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| In 2023, leveraging influencers on social media became a prominent trend in the restaurant industry, especially targeting the influential Gen Z demographic. Brands, such as KFC, saw success with campaigns involving TikTok influencers, driving significant digital sales. KFC CMO Nick Chavez recently described the influencer trend as a “generational pivot” and, as such, the company has adjusted its marketing strategy and investments to be more “content-first.” |
| In a new campaign, KFC India introduced the “KFC Lunch Police,” led by Colonel Sanders, aiming to combat the trend of skipping lunch. The campaign features the Lunch Police visiting an office, stopping people from working during lunchtime and declaring that missing lunch is a crime. Colonel Sanders urges everyone to join the lunch revolution and enjoy KFC Lunch Specials. The campaign highlights the importance of lunch and positions KFC as a solution with its variety and value-packed lunch offerings. |
| Taco Bell, in collaboration with Kraft Heinz, is launching two Cravings Kits for home cooking, featuring the brand’s signature ingredients for recreating the Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas and Crunchwrap Supremes. Exclusively available at Walmart stores and online, these kits aim to capitalize on the popularity of DIY versions of Taco Bell items seen on platforms like TikTok. |
| Starting January 11, Taco Bell will introduce the $3 or Less Cravings Value Menu nationwide, updating its value offerings. The menu includes items like Cheesy Roll Up, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Double Stacked Taco and more. The new lineup replaces the current Cravings Value Menu, offering a variety of affordable choices for customers. |
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| McDonald’s has reported a significant business impact in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the chain facing boycotts over images of Israeli franchises providing meals to soldiers. CEO Chris Kempczinski condemns the “disheartening and ill-founded” situation, emphasizing local ownership of restaurants. The Middle East represents about 10% of McDonald’s revenue. |
| Chick-fil-A has introduced a tropical twist to its winter menu, featuring the return of the Mango Passion Sunjoy and three new Mango Passion-flavored beverages. Responding to growing demand for cold beverages, the chain aims to meet customer preferences with these offerings. The Mango Passion Sunjoy combines lemonade, sweetened iced tea, mango and passion fruit flavors, while the new items include Mango Passion lemonade, Mango Passion iced tea and Mango Passion frosted lemonade. |
| White Castle is offering reservations for its annual Valentine’s Day “Love Castle” experience, available through OpenTable.com. The one-night event, held since 1991, transforms over 300 participating White Castle restaurants into fine-dining establishments with hostess seating, tableside service and festive decor. The celebration returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is scheduled for February 14, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time. |
| In a play on the Dry January trend, Wingstop has introduced “Dry Rub January,” encouraging customers to indulge in the brand’s dry rubs throughout the month. Rejecting the notion of flavor deprivation in January, Wingstop’s Chief Growth Officer, Anne Fischer, invites customers to celebrate flavor and share their dry rub experiences on social media using the hashtag #DryRubJanuary. |
| Restaurant chains are focusing on personalized rewards programs in 2024 to build and maintain customer loyalty. Chipotle plans to enhance its rewards program by utilizing a personalized decision engine to offer relevant perks through initiatives like “Freepotle,” where members receive 10 free “food drops” throughout the year. Other chains, like Cracker Barrel and Sweetgreen, have recently launched or revamped loyalty programs to cater to their demographics, offering tailored rewards and personalized experiences to strengthen the emotional connection with customers in a competitive market. |
| Sweetgreen is launching the “New You, Full You” campaign, encouraging healthy eating throughout 2024. The campaign includes the introduction of a new protein plate, the BBQ Salmon, featuring 33 grams of protein. The brand has adjusted its website and app labels, highlighting items with over 32 grams of protein as “high protein.” Sweetgreen aims to capitalize on the rising interest in high-protein diets, leveraging the popularity of this nutritional trend. |
| Whataburger is introducing a new hot coffee and its first iced coffee in response to changing consumer preferences. Whataburger’s first iced coffee comes in vanilla, mocha and caramel flavors, following the increasing popularity of iced coffee, with 25% of customers consuming it daily. The new coffee offerings are part of Whataburger’s commitment to evolving its menu to meet current customer preferences. |
| Greenlane, a salad concept with an emphasis on drive-thru, is set for expansion after opening its first location in Tampa, Florida, in June. The brand offers made-to-order salads and wraps at prices below $10, with an app allowing for customizing orders. With second and third units under construction, Greenlane plans to open up to four locations this year, targeting contiguous growth initially in Florida and focusing on building awareness. |
| The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is suing Entre Nous, a French bistro in Pasadena, California, for allegedly withholding tips owed to employees. The DOL seeks $250,000 in back wages and $250,000 in damages, claiming the restaurant deposited credit card tips directly into its accounts and stored cash tips under the POS before depositing them, without paying workers all the owed money. Entre Nous, which describes itself as a “no tipping establishment” with a service charge used to fund operations, added a 20% service charge during the DOL investigation. |
| A Florida man, Paul Kerouac, is suing Dunkin’ Donuts for $50,000, claiming that a toilet at one of its locations “exploded on him.” The lawsuit alleges that the incident was traumatic and resulted in sustained severe and long-term injuries. Kerouac claims that the franchisee was negligent, as workers were aware that the toilet had prior issues. The lawsuit seeks damages for bodily injury, psychological damages, pain and suffering, disability, permanent emotional injury, mental anguish, loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life and expenses for medical care and treatment. |
| Chowly has acquired Targetable, a digital marketing platform for restaurants. The acquisition will enable Chowly to expand its product suite and offer tools for digital channels and off-premise segments, helping increase demand for restaurants. The move aligns with the trend of consolidation in the restaurant technology industry as companies aim to provide one-stop solutions for various restaurant needs. |
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