Several quick-service chains have launched advertising campaigns and promotions tying into the upcoming NCAA men's college basketball tournament, including Wendy's and Burgerville.
Wendy's has simultaneously launched contests on Facebook and Twitter promoting its boneless wings. The chain also is encouraging its Facebook fans to host viewing parties for the NCAA semi-finals or finals and is awarding 100 $50 gift cards to fans who post invites on its Facebook wall. Fans can enter multiple times in the "Get the Party" promo by posting mutiple invitations.
The Twitter contest encourages fans to complete the start of a tweet, such as this week's "if taste buds could talk, they'd say: 'Boneless Wings ....'" The three funniest, quirkiest and most charasmatic tweets of the day will be awarded a $50 Wendy's gift card from now until April 4. Tweets must include the hashtag #WendysTweet2Compete.
Wendy's is promoting the contests on its social media pages as well as with a microsite and via e-mail to its e-club members. The microsite and Wendy's Facebook fan page offer a downloadable $1 off coupon for the chain's three varieties of boneless wings.
Burgerville Menu Madness
At Northwest chain Burgerville, the chain is leveraging the NCAA tourney's bracket tradition with its own. Burgerville's Menu Madness Bracket, a Bracket Anything app found on the chain's Facebook page, encourages fans to vote for their favorite Burgerville menu choices. "Contestants" include Walla Walla Sweet Onion Rings, Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Melt and Fresh Strawberry Smoothie.
Round 1 features 16 Burgerville favorites, and customers can vote via the app on Facebook through March 18. Round 2 starts the next day. The contest features four rounds, ending April 8. The winning menu item will be announced on April 9.
