News

Arby’s names ‘Good Mood’ casting call winner

August 10, 2011

Iowa resident Andy Johnson has been chosen as the winner of Arby's Restaurant Group Inc.'s Casting Call Video Contest, launched last month.

Johnson's imaginative video interpretation of the "Arby's. It's Good Mood Food" advertising campaign has earned him a $10,000 cash prize and a role in the chain's next national TV ad.

The self-proclaimed Arby's connoisseur was selected from more than 800 video entries submitted since July 11.

Via Arby's YouTube Channel, people across the country shared their video interpretations for a chance to appear in the ad campaign. An Arby's panel then judged the entries and selected Johnson as the winner based on his originality, presence and ability to instill an overall "good mood" in viewers.

In the video, Johnson sings original lyrics about why Arby's puts him in a "good mood" with the help of a green screen, superimposed mini versions of himself on the guitar, bass, keyboard and drums play back-up.

"I created the whole video in less than 24 hours -- not a hard feat when you love Arby's as much as I do," Johnson said.

Johnson's first Arby's visit was with his brother and friends when he got his driver's license. Since then, he and his family have made it a tradition to visit the local Arby's in West Des Moines every Christmas Eve. Johnson and his wife also eat at Arby's every Valentine's Day, where they spent their first date.

"This contest was inspired by the fans and for the fans," said Bob Kraut, senior vice president of Advertising and Marketing Communications, Arby's Restaurant Group Inc. "We at Arby's can't think of a more deserving and passionate fan to award this grand prize to than Andy Johnson."

Johnson's commercial will debut in October 2011. Check out his submission below:

For more information about marketing and promotions, click here.