How podcasts are helping brands meet DEI commitments

Multicultural podcast agency Pod Digital Media recently inked an eight-figure deal with McDonald's as the brand invests in diverse media.

By Chris Kelly • March 21, 2022

Chili's opens e-commerce shop to celebrate 47th birthday

The chain is beefing up a channel overlooked by full-service restaurants to engage fans who follow the brand on Instagram and have its rewards app.

By Chris Kelly • March 11, 2022

How QSR marketers are riding the plant-based food wave

Marketing plant-based foods, whether made in-house or with industry partners, comes with its own challenges as chains stay true to their brands.

By Chris Kelly • March 8, 2022

Jack in the Box trolls McDonald's over broken ice cream machines

The first effort from the QSR's new public relations and integrated campaigns agency of record uses competitive sparring tactics to tap into culture.

By Chris Kelly • March 3, 2022

Denny's refreshes 24/7 heritage with help of diverse TikTok stars

A new brand platform targets younger diners through influencer menu collaborations positioned as different from common "hacks" in the QSR category.

By Peter Adams • March 1, 2022

Taco Bell's subscription service increased rewards members by 20%

Taco Lover's Pass subscribers visit three times more often than non-members and close to half of transactions included more than one taco.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 23, 2022

Qdoba announces two-tiered loyalty program

The Mexican chain's revamped rewards offering lets customers earn one point for every dollar spent, and 125 points earns a free entree.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 18, 2022

KFC selects MullenLowe as AOR to complete marketing makeover

Wieden + Kennedy had handled the QSR's creative account since 2015.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 15, 2022

Applebee's CMO on embracing everything from '80s nostalgia to metaverse buzz

Joel Yashinsky details how authenticity is at the heart of a new campaign that focuses on regulars and follows a viral hit song that mentions the brand.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 14, 2022

Burger King puts creative, media accounts into review as RBI reshape continues

Sister brands Popeyes and Tim Hortons are also looking for a new media agency in the U.S.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 7, 2022

The case for a more modern approach to restaurant marketing materials

While traditional printing and shipping processes may pose challenges, a modern approach to restaurant marketing material production can help save time and money.

Feb. 7, 2022

Shake Shack hooks up with DoorDash for chicken sandwich-themed dating site

The brands are linking to help spicy food lovers "eat cute" in time for Valentine's Day with an effort that could generate valuable first-party data.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 3, 2022

McDonald's enlists fashion designer for Lunar New Year celebration in metaverse

An interactive virtual space displays towering zodiac sculptures by Humberto Leon in the latest sign the chain is committed to exploring the tech frontier.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 31, 2022

Domino's introduces $3 credits for carryout customers

Diners can earn these "tips," which go toward future carryout purchases, on $5-plus online takeaway orders every day between Jan. 31 and May 22.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 31, 2022

On the Border to launch new loyalty app amid brand turnaround

The app, which drops on Feb. 2,  will allow diners to track loyalty points, order and complete lunch visits more quickly, CMO Edithann Ramey said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 28, 2022

Roti offers customers $10 credit to download loyalty app

The fast casual's promotion highlights the premium restaurants are placing on loyalty and digital engagement.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 26, 2022

Taco Bell crowdsources fan ideas for time-loop Nacho Fries ad

The latest promotion for the limited-run menu item takes a unique approach in tapping Twitter to steer the spot's creative direction.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Jan. 20, 2022

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