Marketing

How brands are turning inclusive holiday campaigns into more than 'inspiration porn'

Starbucks and Target lead the way for marketers trying to authentically embrace diversity and inclusion during a busy yet reflective season.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 24, 2021

62% of consumers want restaurant gift card for holidays, NRA finds

Of those consumers, most want a gift card to their favorite restaurant but many would like to try a new eatery, a National Restaurant Association survey shows.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 19, 2021

Uber's new membership bundles rides, delivery services

Uber One offers 5% off some rides and delivery orders and an unlimited $0 delivery fee on $15-plus food orders, along with other perks, for $9.99 a month or $99.99 annually. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2021

Chipotle supports young farmers with Kacey Musgraves, Carhartt collaborations

As part of a new campaign that includes a short film, the chain is also teaming with the National Young Farmers Coalition to advocate for changes to the 2023 Farm Bill.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 17, 2021

Papa Johns fires up brand overhaul, drops apostrophe from logo

As the chain continues to set a direction apart from its founder, a refreshed visual identity and restaurant design reflect new digital mandates and a fun and hand-crafted ethos.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 16, 2021

Make your business an escape from holiday stress with custom entertainment

As the holiday season ramps up, so do customers' stress levels — here’s how businesses can be more mindful.

Nov. 15, 2021

McDonald's duets with Mariah Carey to celebrate the holidays

In a tie-up with the "All I Want For Christmas Is You" singer, the chain will supercharge its celebrity-powered efforts through 12 days of free items.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 12, 2021

Study: Mobile gamers level up commitment to QSR digital ordering

The growing number of mobile gamers ordering takeout via apps and websites could be pertinent to brands in the QSR space, per AdColony.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 11, 2021

Why C3 is betting on virtual brands inspired by online influencers

The food tech platform has created an innovation hub to develop delivery-only brands with digital content creators and reach lucrative younger audiences.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 11, 2021

Yelp personalizes home feed in latest upgrade

Available in 150 metro areas, the iOS update provides visual content and updates from local restaurants based on factors like proximity and popularity of dishes.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 9, 2021

Burger King's Ellie Doty is latest marketer to leave brand

The exit of the chain's first North American CMO comes as its parent company's growth lags behind that of competitors.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 5, 2021

McDonald's powers up 'Friendsgaming' livestream with FaZe Clan to unite gamers

As part of the event riffing on the Friendsgiving concept, the duo created a merchandise pack of co-branded gaming gear and DoorDash delivery codes.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 2, 2021

Burger King doles out crypto on Robinhood to boost loyalty program

Royal Perks members could win Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin in a stunt that builds on the QSR's previous brand-building efforts.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 1, 2021

KFC scores new CMO with Nintendo's Nick Chavez

With more than 11 years at Nintendo of America, the executive has deep industry knowledge that reflects the growing importance of gaming and digital to consumer-facing brands.

By Chantal Tode • Oct. 29, 2021

McDonald's cooks up first NFT play by flipping rare McRib into digital art

Celebrating the cult favorite's 40th anniversary, the chain enshrined the sandwich as a permanent asset that fans can own via a Twitter sweepstakes.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 28, 2021

Impossible Foods opens 2 food stands in Seattle arena

The plant-based meat maker's latest stadium expansion comes as major QSRs like McDonald's are considering a larger push into meat alternatives.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 25, 2021

Introducing: A facts only approach to news designed for businesses

Cable news is broken, and it's detracting from the restaurant customer experience.

Oct. 25, 2021

Peet's Coffee adds more incentives to its loyalty program

The revamp comes as more chains add loyalty programs or enhance existing rewards offerings to attract digitally savvy consumers, and marks the first major change to the chain's program since 2017. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 21, 2021

Popeyes heats up Megan Thee Stallion collab with merch drops, new chicken sandwich

A partnership with the hip-hop star, who is now a franchise owner, spotlights a sauce inspired by her sassy personality and an Easter egg-loaded video.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 14, 2021

DoorDash beefs up ad capabilities for restaurants, CPG brands

The delivery platform is working to generate additional revenue as its growth slows from the highs reached during the pandemic's peak.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 12, 2021

Can QSRs meet marketing's new imperatives without alienating franchisees?

National brand building is often in conflict with the needs of local operators — a dichotomy that has only become more apparent in the past 18 months.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 12, 2021

How host kitchens are propelling virtual brands forward

Despite the rapid expansion, many experts question whether delivery-only concepts have long-term sustainability.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 11, 2021

Taco Bell celebrates National Taco Day with Discord, messaging push

In the U.S., the chain will leave Easter eggs on Reddit and "raid" Discord channels to give away free tacos while a global push focuses on the taco emoji.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 4, 2021

Survey: 36% of TikTok users order from restaurants after seeing them on the app

Chipotle and Arby's have recently launched campaigns on the social media app, which marketing agency MGH says has a potential to drive sales.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 1, 2021

What happens when businesses play the best of the internet on their TVs

Today, 72% of all U.S. adults use social media. The most commonly used social media platforms all have one thing in common: snackable videos. Here's what that means for business entertainment. 

Sept. 27, 2021