Marketing

Arby’s taps ‘Love Island’ star Caleb McDaniel to promote Steak Nuggets

Photo: Arby's

September 15, 2026

Summarize with

Reality TV personality, model and influencer Caleb McDaniel is teaming up with Arby's to promote the return of Steak Nuggets, according to a news announcement. McDaniel is positioning the limited-time menu item as a more "grown-up" alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. In a new social campaign, McDaniel appears in a date-night setting and encourages consumers to leave their old chicken nuggets behind in favor of Arby's Steak Nuggets, made with 100% steak and served with the chain's new Horsey Ranch sauce.

The collaboration is part of a broader marketing push surrounding the return of Arby's Steak Nuggets, which are available nationwide for a limited time. From Sept. 15-18, the chain is giving away up to 100,000 five-count orders of Steak Nuggets to Arby's Loaded Rewards members who make a minimum $10 purchase, while supplies last.

"I know a thing or two about growing up in front of an audience, so helping Arby's introduce a more grown-up nugget felt like the perfect fit," McDaniel said.

Arby's also is promoting the LTO through its partnership with the University of Akron and collaborations with content creator Isabella Fries and former NFL player and commentator Nate Burleson. Steak Nuggets and Horsey Ranch were featured during CBS Sports' "NFL on the Road" coverage during the opening weekend of the professional football season.