Everybody’s favorite spooky holiday is quickly approaching and restaurants have not been shy with their array of promos. Chains like Burger King, Dunkin’ and Starbucks were quick to launch their Halloween promotions at the beginning of October, but now other chains want to get in on the spooky action. Also this week, several chains are launching promotions in honor of public servants. And there’s a few food-centric holidays coming up, like National Breadsticks Day.
Here's a look at what’s new in the world of restaurant marketing.
Hallo-Weekend deals
Wendy’s is offering five “spooky good deals” all weekend until the 31st. On Friday, the burger chain is offering a buy-one-get-one promo on premium sandwiches. On Saturday, diners can score a free crispy chicken sandwich with any purchase. The offer for Monday is a 99-cent small coffee. And on Tuesday, Wendy’s is offering a free six-piece nuggets with any purchase.
Krystal is also offering a buy-one-get-one deal, which it has dubbed a “Boo-go” deal. If you decide to don a costume this year, be sure to stop by Krystal to cash in on its buy-one-get-one offer on Krystals and Cheese Krystals.
And if you’re looking for a place to take your young ones after trick-or-treating, Huddle House is offering a free kid’s meal with the purchase of any $6 entree when dining in-store, from Oct. 27-31.
If you’re looking for some costume inspiration, perhaps it’s the year to dress as a chicken. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is inviting diners to dress up as a chick or chicken and share their costume on social media, for a chance to win prizes and rewards. Diners can enter the contest from Oct. 28-31. Winners will receive a $50 Lee’s gift card and Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Chicken Socks.
If you’re like me, and you never want Halloween to end, Quiznos is pushing for a new special day—Oct. 32. The sandwich chain says the Spongmonkeys have a demand for a recovery day after Halloween, which happens to be their favorite holiday. In honor of the new day (which will be celebrated on Nov. 1 if the government refuses to change the calendar in time), Quiznos is offering reward members a free 8-inch sub with any $10 purchase.
Various chains have been pushing their rewards programs as of late—Domino’s, for instance, recently offered reward members a free “emergency pizza.” A perk that I did, indeed, cash in on.
Honoring public servants
Tijuana Flats has launched a campaign to honor public servants. The campaign, dubbed “Payback Time” debuted on Oct. 23 and runs through Dec. 31. Tijuana Flats is offering teachers, nurses, military personnel, firefighters, law enforcement and EMTs a 20% discount every time they dine in or place a to-go order at any location.
Red Robin is also giving back to public servants with its Veteran Day celebration on Nov. 11. In honor of the day, the burger chain is offering veterans and active military personnel to enjoy a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger when dining in.
Similarly, Logan’s Roadhouse is offering military personnel and veterans a free meal from its special Veterans Day menu on Nov. 11. The menu varies by location but will include items like the All-American Cheeseburger, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders and a BBQ Grilled Pork Chop. In addition, the chain is giving veteran and active-duty employees a special camouflage crew shirt while other team members will be given a red, white and blue shirt design.
National Breadsticks Day
This day falls on Oct. 27 and Fazoli’s is giving away six free breadsticks with any purchase. Diners can get in on the deal by presenting the Fazoli’s app offer in-restaurant or using the code BREADSTICKS23 either online or in the app.
National Sandwich Day
The jacket was created in collaboration with high end streetwear brand, Starter. | Photo courtesy of Jimmy John's.
In honor of National Sandwich Day on Nov. 3, Jimmy John's has a special promotion and a new merchandise collection. The sandwich chain is teaming up with high end streetwear brand, Starter, on a limited time jacket. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy John’s Foundation, which is a partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
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