Starbucks ad inspired by transgender people testing out new names

The coffee chain discovered transgender YouTubers sharing stories of trialing their new names on its cups.

By Dianna Christie • Feb. 3, 2020

Chipotle deploys TikTok stars to intercept Gen Z's attention during Super Bowl

During each commercial break following a team timeout, creators will share delivery-focused content set to Justin Bieber's new single.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 30, 2020

Panda Express celebrates Lunar New Year with social AR

Available on Facebook and Instagram, the virtual filters highlight different cultural traditions like red envelope gift-giving.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 16, 2020

Chipotle dishes out free food to Twitter fans as 'Quitter's Day' looms

As some people struggle to maintain their New Year's resolutions, the burrito chain is promoting a new healthier menu item.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 16, 2020

Dunkin' turns Snoop Dogg stunt into TV spot for Beyond sandwich

The Beyond Meat ambassador is featured in a new TV spot as part of a campaign that includes an online pop-up shop.

By Dianna Christie • Jan. 14, 2020

TGI Fridays will revamp bar to ignite alcohol sales

The chain will change its beverage program as well as music, seating and lighting to encourage more socializing in the hopes to boost its alcohol sales, which make up 30% of its $2.1 billion sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 14, 2020

Panera hires Phyllis from 'The Office' to address angry tweets

Actress Phyllis Smith read comments made by disgruntled customers after the chain pulled onion soup from its menu to highlight the return of the item. 

By Robert Williams • Jan. 9, 2020

McDonald's accused of pushing out black leadership, franchisees

Two senior executives filed a lawsuit Tuesday that claims the chain "declared a war against the African American community," adding to the chain's existing cases of sexual harassment and workplace violence.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 9, 2020

Burger King steps up with free food for New Yorkers near 'Joker' stairs

While poking fun at rival McDonald's, the QSR is offering Uber Eats delivery to Bronx residents annoyed by a rush of tourists.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 7, 2020

DoorDash teams with Chase to offer cardmembers free DashPash subscriptions

The deal could help the delivery platform differentiate from rivals as off-premise competition grows, and reflects credit card companies' growing investment in the restaurant space. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 7, 2020

5 restaurant trends that will define 2020

Analysts predict that ghost restaurants and lifestyle brand campaigns will continue to evolve and shape the market, but Gen Z's influence and interest in micro chains could disrupt the ecosystem.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 6, 2020

Olympics, election will hurt restaurant traffic, analysts predict

These two events will lead to more people staying in versus going out to eat, which could impact traffic by 100 to 150 basis points and bolster pizza delivery, says BTIG.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 6, 2020

Survey: Restaurants need to add mobile ads, payments and apps to the menu

A robust mobile marketing strategy is crucial for restaurants to connect with customers and drive sales, AdTheorent finds.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 23, 2019

Coke, McDonald's logos deliver AR content via Snapchat Scan

The visual search feature will allow McDonald's users to unlock three lens by scanning french fry boxes, food trays and burger wrappers.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 20, 2019

Shake Shack in-houses AOR staff

Joining the QSR's marketing team, Agency Within employees will focus on digital experiences such as the recent food delivery deal with Grubhub.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 19, 2019

Chipotle offers to pay delivery fees on anything

The QSR celebrates college football's bowl season with a Twitter contest.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 19, 2019

Burger King dishes free Impossible Whoppers to delayed holiday flyers

Anyone whose flight is delayed between Dec. 18 and Dec. 30 can download the burger chain's app and input their travel details to receive a coupon.

By Dianna Christie • Dec. 18, 2019

Popeyes seeks Sunday sandwich makers in latest jab at Chick-fil-A

The chicken chain is running help wanted ads in major newspapers to emphasize the popularity of its sandwich and that it is open on Sundays, unlike its competitor.

By Dianna Christie • Dec. 17, 2019

80% of millennial parents visit a restaurant at least once a week

Millennial parents spend $22 at limited-service restaurants, twice as much as the average customer, and arethe highest restaurant users of any demographic.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 17, 2019

Why video needs to be a New Year priority for restaurant marketing

Using video can increase engagement and diner interaction, providing person-based marketing customers have come to expect, says Hannah Hambleton, content manager at Beambox. 

By Hannah Hambleton • Dec. 16, 2019

Comic Dive: Brand the Halls

It's beginning to look a lot like branded merchandise season as major QSRs and CPGs get in on the holiday spirit.

By John Hazard • Dec. 13, 2019

Delivery Hero to pay $4B for Korean food delivery provider

The acquisition will give Delivery Hero a stronghold in South Korea, where the service is competitive, but still has a lot of room for growth. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 13, 2019

Popeyes rides chicken sandwich buzz with ugly sweater

The QSR joins Red Lobster, KFC and Dunkin' offering holiday-themed merchandise, a growing trend for marketers to playfully engage with loyal fans. 

By Dianna Christie • Dec. 13, 2019

Supply challenges could delay McDonald's chicken sandwich launch, analysts predict

Research firm Stephens reports there are not enough five-pound chicken products, the same size that Chick-fil-A and Popeyes use for their sandwiches, to supply the fast food giant's U.S. system.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 12, 2019

Caribou Coffee boosts ROI with revamped loyalty program

The coffee chain's redemptions improved 215% after switching to a points-based program during a summer promotion.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 12, 2019