Restaurants rethink marketing, but Facebook remains king

A Toast report found that 67% of restaurant professionals plan to pay for social media ads this year, with 91% advertising on Facebook and 78% on Instagram.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 15, 2019

Wendy's dishes out 2M spicy nuggets after May Twitter challenge

The giveaway via DoorDash comes after the burger chain promised to bring back the menu item if fans racked up 2 million "likes."

By Robert Williams • Aug. 13, 2019

McDonald's introduces BOGO for $1 value deal

The promotion comes less than two years after the chain's $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu and amid franchisee complaints that its value strategy isn't sustainable. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 12, 2019

Burger King mascot streams with esports stars to promote Impossible Whopper

Teaming with FaZe Clan is the latest marketing stunt behind the nationwide rollout of a plant-based alternative to the brand's signature burger.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 8, 2019

McDonald's, Burger King and Subway pilot scannable programmatic print ads

A Brazilian newspaper printed QR codes to deliver ads that can be customized in real time based on weather and location.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 8, 2019

McDonald's lifts store traffic 23% with Halloween influencer contest

Influencer marketing firm Linqia flipped top-performing organic content into amplified social and display ads.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 8, 2019

OpenTable, Quandoo partner to integrate restaurant bookings

Diners will soon be able to book the firms' listed restaurants via both platforms, while American Express plans to add perks for members on Resy.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 7, 2019

Jack in the Box lets Snapchat users turn virtual burgers into reality

An AR experience gives customers a chance to win prizes, including seeing their virtual burger creations added to the chain's menu.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 6, 2019

Chipotle smashes TikTok records with #GuacDance challenge

In TikTok's top branded challenge in the U.S. to date, the burrito chain saw 250,000 video submissions for its National Avocado Day dance-off.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 2, 2019

Mastercard recreates world's top restaurant experiences for cardholders

The Priceless concept mirrors the ambiance of a rotating series of international eateries, while emphasizing Mastercard's branding.

By Barry Levine • Aug. 2, 2019

Starbucks taps Bill Nye the Science Guy to explain nitro cold brew

Marketing firm Big Spaceship and Starbucks' in-house creative agency leverage '90s nostalgia to reach millennials through podcasts, TV ads and online videos.

By Barry Levine • July 30, 2019

Arby's readies special food truck menu for 'Storm Area 51' event

"We can't confirm if there are aliens at Area 51. But, if they do show up, they deserve the best meats on Earth," CMO Jim Taylor said.

By Dianna Christe • July 29, 2019

Chipotle unwraps #GuacDance challenge on TikTok for Avocado Day

The guacamole-themed dance-off is its second challenge on the social app after a lid-flipping effort in May.

By Robert Williams • July 26, 2019

McDonald's departing global CMO will be replaced by 2 new SVPs

Two current employees will fill the newly created roles of global marketing SVP and marketing technology SVP after Silvia Lagnado's departure. 

By Barry Levine • July 23, 2019

Wendy's plays 'Fortnite' on Twitch to launch Baconfest

The burger chain gave away 1,000 Baconator sandwiches to Twitch viewers who ordered from DoorDash.

By Robert Williams • July 18, 2019

Postmates adds emoji searches for World Emoji Day

Customers can combine the "taco" and "bell" emoji to look up Taco Bell, or the "hamburger" and "crown" to get Burger King.

By Robert Williams • July 18, 2019

T-Mobile, Taco Bell to open co-branded pop-up stores offering free food, merch

Concept stores will feature live DJs and give away exclusive gear and menu items, like a white cherry-flavored T-MoBell Freeze. 

By Peter Adams • July 16, 2019

Crate & Barrel to add restaurant concept to up to 15 stores

Table at Crate opened in Chicago in July and did so well that CEO Neela Montgomery wants to expand its partnership with Cornerstone Restaurant Group.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 17, 2019

The year of 'woke-washing': How tone-deaf activism risks eroding brands

Experts warn an uptick in socially and politically aware advertising can read more as chasing headlines than meeting real consumer demands, and it could degrade trust in the industry.

By Peter Adams • July 8, 2019

Starbucks and Amazon partner on soccer documentary

The deal further cements the coffee chain's storytelling ambitions, which has included other productions like "Hingakawa" and "To Be Human."

By Dianna Christe • July 3, 2019

McDonald's dishes out QR-enabled picnic blankets for hot spot delivery

By scanning a code on the blanket, smartphone users in Sweden send their location to their food-delivery service of choice.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2019

KFC suits up Cheetos mascot as new Colonel Sanders

Chester Cheetah is hawking sandwiches as the QSR taps a different brand icon for the first time.

By Dianna Christe • July 1, 2019

Long John Silver's 'Fishmas in July' makes splash with GIF coupons

A Spotify collection of songs about seafood and swag giveaways to fans on social media​ round out the chain's effort.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2019

Dunkin' debuts 'human charger' pop-up for summer solstice

On the longest day of the year, coffee drinkers can visit the activation to snag a free drink, a reusable straw and a tongue-in-cheek user guide.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) , Barry Levine • June 21, 2019

Papa John's invests $80M in marketing, franchisee relief

In addition to marketing and brand initiatives, the funding will go toward royalty relief for operators, many of whom have struggled since founder John Schnatter's downfall. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 21, 2019