Marketing

Sonic challenges TikTok influencers to hack the menu with competitors’ ingredients

Three social media stars try to re-create iconic Sonic items, then post videos of their efforts in a new marketing campaign.
Sonic Hack Our Menu video
Photo courtesy of Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In is challenging three TikTok influencers to re-create some of its iconic menu items by using competitors’ ingredients. It’s part of the QSR’s new campaign to show guests that when a Sonic craving hits, there’s only one way to satisfy it.

TikTok stars Newton Nguyen (@newt), Nicole Renard (@nicole_thenomad) and Kena Peay (@kenapeay) will try to replicate Sonic’s Hand Made Onion Rings, Footlong Quarter Pound Coney and Cherry Limeade with ingredients gathered at other fast-food and convenience store brands. The trio is then posting “Hack Our Menu” videos on their channels.

Sonic also posted a teaser video last week to show how tough—and amusing—the challenge could be. Additional influencers will be posting their TikTok Duets, reacting to the original Hack videos in a variety of different ways.

“Watching these three valiantly try to concoct some of our most unique menu items was funny and entertaining,” Lori Abou Habib, CMO of Sonic Drive-In, said in a release. “For nearly 70 years, Sonic has made its mark as a distinctive destination for entrees, drinks and sides you just can’t find anywhere else. This TikTok challenge just goes to show that when you really want Sonic, nothing else will do.”

Sonic is expecting fans to either try the challenge themselves or run to a location to “crush a craving as only Sonic can,” said a spokesperson. 

R&D activity at the chain remained steady during the pandemic, and a number of new menu items and LTOs have launched this year.

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