Super Bowl QSR ads don't always lead to meaningful traffic gains

Many fast food brands turned to promotions instead, and location data can help understand the full impact of these marketing efforts. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 4, 2019

What Super Bowl advertiser Burger King can learn from Wendy's 'win' last year

Location data shows that the triumph could have been even bigger, according to Factual CMO Brian Czarny. 

By Brian Czarny • Feb. 1, 2019

Burger King trolls McDonald's for losing Big Mac trademark in the EU

In its latest stunt, the burger chain takes aim at its archrival by offering "Not Big Macs" in Sweden.

By Erica Sweeney • Feb. 1, 2019

Domino's doles out loyalty points for all pizza — including competitors' — with help of AI

The brand is deploying a proprietary scanning technology on its mobile app ahead of one of the busiest pizza sales days of the year.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 30, 2019

Pizza Hut promises free pizza for a year to first baby born during Super Bowl

The chain is also delivering free pies to hospitals in Boston and Los Angeles to "ease the FOMO" of soon-to-be parents, who will likely miss the big game.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 30, 2019

Dunkin' plans Vegas wedding chapel takeover for Valentine's Day

The first 100 couples will get an exclusive edible bouquet, and the pop-up will feature themed decorations and an officiant with "Dunkin' pink hair" to preside over weddings and vow renewals.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 29, 2019

Taco Bell cooks up faux movie trailer for the return of Nacho Fries

The campaign includes running the spot in theaters, printing movie posters and creating special "For Your Consideration" media kits.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 28, 2019

Burger King teases Super Bowl spot with DoorDash mystery box

The burger chain will return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 12 years and is building buzz with a mysterious delivery.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 24, 2019

Report: Loyalty rewards, coupons bring QSR customers back

But as fast food competition intensifies, chains should also leverage their mobile apps to capture repeat diners and boost profits.   

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 22, 2019

Burger King customers can trade McDonald's MacCoins for Big King XL sandwich

In its latest attempt at "flame-grilling the competition," Burger King is playing into the confusion that McDonald’s 2018 MacCoins campaign caused some consumers. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 18, 2019

Will dine for travel: OpenTable lets loyalty members redeem points at Kayak

With Kayak's CEO at the helm of both brands, the combination lets customers decide whether to save on certain restaurant meals or their hotel stays.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 18, 2019

Taco Bell's 'leaked memo' reveals return of Nacho Fries, free giveaway

Starting "Fryday," select "fryologists" in 10 markets will surprise customers by giving out the popular, but limited, menu offering before its official return on Jan. 24. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 18, 2019

White Castle rolls out the red carpet for Valentine's Day

The burger chain will offer special table-service for the 28th year in a row, but this year fans can order the experience for delivery.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 16, 2019

Subway expands mobile marketing abroad after 10X ROI in US test

The sandwich chain is extending its personalized marketing efforts to Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom to boost loyalty.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 15, 2019

DoorDash hits the airwaves with first national ad campaign

Through March 31, DoorDash ads will air on TV, digital and social channels featuring major partners like Wendy's, Chipotle and The Cheesecake Factory.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 14, 2019

Taco Bell's new billboard dispenses nacho cheese

Next week's activation in Toronto will promote the launch of the Nacho Cheese Naked Chicken Chalupa.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

McDonald's reviews local US media business to give franchisees more flexibility, AdAge reports

The news follows last year's formation of the National Owners Association, which gives franchisees more of a voice in the chain's business decisions.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

Arby's sandwich-inspired subscription box sells out in under an hour

The first month's box is filled with a vintage Arby's sled tray, bacon scarf, winter beanie and a set of temporary tattoos.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 10, 2019

Resy gives diners 'backstage pass' to their favorite eateries

The reservation platform's new Off Menu Week program features select restaurants that will serve seasonal and experimental dishes.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 10, 2019

KFC brings back iconic '90s hairstyle to promote Famous Bowls meal

Fans can get a free "spherical dishware-inspired haircut" on Thursday in Brooklyn and share their new look on Twitter.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 8, 2019

Dunkin' makes name change official with new packaging, social vignettes

Social media content shows people getting on a first-name basis with the brand by knitting a Dunkin' sweater, getting a Dunkin' hairdo or creating a special handshake.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 4, 2019

Chipotle offers lifestyle bowls for mobile, online orders

The chain's latest menu additions cater to specific diets such as paleo, keto and Whole30.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 3, 2019

Make using mobile location data your New Year's marketing resolution

Understanding customer behavior and where they go before and after a visit can better improve a restaurant's marketing, Cuebiq's Brad Piggott says. 

By Brad Piggott • Jan. 2, 2019

Our 7 best stories of 2018

As we begin the new year, Restaurant Dive is taking a look back at our top stories since our launch on Oct. 1.

By Restaurant Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

How to achieve true customer loyalty

John Larson & Co. senior partner John Larson says new loyalty programs like Chipotle's should do more for restaurants than just offer customers discounts. 

By John Larson • Dec. 20, 2018