Nescafe Taster’s Choice Joins With “The Apprentice”
Nescafe Taster’s Choice recently joined forces with NBC's “The Apprentice” for an array of promotional activities including a product sampling campaign and sweepstakes.
During a commercial following a recent episode, the brand announced a nationwide offer for a free, two-week supply of Nescafe Taster’s Choice, the first time it has conducted a product sampling campaign of this magnitude. Consumers were also invited to go to TastersChoice.com to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The Apprentice season finale. Other promotional activities in conjunction with “The Apprentice” partnership included a national newspaper coupon, in-store grocery displays and an online partnership with Yahoo!
“NBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ contestants developed some very creative ideas to showcase the great taste and the variety of different ways our coffee can be enjoyed,” said Marty Sharkey, Marketing Manager, Nescafe Taster's Choice. “Now, we are inviting fans of the show and coffee drinkers to try a free, two-week supply of Nescafe Taster’s Choice by visiting www.TastersChoice.com.”
P.O.P. Supports Wendy’s Monster Jam Promotion
4Kids Entertainment and Wendy’s restaurants recently teamed up to conduct a national Kids’ Meal program promoting Monster Jam, Clear Channel Entertainment’s popular motor sports franchise.
The promotion offered Monster Jam-inspired trucks in Wendy’s Kids’ Meals. In addition to the truck premiums, Wendy’s also provided Monster Jam themed Kids’ Meal bags featuring a special $3 discount coupon from Clear Channel that could be used toward the purchase of an admission to any arena event during the 2004/2005 season.
Wendy’s supported the promotion with in-store displays, tray liners/activity sheets, and drive-thru signage.
“Wendy’s is happy to bring families together for a special Monster Jam event,” said Fay Kamer, Brand Marketing Manager for Wendy’s. “The excitement surrounding Monster Jam together with the value and quality of a Wendy’s Kids’ Meal make for an ideal match.”
Burger King Displays Spongebob Watch Offer
Burger King used this motion display at its 8.000 restaurants nationwide to display its special Spongebob watch offer.
The promotion was developed to increase store traffic and boost sales to Spongebob fans of all ages.
This 20” long x 44” wide x 72” high display features litho printing mounted to corrugated. It features a silkscreened PETG window and an attention-getting motion mechanism.
This motion display was created for Burger King by Rapid Displays, a p.o.p. display firm based in Chicago, IL and Union City, CA.
Americans Increasingly Satisfied With Fast-Food Chains, New Study Shows
Americans are becoming increasingly satisfied with fast-food chain restaurants, according to a study of more than 67,600 fast-food users. These higher satisfaction levels indicate that many chains have successfully responded to consumers’ desires for higher quality food that tastes good and is more healthy and nutritious.
These findings are based on the Quick-Track research program conducted by Sandelman & Associates. While customers continue to give the highest marks to specialized regional chains, including those characterized as “Fast-Casual,” many of the largest national chains have significantly improved their levels of customer satisfaction over the past year.
The average “Excellent” rating for all chains was 37% in 2004, up from 35% in 2003 and 34% in 2002. While sandwich/bakery and miscellaneous chains continue to be the highest rated types of chains (40% each), all chain types improved their overall ratings since last year. Mexican chains and chicken chains showed the most improvement in overall ratings, up 4% and 3%, respectively.
Takeout Sales At Full-Service Restaurants
Are Taking Off, Study Shows
Takeout sales in full-service restaurants reached $14 billion in 2004, approaching 10% of total sales, according to the study, “Tapping The Market Potential For Takeout Dining,” conducted by Technomic Inc. Over the past 3 years, takeout sales at full-service restaurants have grown 8% per year, twice the rate of overall sales growth.
Technomic asked consumers how many times in the past week they had ordered food from a restaurant (excluding fast-food) for takeout or delivery. 54% had ordered takeout at least once, 17% had ordered twice, 5% three times and 3% had ordered four times or more. Technomic also asked respondents what they would have done if they hadn’t ordered takeout or delivery the last time they chose that option. Fully 55% would have eaten food prepared at home, 21% would have eaten leftovers at home, 11% would have purchased food from a fast-food restaurant, 4% would have eaten at another full-service restaurant, and 3% would have eaten at the same full-service restaurant.
Taco Bell And Pepsi Partner To Launch ‘Baja Blast’ Soft Drink
In a first-of-its-kind partnership with Pepsi, Taco Bell recently introduced Mountain Dew Baja Blast, a soft drink available exclusively at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which features a Mexican-inspired tropical lime flavor, marks the first time an international beverage company and quick-service restaurant have collaborated to create a proprietary beverage specifically designed to complement the chain's menu items.
Mountain Dew Baja Blast will be supported nationally with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign including in-store point-of-purchase materials.
“Pepsi has proven to be a true strategic partner and understands our need to continue to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace,” said Greg Creed, Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell. “We continue to reinforce our 'Think Outside The Bun' message by offering food, and now a beverage item, that consumers can't get anywhere else.”
Morton’s Celebrates Anniverary With Largest Wine Bottle
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Morton’s The Steakhouse commissioned what has been certified by Guiness World Records as the “World's Largest Wine Bottle.” With the capacity to hold over 173 standard bottles-the equivalent of 1200 glasses-of wine, the spectacular 4.5' tall and 4.5' around bottle, will make a coast-to-coast tour of 27 of Morton's restaurants in the U.S., celebrating the steakhouse’s 25th anniversary.
Morton’s, partnered with Beringer Vineyards to create the gigantic Bordeaux-style bottle.
Checkers Runs
Scholarship Promotion
As the official burger sponsor of the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, the Tampa, FL headquartered quick service restaurant chain will donate a portion of the proceeds of each Gator Combo, Seminole Combo or large Coke purchased in the state of Florida to the schools’ athletic scholarship funds, throughout the football season.
Since the promotion began, proceeds donated total $7,680 for the University of Florida and $6,870 for Florida State University.
“We are very excited about the Florida/Florida State Challenge as it stretches our relationship with the universities far beyond traditional sports sponsorships to the support of educational programs and athletic scholarships at both universities,” said Richard Turner, Vice President of Marketing at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.
Spongbob Lobby Merchandiser. SpongBob appeals to a wide demographic ranging from young children To adults. The display was designed to attract watch collectors and increase store traffic and sales. The lobby merchandiser tied into the movie. Created by Rapid Displays, 4300 West 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632.
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