marketing

McDonald's is making a massive investment in digital marketing

By Jonathan Maze on May 09, 2024

The fast-food giant is shifting spending to digital marketing and plans to invest “hundreds of millions” into digital innovation, including new ordering channels, personalization and loyalty.

Financing

Applebee's bets more discounts will reverse sales declines

By Joe Guszkowski on May 08, 2024

The casual-dining chain lost business from lower-income guests but believes promotions like $1 margaritas will bring them back.

Marketing

How Chick-fil-A’s social media loss became El Pollo Loco’s gain

By Heather Lalley on May 08, 2024

Marketing Bites: When one chicken chain told influencer Miri the Siren she could no longer make videos, she found several others who are relishing the engagement her content brings.

Premium

Operations

Friendly's is opening restaurants again

By Peter Romeo on May 08, 2024

The 89-year-old family-dining chain has unveiled a new store in Orlando that gives a liberal nod to the brand's past while incorporating new touches like a bakery.

Food

Popeyes introduces its latest riff on the fried chicken sandwich

By Patricia Cobe on May 07, 2024

The chain that ignited the chicken sandwich wars is bringing on reinforcements, bolstering the battle with a new sauce and a hip-hop anthem.

Marketing

Amid the Zoodles and low-carb linguine, Noodles & Company finds what people want is steak

By Lisa Jennings on May 06, 2024

The fast-casual chain has run out of Steak Stroganoff after selling 110,000 bowls in the first two weeks. But don't worry, the LTO is coming back.

Financing

Shake Shack steps up marketing to keep customers from fleeing to cheaper options

By Lisa Jennings on May 02, 2024

In the last earnings call for outgoing CEO Randy Garutti, the fast-casual chain said traffic was down 2.1% in the first quarter, though trends were improving into Q2.

Food

Arby's rolls out limited-time sauce named for Beyoncé's horse

By Patricia Cobe on May 02, 2024

The fast-food restaurant chain is debuting Chardonneigh’s Horsey Sauce, which was inspired by the cover image on the singer’s Cowboy Carter country music album.

Marketing