Popeyes Pay Day pays off slower this year

Consumer response to this year's promotion may be a signal that value no longer speaks volumes.

Has Burger King lost sight of its brand?

April 21, 2010

As Burger King works to turnaround the company and shore up sliding same-store sales, the company's branding strategy seems to be mimicking its barbell product…

Chick-fil-a leadership conference in 10th year

The company is celebrating the milestone anniversary by giving the simulcast event a new name: Chick-fil-A Leadercast.

Ronald McDonald targeted for contributing to childhood obesity

March 31, 2010

Just as lawmakers in Santa Clara County, Calif., are considering banning toys in kids' quick-serve meals, a consumer watchdog organization is calling for…

Forecasting Part II: Brand expansion strategies

While premium-focused Arby's is exploring a value strategy, value leader Taco Bell is looking at higher quality products. Which strategy will work?

Arby's initiates turnaround plan

March 4, 2010

Roland Smith has led Wendy's to a much stronger position as the company reports its fourth quarter and year-end results for the period ended Jan. 3 since…

Telling your food safety story

Many QSRs have strong standards, but they take a quiet approach communicating that message.

Dunkin' Donuts coffee again No. 1 in customer loyalty

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February 15, 2010

For the fourth straight year, Dunkin' Donuts — which is commemorating its 60th "BirthDDay" — has been recognized by the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement…

Brand importance is on the upswing, study finds

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February 8, 2010

The "Decade of the Brand" opens with 2010. That is the critical finding of the 14th annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index conducted by the New…

Jack in the Box elevates new sandwiches with artisan bread

February 4, 2010

Last year, Jack in the Box used its Super Bowl advertising to kick off its rebranding campaign with an ad in which its mascot Jack was hit by a bus. This year…

Making the Most of Marketing Dollars Doesn't Always Mean Branding

While many operators are focused on branding efforts to drive sales, other strategies make more sense for small- and medium-sized restaurants. Local marketing…

Tim Hortons opens tri-branded store at Norfolk naval base

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January 20, 2010

Tim Hortons Inc. has opened its second U.S. military base location with a multi-branded restaurant at Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base…

Arby's expands value menu test

January 18, 2010

Arby's Restaurants has expanded its test of the dollar value menu to 2,500 U.S. stores, including the Louisville, Ky., market. The chain is switching to a…

Wi-Fi now free at many McDonald's USA stores

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January 17, 2010

The majority of McDonald's restaurants across the United States are now offering free Wi-Fi, including more than 600 McDonald's restaurants in Los Angeles…

How to brand the new value equation

Sonic is one QSR that is shifting its focus from price to experience, but brands must remember price is still part of the equation.

Taco Bell Frutista Freeze among top ads for 2009

January 4, 2010

Taco Bell's Pina Colada Frutista Freeze ad has been named the top scoring ad in the restaurant category by advertising analytics firm Ace Metrix.   Ace Metrix…

Yum! Brands tops "Worst" list by Parent's Television Council

December 27, 2009

The Parent's Television Council, an advocacy group for family-friendly television, has issued its annual "Top Ten Best and Worst Advertisers" list, which…

Hardee's Biscuit Holes ad receives funniest commercial of 2009 honor

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December 17, 2009

Hardee's recently took top honors for one of its commercials featuring the brand's Biscuit Holes menu itme. The Hardee's Biscuit Holes ad, titled "A vs. B,…

C-stores capitalize on foodservice opportunities

7-Eleven's launch of a new hot food menu could put a squeeze on QSR sales.

Why opportunities for QSRs go up when guests buy down

by Mike Wittenstein — Customer Experience and Service Designer, Storyminers

Operators should focus on the new opportunities that abound during the current economy. Part I.