Restaurants from casual dining to quick serves are trying a number of tactics to boost store traffic and sales. In addition to value menus and promotions, several are introducing smaller sized offerings or offering one-day giveaways.
Fast Casual reports that Chipotle Mexican Grill recently announced that it is testing a new menu with smaller, lower-priced selections to boost traffic, while Quiznos recently introduced its $4 Toasty Torpedo footlong sandwich.
Reuters reports that Chipotle's move attacks on two levels: It targets cash-strapped consumers as well as Baby Boomers and women who are looking for smaller portions.
QSRs have been following the snack trend for some time. Brands that have introduced smaller portions in recent months include Burger King's BK Burger Shots and Jack in the Box's Mini Sirloin Burgers.
Product giveaways
Yahoo! Finance reports that other restaurants, including casual dining chain Denny's, are using freebies to draw in more recession-weary customers.
On April 1, Tim Hortons gave away free Wrap Snackers during lunch. Cinnabon will give away its Classic Bites in U.S. mall locations during the evening on Tax Day.
Chick-fil-A stores also are promoting giveaways, although they vary by location and area. The Dayton Daily News reports that Dayton and Beavercreek, Ohio-area Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering a Pay Once Eat Twice promotion. Customers who purchase food items at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants April 8 can bring in their receipt during the rest of April to get a free menu item any day through April 30.
And the Winston-Salem Journal reports that Winston-Salem, Kernersville, High Point and Greensboro, N.C.-area Chick-fil-A stores are giving away free breakfast items once a week for a year to the first 100 customers 18 or older in line April 4. Lines can begin forming at 9 p.m. Friday.
