McDonald’s Happy Meal Promotion Offers Features For Parents
For the first time ever, McDonald’s recently offered a mini magazine entitled “Relax” free with the purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal with excerpts of fashion, parenting and other relevant articles. Offering an unexpected treat for parents, the 40-page digest-sized “Relax” featured excerpts of fashion, parenting and other relevant articles. The publication was tipped on to the Happy Meal bag.
McDonald’s partnership with Limited Too and Blockbuster provides special coupons located on the side of Happy Meal packaging offering 15, 20 and 25 percent discounts on purchases at Limited Too and free video game or movie rentals with purchase from participating Blockbuster stores.
McDonald’s Announces McKids Licensing Program
McDonald’s has announced plans to introduce a multi-category licensing initiative called “McKids.” The new McKids retail line will feature action-oriented toys, casual contemporary clothing, interactive videos and books, all reflecting kids’ active lifestyles.
Larry Light, McDonald’s Chief Marketing Officer said, “McKids will unify all our retail licensed products under one brand, with one look and vision. It exemplifies the kind of new focus and bold action that is redefining McDonald’s. It’s all about connecting with consumers in fresh, relevant ways both inside and outside our restaurants.”
Blimpie Xpress To Open In Wal-Mart Stores
Blimpie International has entered into an agreement to own and operate Blimpie Xpress restaurants in Wal-Mart retail locations across the country in 2004.
Blimpie Xpress restaurants feature a selection of subs, salads, wraps, items from the new Blimpie Carb-Counter Menu and snack items. These Blimpie X press locations will also serve breakfast and dinner menu choices.
“Our Blimpie Xpress restaurants provide a convenient, quick-service format, which is a perfect fit for Wal-Mart customers," said Jeff Endervelt, CEO of Blimpie. "By locating our restaurants in the world's largest retailer we are able to offer a substantial business opportunity for both Blimpie and the franchisees that will be selected to own and operate these locations.”
Casa Bacardi Opens At Tampa International Airport
HMSHost, a provider of food, beverage and retail concessions to the travel industry, and Bacardi U.S.A., have introduced Casa Bacardi at the Tampa International Airport. Designed to bring a fun, distinctive atmosphere into the airport environment, Casa Bacardi showcases the customs, cuisine, and distinct flavors of the Caribbean Islands.
Café style seating, vibrant décor elements, and glass outer walls complement the Airport concourse’s architectural flair and evoke the spirit of the Bacardi tradition.
At Casa Bacardi, travelers can enjoy a Bacardi cocktail or a complete casual dining experience featuring lighter fare items such as Conch Fritters and Tropical Grilled Tuna.
Schlotzsky’s Announces Wi-Fi Initiative
Schlotzsky’s has expanded its free wireless Internet access (Cool Cloud) from its Austin, TX base to include restaurants in six states.
The expansion reflects the Company’s business model that “free wireless is great for business,” said Monica Landers, Schlotzsky’s spokeswoman.
Where Schlotsky’s has tested free Wi-Fi service, more than 40% of customers said that free Wi-Fi was a factor in choosing Schlotzsky’s to dine, and 6% said that free Wi-Fi is the key reason they chose to come to Schlotzsky’s that day. “Wi-Fi has also extended our business beyond the lunch hour so the restaurant feels alive at all times,” said Landers.
Shlotzsky’s restaurants will now feature “Cool Deli stations,” where customers can surf the Web, check e-mail and play games. They can also access the Web for free with their own wireless laptops or PDAs.
SKYY Spirits Unveils SKYY View Bar
San Francisco, CA-based SKYY Spirits recently unveiled its SKYY View Bar, custom designed to serve double duty as SKYY Vodka’s hip cocktail lounge and photo opportunity backdrop featuring SKYY products at independent film festivals across the country.
The SKYY View Bar’s contemporary design features the trademark cobalt blue glow and silver look and is part of the SKYY View Lounge, a cinema-inspired moveable salon designed to showcase original content.
“The SKYY View Bar is a physical extension-of our groundbreaking SKYY Cinema advertising and integrated platform of film,” said Paul Fuegner, V.P., Marketing, SKYY. “Maintaining a sophisticated presence at independent film festivals across the U.S. allows us to bring contemporary cocktail style to life.”
Designed and constructed by Source Marketing, Westport, CT, the SKYY View Bar incorporates three plasma screens, logos and signage in a 10' x 10' fully functional bar.
Rapid Displays, Chicago, IL, will be showing this McDonald's I'm Lovin' it Merchandiser, an in-store display promoting the new McDonald's ad line "I'm lovin' it". This temporary display was developed to introduce and make customers familiar with McDonald's new ad slogan. The three turning panels spin independently and feature different graphics in each. To learn more about this display, contact Brian McCormick, at Global Shop, Booth 5843; or call 773-927-5000.
HAUNTED MANSION/Chicken McNuggets® Lobby. This is a simple floorstanding lobby merchandiser unit that includes a dual message for new product promotion and movie tie-in. The specially designed mirrored panel represents an interactive element that includes hidden graphics to find. Created by Rapid Displays, 4300 W. 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632-4476.
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