Taco Bell expands Taco Lover's Pass nationwide

During the 30-day subscription's trial last fall, 20% of Taco Lover's Pass purchasers were new to the chain's rewards app. An additional 20% renewed the pass a second time. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 6, 2022

Burger King introduces Keep It Real Meals after banning 120 artificial ingredients

Mirroring McDonald's, the chain tapped celebrities to share their custom orders, but asked them to use their real names instead of stage personas.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 9, 2021

How McDonald's boosts mobile growth with Famous Orders platform

The burger chain's celebrity tie-ups are a key part of driving app downloads and expanding membership in its new mobile-based loyalty program.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2021

Chipotle gamifies loyalty program with extra perks

The chain's new Extras feature allows members to access additional points and receive free items faster, personalized challenges and achievement badges.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 1, 2021

Emotional loyalty: Evolving restaurants' approach to brand love

Brands that are connection-focused win the day over those that are reliant on discounts as shortcuts to boost short-term metrics, writes Ellen Green, AVP of loyalty and CRM at Hathway.

By Ellen Green • Aug. 27, 2021

McDonald's taps new global, US CMOs in executive shuffle

The chain is refashioning some of its leadership structure following the creation of a customer experience team earlier this summer.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Aug. 25, 2021

How QSR loyalty programs stack up in 2021

Chains from McDonald's to Burger King are adding loyalty programs for the first time to attract and retain customers, and they're gaining ground against competitors' long-standing programs. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 24, 2021

Why winning brands like Taco Bell still look to agencies for help on culture

Mature companies face steeper challenges to growth and could need third-party expertise to connect with new audiences and pop on emerging platforms.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2021

Slice launches tiered service packages for independent pizzerias

The platform's "essentials" offering includes an in-app listing, rewards and marketing, while more features are available for the "premium" and "complete" models, such as a customized website. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 18, 2021

45% of consumers say Subway should drop embattled Megan Rapinoe, survey finds

The U.S. soccer star, who appears in the chain's latest ad campaign, is facing backlash after kneeling at the Tokyo Olympics to protest racism.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 18, 2021

Wingstop shakes up marketing structure as it eyes 100% digital transactions

Inspired by tech companies, the realignment comes as the wing chain places bigger bets on emerging formats like ghost kitchens. 

By Peter Adams • Aug. 17, 2021

Subway's CMO on why the brand's transformation is just beginning

Carrie Walsh details how the brand experimented with new channels and collaborated with agency partners on a campaign featuring top athletes.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 13, 2021

McDonald's links with esports giant FaZe Clan to spotlight diversity in gaming

Billed as "one of gaming's biggest QSR partnerships to date," the tie-up includes content focused on how the sport is evolving to be more inclusive.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 6, 2021

Popeyes calls truce to chicken sandwich wars with nugget launch campaign

After instigating a frenzy with its chicken sandwich launch, the chain will donate 1 million nuggets — including those from rivals — to promote its new offering.

By Chris Kelly • July 28, 2021

McDonald's creates team to elevate diner experiences

Golden Arches veteran Manu Steijaert will lead the customer experience division in the new position of EVP and global chief customer officer effective Aug. 1. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 26, 2021

Shake Shack to invest over $10M in employees

The money will go toward raises, sign-on and retention bonuses and leadership development programs over the next 12 months as restaurant chains battle the labor crisis. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 22, 2021

6 campaigns that stood out amid H1 growth in mobile usage, app spending

Popular apps in the audio, social and video categories are driving growth and helping brands like Chipotle, McDonald's and Burger King reach people.

By Robert Williams • July 14, 2021

McDonald's franchisees boosting pay, rolling out child and elder care benefits

Operators surveyed more than 5,000 employees to determine what new offerings, such as tuition coverage and child care, would be most attractive.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated July 13, 2021

Panera tailors swimwear collection to those who eat soup in hot weather

The Swim Soup line's focus on e-commerce aligns with how Dunkin' and McDonald's are attempting to grow loyalty and build out a lifestyle positioning with devoted followers.

By Peter Adams • July 12, 2021

Chipotle hides giveaway codes in NBA Finals ads for a 'game within the game'

The TV spots show the brand drawing a clearer link to its mobile business and building on a popular "Freeting" promotion from 2019.

By Peter Adams • July 8, 2021

Report: 47% of diners use at least one loyalty program

The share of consumers using restaurant rewards increased 12% between Jan. 22 and April 22, research from Paytronix and PYMNTS finds.

By Alicia Kelso • June 30, 2021

Wendy's CMO on Twitter snark, 'Rick and Morty' and building a $1B breakfast business

Carl Loredo, the chain's marketing chief since 2019, said his overall vision is unchanged by the pandemic, while tactics are evolving to meet tech needs.

By Peter Adams • June 29, 2021

Domino's lets customers bet on speediness of carside delivery with DraftKings tie-up

The challenge lets DraftKings users predict whether orders will actually show up in under two minutes for a chance to win a share of a $200,000 pot.

By Peter Adams • June 28, 2021

How to write a restaurant business plan

Learn what to include in a successful restaurant business plan (and get a free template).

June 28, 2021

How Sweetgreen's in-house agency helps deliver healthy messages

Executive Creative Director Thomas Wilder details his move from the agency world to the fast casual chain and why tennis star Naomi Osaka is a perfect ambassador for the brand, even when facing controversy.

By Chris Kelly • June 25, 2021