Operators are looking to cash in on the chatter surrounding this year’s presidential race with election-themed deals and promotions. Here’s what a handful of chains are doing to attract voters.
Build-your-own sandwich chain Which Wich is asking voters to elect their favorite sandwiches. Choices include the Black Bean Patty, known as the “green candidate” for its vegan insides; the Grinder, representing the “wildcard” candidate; the Wicked, or the “hometown hero”; and the Club sandwich, the “modern traditionalist.” Votes are cast when customers order one of the nominated sandwiches online. Sandwich voting ends when real voting ends on Nov. 8.
Fast casual Qdoba Mexican Eats presents hungry voters with a cheesy throw-down between new queso flavors Buffalo Bacon and Queso Verde. Customers can declare their support on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #QdobaBuffalo or #QdobaVerde by Nov. 11. The chain will then give away chips and the winning queso for free with the purchase of an entree on Dec. 4 from 2 p.m. through close.
Voters doubting their decision on Election Day can at least get a free doughnut. Anyone wearing a sticker indicating they voted will receive a free doughnut of their choice on Nov. 8 at participating Krispy Kreme locations.
TGI Fridays is inviting customers to choose “a real New Yorker” this election. Options include the New York Cheddar & Bacon Burger and the New York Strip steak. The traditional CDR asks voters to choose a “Commander-in-Beef” by Election Day.
Chili’s offered a choice between three candidates, each with a dose of tequila. Three Presidente margarita flavors are on the ballot, including Original, Strawberry and Mango. All three flavors are on sale for $5 each every Thursday leading up to Election Day.
There’s a burger for voters who aren’t sure who they’re casting their ballot for on Nov. 8. BurgerFi’s Conflicted Burger is having a bit of an identity crisis. It includes both a beef and veggie patty, and can be purchased for $5 on Election Day by any customer sporting their “I Voted” sticker.
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8. The real vote
According to P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, the real decision facing Americans this election season is a choice between dumplings or crab wontons. Customers who vote online and share their vote on Facebook or Twitter receive a coupon for a free serving of the winner.
The fast-growing cookie franchise, which lost sales and profits last year, is introducing “Mini Mondays,” making available its smaller cookies for sale every Monday.
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Flynn, already the world’s largest franchisee of the casual-dining chain, is acquiring 26 restaurants from an existing franchisee and is making plans to open 25 new locations by 2031.