Papa Johns invites pizza fans to ‘Meet the Makers’ for TV, social ads

The chain’s first work under CMO Jenna Bromberg includes tie-ups with food influencers and real team members for behind-the-scenes content. 

By Jessica Deyo • March 7, 2025

Portillo’s launches loyalty without an app

The hot dog chain hopes its loyalty program, based in digital wallets, can offer personalized options for guests and businesses without causing app fatigue.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 4, 2025

Domino’s launches stuffed crust pizza, encroaching on Pizza Hut

Internal research showed as many as 13 million Domino’s customers ordered stuffed crust pizza from competitors each year.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 3, 2025

Chipotle debuts national TV ad on Roblox to promote sustainability

The “Unfolded” effort demonstrates how the first-mover continues to experiment with the metaverse to link gaming, content and real-world rewards.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 27, 2025

IHOP in-houses creative as part of bid to return to cultural relevance

A Guinness World Record attempt that involves creating 20,000 pancakes is the first major marketing effort under new leadership. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 26, 2025

Franchisees sue Hurricane Grill & Wings over mismanagement of marketing funds

Operators claim the chain and owner Fat Brands haven’t used the funds to advertise, leading to declining franchisee profitability.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 26, 2025

McDonald’s adds Krispy Kreme doughnuts in NYC, bagel sandwiches nationwide

The menu moves could help the Golden Arches recover from a traffic shortfall triggered by an E. coli outbreak late last year.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 25, 2025

Chili’s rides with NASCAR, Lifetime to push margaritas with music, TV

Two very different campaigns look to broaden the company’s consumer base in an effort to continue its wave of success.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 13, 2025

Popeyes will remodel stores and beef up ad spending

Restaurant Brands International will add equipment, ranging from a cloud-based point-of-sales system to an automated batter-maker, at the chicken chain’s U.S. stores.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 12, 2025

McDonald’s will bring back snackwraps, chicken strips to boost sales

The Golden Arches will emphasize menu innovation in the chicken category this year to recover traffic momentum that was stalled by its E. coli outbreak. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 10, 2025

Yum Brands to scale loyalty, personalization in 2025

Taco Bell’s parent company is leveraging loyalty programs and AI-driven personalization in pursuit of higher digital sales.

By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 7, 2025

Starbucks says ‘Hello Again’ by advertising around the Super Bowl

A new spot and a free coffee promotion on the Monday after the big game are part of the chain’s marketing-powered turnaround plan.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 5, 2025

Just Salad hires marketing, CX and development chiefs

The appointments come shortly after the chain opened its first drive-thru restaurant as part of a growth push.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 4, 2025

Dunkin’ CMO on building a ‘cinematic universe’ to capture attention

Jill McVicar Nelson explains what the brand has learned from its Super Bowl ads and how it’s facing uneasiness around TikTok’s future.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 30, 2025

Shake Shack appoints 2 marketing execs

The fast casual chain created the roles of chief growth officer and chief communications officer as it prepares for the departure of CMO Jay Livingston.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 30, 2025

Starbucks eyes return to premium identity as traffic slide continues

A shift away from discounting and a 30% reduction in SKUs could refocus the brand’s identity and premium market positioning in the next several quarters.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 29, 2025

McDonald’s chief marketer steps down, company veteran steps into role

Tariq Hassan will stay on to support the transition as Alyssa Buetikofer, CMO for the brand in Canada, returns to the U.S. business on Feb. 15.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 28, 2025

McDonald’s amplifies mobile app with Pokémon Happy Meal

The burger chain is again wedding pop culture and nostalgia with a Happy Meal box inclusive of a Pokémon booster pack, poster and sticker sheet.

By Jessica Deyo • Jan. 22, 2025

Panera hires marketing, culinary executives

Robin Seward joins the chain as senior vice president, brand and innovation, while Scott Uehlein was hired as vice president of culinary.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2025

Baskin-Robbins’ new loyalty program aims to balance simplicity and variety

Baskin-Robbins Rewards, which launched in December, aims to make it easy for customers to earn rewards while offering a variety of redemption options.

By Bryan Wassel • Updated Jan. 15, 2025

Why Papa Johns wants market density, not more territories

The pizza chain’s biggest growth opportunities lie in markets where it already has a presence, executives told investors in December.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 13, 2025

Starbucks hands Anomaly US creative duties in blow to WPP: report

WPP, which only won the account in October, established a bespoke Team Starbucks unit to support the coffee chain’s turnaround plan.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 9, 2025

Taco Bell adds $5 and $9 meal combos

A year after launching its $7 Luxe Cravings Boxes, Taco Bell is building out its value combo offerings with a cheaper choice and a more premium option.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 7, 2025

McDonald’s value menu launch gets inspirational boost from John Cena

The actor-wrestler appears in new ads that turn into a oddball spiel about the transformational power of the McValue platform. 

By Peter Adams • Jan. 7, 2025

Subway launches sub of the day deal

After the early end of its $6.99 meal, Subway is stepping back into the value wars with a meal deal for every day of the week.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 6, 2025