Marketing

Delivery firms are offering more flexibility to retain partners. Will it work?

Major aggregators are rolling out white labels, subscription programs and new data tools to keep partner restaurants and delivery customers as more diners order from operators directly. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 19, 2022

Can restaurant marketers get digital right while facing panoply of pressures?

Amid labor, supply chain and inflationary issues, 2022 will be a year of increased pressure to deliver on fronts that span media, ordering and loyalty.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 18, 2022

Sweetgreen launches Sweetpass subscription

The salad chain is testing a $10 subscription service where customers can get $3 off a meal every day for 30 days.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 3, 2022

How restaurants can survive the decline in digital ad effectiveness

Read on to find out how a tried-and-true marketing tactic might be just the one that gets your cash register ringing.

Jan. 3, 2022

KFC previews new marketing approach with year-long Jack Harlow partnership

Reflecting the celebrity collaboration craze, the work with multicultural shop Nimbus arrives as KFC is expected to switch up agencies.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 22, 2021

Denny's enters 'The Matrix' and serves up free mobile delivery

As part of a promotion for the upcoming film "The Matrix Resurrections," the restaurant chain is delivering deals as "glitches" via digital wallets.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 10, 2021

Taco Bell appoints Jordan Brand CMO as global chief brand officer

Sean Tresvant will lead the chain's efforts to drive culture and create impact with a focus on omnichannel initiatives and digital customer touchpoints.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 3, 2021

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