Article

Coffee takes center stage in QSR space

From giveaways to product rollouts, National Coffee Day is a reason to celebrate.

September 25, 2013 by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

As Sept. 29 approaches — National Coffee Day in the U.S. — QSR brands are shifting focus to their java offerings with discounts and campaigns throughout the day and beyond. Here is a taste of what's being offered.

Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shops will offer its U.S. guests a free coffee with the purchase of another coffee during National Coffee Day.

"With almost 50 years of coffee expertise behind the Tim Hortons brand, we know what makes a great cup of coffee," said Mike Meilleur, executive vice president, Tim Hortons U.S. "In honor of National Coffee Day, we want to thank our loyal guests and offer them a free cup of coffee on us."

Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop also will be surprising social media fans with giveaways on Twitter throughout that afternoon.

Dunkin' Donutswill also treat fans to a free cup of coffee to mark the occasion, and is leveraging its mobile app for the promotion.

On Sept. 29, customers can redeem a free, small hot or iced coffee at participating restaurants throughout the U.S. through the brand's "My Offers" tab on the Dunkin' app.

Additionally, on Sept. 28 and 29, Dunkin' Donuts' 16-ounce packaged coffee will be available for a discounted price of $5.99 at participating restaurants nationwide and online while supplies last, with a limit of two per guest.

On those two days, guests can also purchase Dunkin' Donuts K-Cup packs at a special price of $7.99 for a 14-count box.

"We are very much looking forward to celebrating this holiday by thanking our loyal guests through our mobile offer for a free cup of our famous coffee, special discounts on our packaged coffee and K-Cup packs, and other exciting National Coffee Day programs still to come," said John Costello, Dunkin' Brands president, global marketing and innovation.

Krispy Kreme customers can get a free 12 oz. cup of hot coffee at participating U.S. and Canada locations Sept. 29, no purchase necessary. The brand's specialty coffee drinks — mocha, latte and iced — will be available for a discounted $1 price on that day as well.

To celebrate National Coffee Day, guests can enter the brand's sweepstakes for a chance to win free Krispy Kreme coffee for a year and a collectible mug. The promotion, at NationalCoffeeDayGiveaway.com, runs through Sept. 29.

Although not a specific National Coffee Day promotion, McDonald's introduced pumpkin spice lattes to its McCafe line last week. The new offering is made with Rainforest Alliance-certified espresso, according to The Guardian, a first for the brand's coffee menu.

Starbucks Coffee Company is promoting its new, single-origin coffee from Ethiopia as part of National Coffee Day.

"We've taken great care in sourcing this coffee and applying the signature Starbucks roast to create a flavor profile that is both uniquely Starbucks and unique to specialty coffee," said Craig Russell, senior vice president of Global Coffee at Starbucks. "We want to honor Ethiopia's rich coffee heritage while also giving our customers an exceptional flavor experience from the birthplace of coffee."

Ethiopia coffee is available at Starbucks retail stores and starbucksstore.com for the suggested retail price of $13.95 U.S. per pound. Customers can sample Ethiopia coffee at participating stores in the U.S. on National Coffee Day, Sept. 29, and those who purchase a 1 lb. bag of Ethiopia whole bean will receive a commemorative Ethiopia tasting cup, while supplies last. Ethiopia coffee will be available for customers to order as a brewed option through Oct. 15, at select stores.

Even c-store players are offering a pick-me-up for the "holiday." Kangaroo Express will offer a 12 oz. Bean Street Coffee for 1 cent to guests at its more than 1,550 Kangaroo Express convenience stores on Sept. 29. The penny promotion will run from 8 a.m. to noon.

Bean Street Coffee is served only at Kangaroo Express convenience stores. Cappuccinos, flavored coffee and tea are also available and are included in the National Coffee Day offer.

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