Marketing
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Q&A
Applebee’s CMO on how brand’s NFL sponsorship feeds its new campaign
The casual dining chain will leverage its role as the official grill and bar of the NFL in ads and a content series starring league pros.
By Chris Kelly • Sept. 6, 2024 -
Yelp files antitrust lawsuit against Google
Google’s massive search market share “starves” competitors of traffic and therefore revenue, the reviews platform alleged in a federal suit.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Trendline
Independent 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 Restaurant Dive staff -
KFC names US marketing, development chief to bolster turnaround efforts
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, a company veteran, will hold dual roles related to marketing and development as KFC tries to break out of a slump.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 29, 2024 -
How Taco Bell is exporting its musical bona fides to grow internationally
International CMO Amy Durini explained how the chain is building its brand and why efforts to engage with consumers around culture aren't “plug and play.”
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 29, 2024 -
Buffalo Wild Wings brings Jason Kelce back to football in new ads
The former Eagles center pals around with the brand’s CGI buffalo mascot in an effort that leans into Kelce’s recent retirement and famous brother.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 28, 2024 -
Dunkin’ launches $6 fall value meal
The brand’s entry into the 2024 value wars includes a breakfast sandwich with a medium coffee and hashbrowns.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 28, 2024 -
Cava’s new loyalty program to go national in October
A new rewards structure is expected to drive traffic and spending, and give the chain access to valuable first-party data.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 26, 2024 -
Burger King offers 25% off food orders to Walmart+ members
The collaboration could help boost traffic and same-store sales at the QSR chain, which reported relatively flat sales last quarter.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Simon Cowell judges Domino’s Pizza alongside new quality captains
The TV personality dons the cap of quality captain, a new staff role that ensures all aspects of an order are correct down to topping portions.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Q&A
Friendly’s plans a comeback after decades of decline
The CEO of the chain’s parent company says a new menu, store renovations and social media savvy moves are breathing new life into the retro brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?
The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Denny’s deploys Banda Burritos brand nationwide
The expansion is another vote of confidence for the chain’s virtual brands at a time when competitors have pulled back from the concept.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 15, 2024 -
How restaurant loyalty programs can drive more traffic and improve experiences
Restaurant brands that tie their loyalty programs into payment and ordering systems can increase convenience and personalization for customers.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 15, 2024 -
Chuck E. Cheese launches national tiered subscription pass
The brand offers customers different benefits based on subscriptions, with escalating discounts on food and increasing numbers of free, daily games.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 13, 2024 -
Panera Bread nabs Papa Johns CMO following menu overhaul
The sandwich and soup spot, which is plotting an IPO, is appointing an experienced QSR marketer known for a digital-first approach.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Beanie Babies, Barbie and more: McDonald’s new collector cups nod to past tie-ins
The latest nostalgia play from the fast food brand comes as it has lost some of its steam, with comparable sales slipping in Q2.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 7, 2024 -
Church’s Texas Chicken rolls out loyalty program
The launch of Real Rewards is part of the company’s buildout of its digital ecosystem, which also includes a revamped app and website.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2024 -
DoorDash adds discounting tools to drive off-peak traffic
The features allow operators to highlight lunch specials and happy hour discounts to help increase transactions during those dayparts.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2024 -
Chipotle drops ‘burrito-proof’ makeup with TikTok-viral cosmetics brand
Inspired by the popularity of mukbangs, the fast-casual chain teamed with Wonderskin for "Lipotle," a lip stain timed to National Avocado Day.
By Chris Kelly • July 29, 2024 -
C-stores see higher loyalty retention than QSRs, data shows
However, they sign up new members much more slowly than quick- and full-service restaurants, according to data from Paytronix.
By Jessica Loder • July 24, 2024 -
El Pollo Loco adds new types of burritos to its menu
The burritos, which include guacamole at no upcharge, are a response to customer demand for more filling menu items.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 22, 2024 -
Why Burger King is all-in on gamification
A full pipeline of new and unique in-app games drives engagement for the brand, according to Preston Nix, director of loyalty and CRM.
By Amanda Baltazar • July 18, 2024 -
The forces shaping Gen Z’s snack and beverage consumption
Gen Z has a sweet tooth and loves childhood flavors, but they increasingly demand healthy ingredients, major restaurants and suppliers say.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 17, 2024 -
Beastie Boys sue Chili’s parent Brinker over ‘Sabotage’ video
The rappers contend that the restaurant chain appropriated their 1994 hit and music video for social media use without permission.
By Justin Bachman • July 15, 2024 -
Schlotzsky’s hires chief brand officer
Donna Spangler-Josephson will lead the deli chain’s marketing and branding efforts as it looks to reverse a gradual erosion of its store base.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 12, 2024