Starbuck's latest cup collection gives a nod to Latin American culture.
“When you think about Latin America—we’re a very diverse group. People may ski in the south or live near the beach in the Caribbean. I am hoping it’s a beautiful little collection where people can see themselves,” said Manuela Guillén, the artist behind the cup designs, in a Starbucks news story.
Also this week, many restaurant chains are tapping into their philanthropic side, and others are getting ready for football season.
Here’s a look at the latest in restaurant marketing.
Starbuck’s latest cup collection
As the latest installment of Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series, Starbucks is launching three cups designed by Guillén, who strives to tell the story of her parents' journey to the United States from Cuba and El Salvador through her art. The work is personal and colorful, and makes a beautiful ode to Latin American culture.
The first cup she designed is a stainless-steel tumbler called “Manuela Dream,” which showcases a self-portrait against a white background. The second is the “Buenas Vibras” cold cup, which translates to good vibes. And the last item, my personal favorite, is the “Manuela” cold cup, featuring a heart-shaped straw. (My favorite detail is the text—the word ‘hola’ on one arm and ‘hi’ on the other.)
“I wanted to show duality that a lot of first-generation people feel, you can live both these things. It’s part of who I am,” said Guillén.
It’s tailgating time already?
With football season nearly here, many chains are targeting sports fans with their latest marketing efforts.
Wendy’s, for instance, has teamed up with USC Trojan quarterback Caleb Williams and former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart on its latest television ad. The ad promotes the burger chain's newest offerings—a loaded nacho cheeseburger and queso fries.
Krystal is also getting into the football spirit, with a promotion celebrating National Tailgate Day on Sept. 2. The slider chain is offering a 10-for-$9.99 deal in which diners can opt for 10 original Krystal sliders or 10 spicy wings. In addition, the chain is bringing back its chili cheese Krystal, a slider topped with chili, American cheese, diced onions and mustard.
Little Caesars has big plans for its second year as the official pizza sponsor of the NFL. The pizza chain is offering free delivery for a limited time, for orders placed on its app or online. Starting Sept. 7, it's also offering instant prizes and perks with purchases. In addition, it will host a grand-prize drawing for the chance to win a free trip to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
Philanthropic campaigns
Giving back is also trending this week, with several restaurant chains highlighting their philanthropic campaigns. Golden Chick, for example, is teaming up with DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization helping classrooms in need. The chain is bringing back its Wicked Wings and State Fair Mini Funnel Cakes. The menu items will be available until Oct. 26, and 50 cents from each order of funnel cakes will be donated to DonorsChoose.
Wawa has also teamed up with DonorsChoose to create a $50,000 matching fund to support schools. Teachers can submit a project online to request school supplies or support. In another effort to assist educators, Wawa is offering teachers and school administrators in Mid-Atlantic states a free coffee every day throughout September.
Bar Louie is also supporting charity with its latest marketing push. The restaurant chain is donating $1 to No Kid Hungry for every rotating Martini of the Month sold through the remainder of the year. This month’s featured martini is the Grand Lemon Drop, made with Deep Eddy Lemon, Grand Marnier and lemon. The martini is finished with a sugar rim and topped with a lemon twist.
Fork a Franchise giveaway
Do you have dreams of owning a Clean Eatz franchise? Then this giveaway might be for you. The health food chain is searching for one individual to win the prize of a Clean Eatz cafe. It will cover the $50,000 franchising fee for the winner.
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.