Marketing
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Taco Bell’s drive-thru cameras give diners a shot at Super Bowl cameos
Rewards members who stop by the touring camera stations to snap a pic have a chance to be featured in the brand’s big game ad.
By Peter Adams • Dec. 3, 2024 -
Maggiano’s appoints KFC exec to marketing role
Mike Wesley, who spent 14 years in marketing positions at the fried chicken brand, will help the casual chain amplify brand awareness and drive marketing and promotional activities.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 2, 2024 -
GoTo Foods names former IHOP exec as chief commercial officer
Kieran Donahue will oversee various aspects of the commercial division, including marketing, branding and consumer insights and analytics.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2024 -
Deep Dive
How do coffee chains design, market and analyze their seasonal LTOs?
While flexibility is important, many brands plan coffee LTOs more than a year in advance, meaning next year’s holiday drinks are already in the works at places like Peet’s and Dutch Bros.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 19, 2024 -
McDonald’s holiday cups entertain with Doodles content, digital collectibles
The fast food giant is collaborating with a Web3-fueled entertainment brand that CMO Tariq Hassan calls “an agent of change in the cultural landscape.”
By Chris Kelly • Nov. 15, 2024 -
Chipotle defrauded investors with inconsistent meal sizes, says plaintiff seeking class action
The case is an example of securities lawsuits run amok, a directors and officers liability law specialist says.
By Robert Freedman • Nov. 14, 2024 -
Cava’s winning comp sales streak continued in Q3
Cava is the clear leader of the Mediterranean fast casual segment, and has had one of the strongest 2024s of any major brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 13, 2024 -
KFC sues Church’s Texas Chicken over ‘original recipe’ ads
KFC claims Church’s use of the marketing phrase will deceive customers into thinking they are buying items from KFC.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 13, 2024 -
Column
Campaign Trail: Taco Bell takes on ‘Big Chicken’ through family debates
Fans of the chain’s Cantina Chicken menu are pitted against “trachickenalists” in ads that pitch the QSR as a chicken destination like KFC and Chick-fil-A.
By Chris Kelly • Nov. 11, 2024 -
Sponsored by Givex
Customer retention relies on what you bring to the table
Serve up the best strategy for loyalty: Bring guests back with a tailored loyalty program.
Nov. 11, 2024 -
Papa Johns names new CMO to elevate data-driven creativity
Jenna Bromberg, previously director of core marketing at Pizza Hut, joins Papa Johns as it works to improve perceptions around value and loyalty experiences.
By Peter Adams • Nov. 7, 2024 -
Q&A
Cracker Barrel’s new CMO on reconnecting a heritage brand to culture
Sarah Moore discussed changing Cracker Barrel’s approach to partnerships and prioritizing apps like TikTok to keep a finger on the consumer pulse.
By Peter Adams • Nov. 7, 2024 -
Dine Brands wants to open a dozen IHOP-Applebee’s units in the US next year
While the eye-catching new units promise greater profits, they can’t solve the sales pressure that both brands currently face.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 6, 2024 -
Taco Bell is a winner and KFC a loser in Yum Brands’ Q3
KFC’s value meal did not turn its same-store sales declines around, but Taco Bell’s mix of menu innovation and value messaging drove growth for the company.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 5, 2024 -
Starbucks to eliminate non-dairy milk upcharge, hold prices steady
The coffee giant will move towards greater price transparency on customized drinks while cutting back on ineffective discounts, CEO Brian Niccol said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Shake Shack to launch loyalty program in 2025
A rewards program will be a long-term sales driver, but it will not likely impact 2025 performance at the fast casual chain.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Subway adds $6.99 meal deal through year’s end
The monthslong discount signals a shift towards greater value emphasis for the chain, which has stayed largely aloof from 2024’s QSR price wars.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 29, 2024 -
Zaxbys raises 4 dishes from LTO to permanent status
As the chicken chain looks to accelerate national growth, new menu items could play a pivotal role in driving sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 28, 2024 -
Red Lobster names new CMO
Nichole Robillard, who recently led a rebrand for Smokey Bones, was praised for her ability to blend creative and operational expertise.
By Peter Adams • Oct. 24, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A targets families with entertainment-focused mobile app
The free app will launch Nov. 18 and include podcasts, games, interactive stories and original animated shows like “Legends of Evergreen Hills.”
By Aaron Baar • Oct. 24, 2024 -
Jollibee launches first loyalty program
Members will gain access to exclusive deals and product news as well as give feedback on new menu items.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2024 -
Starbucks appoints ex-Chipotle exec as first global chief brand officer
Tressie Lieberman joins the coffee chain as part of new CEO Brian Niccol’s marketing overhaul, which also includes a recent agency appointment.
By Chris Kelly • Oct. 21, 2024 -
Dog Haus signs 25-unit franchise deal with boxer Jake Paul
The controversial YouTuber will join the company’s board and bring his star power to the brand as it looks to juice sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Domino’s promotes brand chief to CMO to sharpen global strategy
Kate Trumbull, who helped revamp the chain’s loyalty program, is tasked with scaling its Hungry for MORE initiative to international markets.
By Peter Adams • Oct. 17, 2024 -
Starbucks hands US creative duties to WPP amid turnaround push
The agency network is forming a bespoke unit for the chain that is trying to reclaim its status as a premium brand and community coffeehouse.
By Peter Adams • Oct. 16, 2024