Marketing
-
Will selling hot sauce online broaden Dos Toros' reach?
The New York City-based chain will sell the products on its website as competition with rivals Del Taco, Moe's and Chipotle intensifies.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018
-
Moe's invests in store remodels, street-style menu items
After years of steady growth, the chain is turning to its Southwestern roots for menu inspiration and a more sophisticated in-store experience.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018
-
Deep DiveHow restaurant CMOs are adapting to emerging tech, media channels
To stay competitive in an age of hyper-convenience, savvy customers and social media dominance, these executives marry marketing with IT.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018
-
Party mas: Taco Bell is taking event reservations
Following success at its Las Vegas Cantina the chain is testing party reservations for $25 — complete with taco-themed decorations.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 09, 2018
-
Papa John's 'Voices' campaign helps shift brand perception
Following efforts to use storytelling to put a more relatable face on the company, consumer sentiment moved from negative to neutral or positive.
By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 08, 2018
-
Carl's Jr. catches 'Famous Stars' for multichannel influencer campaign
The fast food brand is teaming up with Australian comedian and Instagram star Celeste Barber on the new "Famous Stars, Eating Famous Stars" spots.
By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 05, 2018
-
El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery
The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.
By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 05, 2018
-
Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's
Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 01, 2018
-
Jack in the Box franchisees ask for board seat, marketing audit
Less than a month after the fast food chain's franchisee association called on CEO Lenny Comma to step down, the group is now pushing for a "solutions-focused meeting" to rein in declining transactions.
By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 31, 2018
-
BrewDog Airlines offers group travel experience for craft brewer's fans
The trip from London includes BrewDog-inspired dining, Cicerone-trained cabin staff, canned cocktails from its spirits arm LoneWolf and a visit to its new brewery in Columbus, Ohio.
By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 31, 2018
-
Pizza Hut unveils robotic delivery truck that bakes pizzas en route
The chain partnered with Toyota to create the PIE Pro prototype, which cooks pies in seven minutes and could help trim delivery times and broaden its footprint in the competitive space.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 31, 2018
-
IHOP gets in the holiday spirit with Grinch-inspired menu, ads
The pancake chain's limited-time offerings include green pancakes, green whipped cream-topped hot chocolate and a "roast beast" omelet.
By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 30, 2018
-
More than 80% of diners choose restaurants that respond to online reviews
Three out of four consumers believe those responses should be personalized, pressuring businesses to hone their brand voice and be vigilant about managing internet reputations.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018
-
Starbucks can't quit its specialty Frappuccinos, despite sliding sales
The coffee chain rolled out a Halloween-themed blended drink for the fourth year in a row, though sales for the category were down 3% in May.
By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 26, 2018
-
Dunkin' launches revamped espresso to check premium rivals
The chain is betting upscale machinery, trained staff and its recent branding change will lure younger consumers away from Starbucks and other higher-priced competitors.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 25, 2018
-
First US sign language Starbucks opens in DC
The coffee giant brings the Signing Store to Washington during a time when the restaurant industry is publicly trying to change its diversity practices.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 24, 2018
-
Popeyes' drive-thru asks fans to drive 12 hours for free chicken
Customers can place an order at a roadside menu board in Fort Stockton, Texas, and pick up their food in New Orleans, a drive that takes 12 hours to complete, the same length of time their chicken will marinate.
By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 24, 2018
-
Phoenix IHOP serves beer, Bloody Marys and wine on tap
After taking over a former Lone Star Steakhouse, the franchise owner left the bar intact, making it the first standalone IHOP to offer an alcoholic drink menu.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018
-
Google adds reviews to Maps, putting pressure on restaurants
The search engine surpassed other review sites when mobile internet overtook desktop searches last year.
By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 22, 2018
-
Chipotle promises year of free 'booritos' in Instagram costume contest
Fans can vote for the "Boorito Champion" through the chain's Instagram Story on Nov. 1.
By Robert Williams • Oct. 22, 2018
-
OpenTable's CEO departs as Kayak chief assumes lead
The executive shakeup comes as competition in restaurant reservations heats up, and could signal a global push to connect travelers with lodging, transportation and dining all in one place.
By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 19, 2018
-
Subway drafts NBA players for trivia challenge on Instagram
Los Angeles Clippers' Boban Marjanović and Tobias Harris hosted the first weekly match that aims to boost the sandwich chain's loyalty program.
By Robert Williams • Oct. 19, 2018
-
Denny's taps CRM platform Punchh to boost customer engagement
The cloud-based marketing solution will allow the restaurant to collect behavioral analytics to develop personalized relationships with its diners.
By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 18, 2018
-
Inside Starbucks' secretive, ad-free Facebook community for fall enthusiasts
The Leaf Rakers Society, now at over 26,000 members, has become a powerful tool for peer-to-peer recommendations around seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
By Peter Adams • Oct. 17, 2018
-
ColumnComic Dive: Dunkin' Goes Nuts
After dropping "Donuts" from its branding, the coffee chain is embracing craft beer, dry shampoo, tiny homes and more to forge a fresh identity.
By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige