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Marketing Bites

 

The weekly column from Managing Editor Heather Lalley, looking at the restaurant industry's latest marketing gimmicks, trends and campaigns. 

Marketing

Subway superfans strike again

By Reyna Estrada on Aug. 03, 2023

Marketing Bites: Subway offers free subs for life to a new sort of brand ambassador, several chains celebrate their birthdays and Krispy Kreme offers free donuts to guests who enter the lottery.

Marketing

Chicken chains compete to offer the best deal on National Chicken Wing Day

 By Reyna Estrada on Jul. 27, 2023

Marketing Bites: Restaurant chains are also celebrating National Drive-Thru Day, Tim Hortons launches a credit card, and Rock N Roll Sushi hosts a birthday party.

Marketing

Dessert chains venture into Barbie land with their latest marketing push

By Reyna Estrada on Jul. 20, 2023

Marketing Bites: Pinkberry and Cold Stone Creamery feed into the Barbie frenzy, Dunkin’ launches summer merchandise and Taco Bell is giving rewards members a say in its sauce packet redesign.

Marketing

Taco Bell enlists LeBron James in its 'Taco Tuesday' tilt

By Jonathan Maze on May 23, 2023

The NBA star, who once tried to register the phrase himself, is joining the effort to cancel Taco John’s trademark.

Marketing

Wingstop invites fans to take a bath in ranch dip

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 09, 2023

Marketing Bites: Baskin-Robbins scoops ice cream at a bottomless brunch. Plus, parents can now dress baby in a Chili’s onesie and Lankybox Kitchen hands out collectible trading cards.

Marketing

Heinz takes its plea for more restaurant business directly to consumers

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 01, 2022

Marketing Bites: The ketchup maker will reimburse diners for their restaurant tips if they push for the Heinz condiment; also, celebrity deals, poké tryouts and Elf on the Shelf.

Operations

Gift card season brings merch and holiday hopes of discounts

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 29, 2022

McDonald’s and Chipotle add the thrill of mystery to their promotions.

Marketing

A mobile app notification mistake spells trouble for KFC Germany

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 10, 2022

Marketing Bites: The company apologized after its app urged customers to eat chicken with cheese to commemorate Kristallnacht. Also: A Veteran's Day free-food itinerary and "Truckersgiving."

Marketing

Starbucks’ loyalty link with Delta was apparently a huge hit

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 04, 2022

Marketing Bites: McDonald’s new Happy Meals feature the Black Panther movie sequel; Checkers and Rally’s celebrate E.T.; Papa John’s shifts to value.

Marketing

For McDonald’s McRib, mystery is part of the marketing equation

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 27, 2022

Marketing Bites: Uncertainty about whether the company will bring back “the G.O.A.T. of sandwiches” makes it more alluring; Outback uses college athletes to hock catering.

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