Marketing

Love is in the air for Cinnabon and Slim Jim

Marketing Bites: Slim Jim and Cinnabon plan a wedding, Wendy’s brings back its Frosty Boo! Books and restaurant chains celebrate National Waffle Week.
Slim Jim and Cinnabon.
The Cinnabon and Slim Jim "wedding" will take place on Sept. 15. | Image courtesy of Cinnabon and Slim Jim.

Marketing Bites.

Wedding bells are ringing, and this is one ceremony you won’t want to miss. The love story started in 2022 when Cinnabon messaged Slim Jim on X (formerly known as Twitter). Now, the pair is tying the knot, and they’re giving diners a chance to help plan the “wedding.”

Also this week, Wendy’s teams up with Warner Bros. to bring back its Frosty Boo! Books, Starbucks promotes its fall flavors and some chains celebrate National Waffle Week.

Here’s what’s new in the world of restaurant marketing.

A ‘Slimabon’ wedding

Cinnabon and Slim Jim, an unlikely duo, first “met” in 2022 when Cinnabon responded to a National Girlfriend Day tweet from Slim Jim. Fans seemed to like the interaction as they quickly suggested that the pair date—fans even came up with the couple name Slimabon.

Since then, Slim Jim and Cinnabon have kept their love alive through playful social media exchanges. For instance, in Oct. 2022, Slim Jim tweeted, “I love meat,” and Cinnabon responded, “love you baby.” And on Valentines Day this year, Slim Jim tweeted Cinnabon a poem accompanied by a picture of roses made from Slim Jim wrappers.

While the two have only been “dating” for a short time, Slim Jim decided to pop the question on Sept 7. 

Now, Slimabon fans have the chance to help plan the wedding through survey questions on X that will help determine cutlery, florals and honeymoon plans.

The two brands are also sending “party favors” to random fans, which will include co-branded merch, a recipe card, Slim Jim meat sticks and a Cinnabon gift card.

The two are set to wed on Sept. 15, on X, where their love affair began.

Wendy’s gets into the football spirit…

Wendy’s is getting ready for college football season with its “Kick it with Fox Big Noon” cup sweepstakes. The burger chain has teamed up with Fox's “Big Noon Kickoff” and Coca-Cola to make it happen. To enter the sweepstakes, diners simply scan the QR code on marked Wendy’s cups. They will then have the chance to play the “Kick it Instant Win” game for prizes including 2024 college season tickets or playing catch with a quarterback.  

..and launches superhero-themed coupon books

Wendy’s is also gearing up for Halloween spirit with the return of its Frosty Boo! Books. The coupon books are DC Comics inspired, featuring Frosty characters dressed up as DC superheroes. The books sell for $1 and offer coupons for five free Jr. Frostys. Wendy’s is adding a sixth coupon for a $1.99 kids’ meal with any purchase. Ninety cents from each coupon book sold will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Customers can purchase the coupon books until Oct. 31.  

PSL season

Is it still too early for pumpkin spice? Coffee chains don’t seem to think so. Starbucks, for instance, is promoting its fall flavors with its latest offer. The coffee giant is giving rewards members a buy-one-get-one coupon on its fall beverages every Thursday through September. On offer are classics like the Pumpkin Spice Latte or Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and new seasonal drinks such as the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

National Waffle Week

Breakfast fans may want to look out for several promotions in honor of National Waffle Week. Family restaurant Huddle House is offering a free waffle with any purchase of $6 or more until Sept. 8, and White Castle is offering a buy-one-get-one deal on its waffle breakfast sliders through Sept. 10.

National Shake Month

Elevation Burger is starting September off sweetly with a BOGO deal celebrating National Shake Month. Every day this month, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., customers can score two shakes for the price of one, whether they buy them in-store or online.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The economy is surprisingly resilient

The Bottom Line: Persistent job growth and other indicators show an economy that has been shockingly resilient despite a host of pressures over the past three years.

Food

How Lion's Choice beefed up its roast beef sandwich, along with traffic and sales

Behind the Menu: St. Louis-based Lion’s Choice gave its signature sandwich a premium makeover to boost guest counts. It worked.

Financing

Taco Bell franchisee Pacific Bells continues its eastward push

One of the fast-food chain’s largest franchisees continues to acquire and open new locations. One of those new units could be in a ghost kitchen.

Trending

More from our partners