Marketing

Restaurant marketing ideas and trends

Sonic challenges TikTok influencers to hack the menu with competitors’ ingredients

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 25, 2021

Three social media stars try to re-create iconic Sonic items, then post videos of their efforts in a new marketing campaign.

Marketing

Vaccinated? Panera wants to give you a free bagel

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 23, 2021

The fast-casual chain is offering inoculated customers some free carbs early next month to incentivize the COVID shots.

Marketing

Chipotle switches up its massively popular loyalty program

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 22, 2021

The fast casual’s new Rewards Exchange allows customers to redeem points for guacamole, drinks and even branded merchandise, instead of just burritos and bowls.

Marketing

McDonald’s will finally kick off its loyalty program

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 22, 2021

MyMcDonald’s Rewards will be available on July 8 as the chain seeks to join companies like Starbucks and Dunkin' in marketing directly to consumers.

Marketing

Krystal hires Alice Crowder as CMO

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 22, 2021

Crowder previously served as the burger chain’s vice president of marketing from 2014 to 2018.

Marketing

Red Robin is going big with Donatos Pizza

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 21, 2021

The burger chain plans to expand the concept into more than 200 of its restaurants by the end of the year.

Marketing

David Ellis named CMO of Friendly’s and BRIX restaurants

By Heather Lalley on Jun. 21, 2021

Ellis comes to the chains after leading marketing at Uncle Julio’s.

Premium

Marketing

How earlier events gave Bob Evans a running start in confronting the pandemic

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 21, 2021

The brand was recast after its sale in mid-2017. Those changes proved fortunate when dining rooms were closed and off-premise was the only sales channel left.

Marketing