Marketing

  • A photograph of a gray sign with a red box inside with white letters that says "Jack" under the box it says "in the box."
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Jack in the Box names president in CEO succession step

    Former Yum Brands executive Taylor Montgomery could bring some of Taco Bell’s marketing magic to the beleaguered burger brand. 

    By • Aug. 20, 2026
  • The exterior of a Panera Bread restaurant.
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    Panera overhauls rewards program

    The shift to points-based loyalty with premium tiers offers consumers more consistent value and greater control of redemption.

    By • Aug. 19, 2026
  • A triptych collage of images show teen creator Salish Matter enjoying Chipotle
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    Permission granted by Chipotle
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    Chipotle broadens Gen Alpha marketing with Salish Matter collab

    A partnership with the 16-year-old YouTube and TikTok star marks the first time the brand has brought a custom creator order to its Kid’s Meal.

    By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2026
  • A screenshot of a virtual event with one person in the center and two people in boxes on the side.
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    Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive/Restaurant Dive
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    Why restaurant loyalty programs need to go beyond the points-based game

    Guests don’t just want freebies, they want recognition, personalization and an overall great experience as part of their rewards membership.

    By • Aug. 19, 2026
  • A promotional image for Whataburger's $4 sandwiches
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    Courtesy of Whataburger
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    Whataburger adds $4 value menu

    Low-priced options could attract diners in new markets and sustain sales in core trade areas.

    By • Aug. 18, 2026
  • Shell
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    Retrieved from Shell.
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    Shell taps McDonald’s loyalty base to drive fuel trips, rewards sign-ups

    A new promotion gives the QSR chain’s loyalty members discounts at Shell-branded gas stations through mid-September.

    By Brett Dworski • Aug. 18, 2026
  • A close up image of yellow orange menus in a holder.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    Cracker Barrel’s business recovered. The marketing story never did.

    CEO Julie Masino’s exit following a rebrand blunder provides an important lesson: don’t assume good results will overwrite a bad narrative on their own, writes marketing executive Steve Schonberg.

    By Steve Schonberg • Aug. 17, 2026
  • A photogrpah of a beige and green corner building wih several cars parked in front. The facade has a white sign that says Panera Bread.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Panera Bread hires CMO from Cava as transformation work continues

    Andrew Rebhun will lead all aspects of marketing at the fast-casual chain. He previously was the chief marketer at Cava and El Pollo Loco.

    By Chris Kelly • Aug. 13, 2026
  • Cava event
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    Courtesy of Cava
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    Q&A

    How Cava outperforms in fast casual despite frugal marketing budget

    The chain is in the process of bringing on a new CMO. Previous marketing exec Andrew Rebhun joined Panera as CMO last week.

    By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2026
  • An image of a white building with First Watch signage
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    Inside First Watch’s ‘spend more to earn more’ strategy

    Despite increased marketing, food and development costs, the chain is seeing an uptick in sales, revenue and opportunities to reach new customers. 

    By • Aug. 10, 2026
  • a drive-thru coffee shop with 7 Brew branding at dusk.
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    Courtesy of 7 Brew
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    7 Brew debuts app, overhauls loyalty system

    The new app could aid the coffee brand’s growth by driving sales and raising the quality and volume of consumer data it collects.

    By • Aug. 6, 2026
  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Burger King sales surge, but Popeyes faces uphill battle

    While Burger King’s revival has gained momentum in recent months, Popeyes has continued to struggle despite its turnaround efforts — but RBI has hope for the chicken chain’s sluggish sales.

    By • Aug. 6, 2026
  • Six drinks, all colorful, comprising the vanguard of McDonald's post-CosMc's premium drinks lineup.
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    Courtesy of McDonald's
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    McDonald’s CEO blames US traffic drop on execution problems

    The Golden Arches is acting with urgency to correct value issues and operational inefficiencies in the U.S. after a sales miss, executives said.

    By • Aug. 4, 2026
  • Domino's app
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    Courtesy of Domino's Pizza
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    Domino’s pays diners to beta test its relaunched app, website

    The pizza chain’s new campaign encourages consumers to leave feedback about its updated digital ordering experience.

    By Chris Kelly • Aug. 3, 2026
  • BJ's Restaurants' new chicken sandwiches
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    Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
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    BJ’s posts strongest traffic gains in 4 years

    The chain’s turnaround — aided by value plays, menu innovation and marketing spend — is nearing an inflection point as it prepares to expand.

    By • Aug. 3, 2026
  • Popeyes signage
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    Popeyes spices up agency roster to deliver better brand consistency

    Anomaly, which the chain credited for its “audacious, resonant work,” is taking over U.S. creative duties from McKinney.

    By Peter Adams • Aug. 3, 2026
  • Person enjoying a hamburger in a cozy café.
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    Permission granted by Rokt
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    Sponsored by Rokt

    The next competitive advantage for QSRs may be the company they keep

    Brand partnerships are evolving from awareness campaigns into measurable growth engines.

    By Rob Murphy • Aug. 3, 2026
  • A close up image of a person holding up a slice of Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Why Taco Bell predicts a swift recovery from Cyclospora

    Loyalty, value offers and swift removal of lettuce have mitigated the sales impact of the ongoing outbreak of the foodborne parasitic illness.

    By • July 30, 2026
  • Taco Bell is testing a new design for its Go Mobile stores, pictured here.
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Taco Bell flooded with lawsuits over diarrhea outbreak

    The fast food giant, supplier Taylor Farms and at least one franchisee face legal action from consumers in multiple states over alleged deceptive marketing and illness tied to lettuce.

    By • July 23, 2026
  • A group of five people wear Pizza Hut merchandise while sitting on and standing around a wood bench in an urban area.
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    Courtesy of Pizza Hut
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    Pizza Hut serves up nostalgia with latest rewards program push

    The latest iteration of “Hut Originals” includes a value menu, a streetwear collection inspired by the brand’s classic uniforms and a mobile experience.

    By Sara Karlovitch • July 14, 2026
  • An in-game avatar plays golf while wearing foil pants, a bucket hat and polo.
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Chipotle drives rewards program with ‘PGA Tour 2K25’ integration

    The partnership is part of a larger golf strategy by the brand, which became an official sponsor of PGA Tour through a multiyear deal announced in January.

    By Sara Karlovitch • July 10, 2026
  • A sign on a table declaring it to be reserved.
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    Getty Images
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    OpenTable adds table reservation perk for frequent diners

    Gold status members can book tables set aside for them, making access to coveted restaurants easier.

    By • July 8, 2026
  • A group of people at a bar cheer while watching a soccer match. A person in the center is wearing red and holding a soccer ball.
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    Getty Images
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    World Cup kicks US restaurant traffic up a notch

    Transactions in host cities jumped by as much as 28% during the group stage of the soccer tournament, per Square data.

    By • July 1, 2026
  • A CGI buffalo sits at a bar as part of a Buffalo Wild Wings campaign.
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    Permission granted by Buffalo Wild Wings
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    Buffalo Wild Wings hires marketing chief from Tatte

    Scott Nelson will lead the sports bar’s culinary and marketing efforts as it looks to build on its sports-forward brand reputation.

    By • June 30, 2026
  • Taco Bell
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Taco Bell gives away emotional-support tacos as World Cup nerves run high

    “Loss Or Celebration Outcome Support,” or “L.O.C.O.S.,” will activate globally and comes as the brand looks to expand its loyalty program.

    By Sara Karlovitch • June 29, 2026