches redesign
Along with changing its name from Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to Perkins American Food Co., the casual brand will revamp its menu.
By Julie Littman • June 24, 2024 -
Courtesy of Carl's Jr
How Carl’s Jr. is driving in-store visits with AI-fueled CTV advertising
The QSR paired contextual targeting data with IRIS.TV’s private marketplace to engage young men with shared interests like anime and gaming.
By Aaron Baar • June 21, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks, Marriott Bonvoy link loyalty programs
The deal is the latest in Starbucks’ large, corporate rewards partnerships, which include link ups with Bank of America and Delta SkyMiles.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 18, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dunkin'
Dunkin’ readies celeb-heavy ‘intern’ class for summer of culture plays
The QSR has pivoted from Ben Affleck and friends to a group of celebrities and content creators that span music, fashion and gaming.
By Chris Kelly • June 17, 2024 -
Courtesy of Red Lobster
Red Lobster says it’s ‘here to stay’ with Flavor Flav-led campaign
To combat doomsaying around its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the seafood chain is going full steam ahead on its Crabfest promotion.
By Peter Adams • June 11, 2024 -
Courtesy of Puttshack
Puttshack tees up quirky spokesperson to highlight high-tech mini-golf
The growing chain is relying on humor to differentiate itself in the competitive mini-golf space, explained CMO Susan Walmesley.
By Amanda Baltazar • June 4, 2024 -
Retrieved from Sonic Drive-In on May 31, 2024
Inside Sonic Drive-In’s new brand platform and ‘crazy fun’ campaign
CMO Ryan Dickerson explained how the Inspire Brands QSR is personifying the chain with a new duo years after replacing its fan-favorite “Two Guys.”
By Chris Kelly • June 3, 2024 -
Courtesy of Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box joins value battle with Munchies Under $4
The fast food chain hopes its snack-focused menu will act as a hook for customers after same-store sales fell last quarter.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 30, 2024 -
Permission granted by CosMc's
CosMc’s launches loyalty app
The McDonald’s spinoff launched an app despite having only four locations, in a possible show of the burger giant's confidence in its new brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 28, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
4 restaurant industry forecasts from the NRA Show
Gen Z’s demand for photogenic beverages and frustration over financing struggles loomed large over the event as operators strategized how to solve consumer pullback.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 23, 2024 -
Stephen Maturen via Getty Images
Minnesota restaurants, delivery services must disclose service fees to consumers
The state joined California in passing a law requiring the disclosure of all mandatory fees consumers face beginning in January.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut names new CMO, global chief brand officer as sales slide
The new appointments come weeks after the chain named Carl Loredo, previously global chief marketing officer for Wendy’s, as its new U.S. president.
By Chris Kelly • May 20, 2024 -
Courtesy of Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut hits drive-thrus to get consumers to ‘cheat’ on their burgers
The chain’s delivery drivers will appear at competitor drive-thrus with a QR code on their back windows to offer the new Cheeseburger Melt.
By Aaron Baar • May 16, 2024 -
Permission granted by Long John Silver's
Long John Silver’s rolls out rewards program
Seacret Society members earn four coins for every dollar spent online that can be redeemed later for items like Hushpuppies and Grilled or Variety Platters.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by Uber
Uber adds student discount, restaurant lists in latest product rollout
As part of Uber’s Go-Get 2024 event, the company said it will soon allow Uber Eats users to curate and share lists of their favorite restaurants from the app.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Wendy’s credits loyalty program, mobile app investments for customer growth
“The experience we deliver to our customers is the most impactful driver of our business,” CEO Kirk Tanner said.
By Bryan Wassel • May 7, 2024 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
McDonald’s credits speed, personalization for high satisfaction
The fast food chain is attracting consumers with customized messaging and cementing their loyalty with swift and consistent service.
By Bryan Wassel • May 2, 2024 -
John Hazard and Lisa Burdige
How McDonald’s and Burger King diverge on value-driven messaging
Price-conscious consumers are forcing the QSR giants down different paths around how to advertise value and invest in their marketing.
By Chris Kelly • May 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s Q1 US sales driven by loyalty, promotions
Domestic comps rose 5.6%, the highest increase since 2021, due to rewards member growth, successful marketing campaigns and improved operations.
By Julie Littman • April 29, 2024 -
Courtesy of Virtual Dining Concepts
IHOP adds 2 new Virtual Dining Concept brands, expands another
IHOP is focusing on virtual brands as a solution to traffic problems in non-peak dayparts and thinks two sports-themed brands could lift sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 25, 2024 -
Courtesy of Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop taps Applebee’s vet as CMO
In his new role, Patrick Kirk will oversee all aspects of marketing, including advertising, digital marketing and culinary and beverage innovation.
By Julie Littman • April 23, 2024 -
Permission granted by MOD Pizza
Mod Pizza hires Raising Cane’s exec as CMO
Jennifer Anderson brings nearly two decades of marketing and culinary experience to her new position, where she will oversee digital marketing, menu development and consumer insights and engagement.
By Julie Littman • April 17, 2024
