Cinnabon Brand Cookies Debut
Poore Brothers has launched Cinnabon brand cookies via a licensing agreement with Cinnabon, the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries and a subsidiary of FOCUS Brands.
The products being launched are a Cinnamon Roll soft cookie, a Cinnamon Roll Sandwich cookie and a Cinnamon Swirl crisp cookie. All three items are made with Cinnabon’s proprietary Makara Cinnamon to provide a flavor experience consumers are accustomed to with the Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll.
This colorful shipper display has been offered to mass merchandiser and grocery retailers to help support the launch of the new cookie line.
KFC Opens Restaurant Of The Future
KFC has opened its new vision store in Louisville, KY, as part of a plan that will help move the brand into the future.
Some of the highlights of the new KFC restaurant of the future include: A new younger look for Colonel Sanders; digital jukebox; low set tables with cushy ottomans; graphics and pub signs that showcase the icons “11 Secret Herbs and Spices,” and “Finger Lickin’ Good,” interior and exterior paintings by famed African American artist Charly Palmer, who took KFC’s historical icons and gave them an updated, cool and modern look; and Southern-inspired brand new menu items to be featured alongside KFC’s core products. The new menu items, unique to the QSR industry, include chicken mashed potato bowls, sausage bowls, Kentucky sides such as collard greens, hot cinnamon apples, and sweet potato pie.
Produce For Better Health Joins Forces With McDonald’s
Produce For Better Health Foundation and McDonald’s have partnered to help educate consumers on the importance of including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in their daily meals and snacks. To support McDonald's ongoing commitment, PBH will provide educational materials available in-restaurant including table tents, tray liners, brochures and packaging; new menu options that follow the 5 A Day for Better Health Program guidelines; and including McDonald's in food service research projects.
“McDonald's is excited to partner with PBH and their leading role in fruit and vegetable nutrition marketing,” said Mike Donahue, V.P., McDonald's U.S. Communications.
Asian Cuisine Increasing In Popularity
U.S. retail sales of Asian foods increased by 27.3% from 2000 to 2004 driven by a growing Asian-American population and increasingly sophisticated American palates, influencing what consumers are eating in restaurants and at home, according to “The U.S. Market For Asian Foods and Beverages,” report from market researcher, Packaged Facts. While the Pan-Asian trend of blending diverse Asian cuisines to create new tastes is still popular, there is also an increased focus on distinct authentic flavors and regional cuisines.
As independent Chinese restaurants reach 41,000 in number, there is also an increase in Asian chain restaurants, such as P.F. Chang’s and Panda Express. It is not unusual to see Asian Foods on non-Asian restaurant menus. These three trends will lead to greater usage of these food items at home as consumers become more comfortable with ingredients-especially when considered in tandem with the increasing availability of Asian food products in supermarkets. For example, sushi is now available in most supermarkets. A number of Asian items from different countries of origin have potential for mainstream appeal, including tempura, Southeast Asian satay, and Vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi).
Restaurant Chains Enjoying Sales Upswing
The restaurant industry has experienced more than a year and a half of positive growth, according to The NPD Group’s SalesTrac, which tracks sales’ trends from Quick Service and Midscale chain restaurants.
The chain restaurants are taking market share from independents. According to CREST, a service of NPD Foodworld, major chain restaurants captured an additional 3% of the market between 2001 and 2004. Share for small chains was fairly stable as the loss came from independent restaurants.
Consumer demand has been driven by quick service outlets serving up new menu offerings featuring higher quality, more innovative foods, such as quality chicken products, premium burgers and main dish salads, according to Michele Schmal, V.P. in Foodservice for NPD. “The industry is giving people more choices and making it easier to get a better variety of food at affordable prices,” said Schmal.
Interactive Tabletop Displays Promote McDonald’s Anniversary
Reactrix Media Systems, a San Carlos, CA-based developer of interactive in-store media, deployed three of its projectable media systems in the newly-opened McDonald’s 50th anniversary restaurant located in downtown Chicago.
The interactive tabletop displays react in real-time to people’s movement, allowing McDonald's customers to have fun and connect with each other as they enjoy a meal.
“The Reactrix tables are a great way to showcase McDonald's sense of fun, opportunity and commitment to our customers-it’s all about creating a great, unique dining experience,” said Dan Wohlfeil, McDonald's.
Reactrix’ visioning technology actually “sees” and responds to consumers movement as they interact with the programmed media content.
For more information, visit Reactrix Media Systems at (Web Site) www.reactrix.com.
Wienerschnitzel Runs ‘Mini To The Max’ Promotion
Wienerschnitzel, a leading hot dog chain, is conducting the “Mini to the Max” on-the-cup promotion, where every cup is a winner. One lucky mini winner will take home the grand prize-a 2005 Mini Cooper.
Other prizes include Sony mini DVD and MP3 players, and Wienerschnitzel food (Mini Snak Paks, Mini Chili Dogs, Mini Corn Dogs and small Pepsi beverages).
Dunkin Donuts Launches Ice Lounge Sampling Van Tour
Dunkin' Donuts is conducting the Ice Lounge sampling van tour to promote the new taste sensations in its iced coffee line-up. In addition to French Vanilla and Hazelnut, the new ice coffee flavor choices include: Blueberry, Raspberry, Marshmallow, Caramel, Toasted Almond, Cinnamon and Coconut.
Iced Coffee enthusiasts will have the chance to sample the new flavored beverage line when the Ice Lounge sampling van tour stops in 30 cities and states on the east coast and westward to Chicago. The sampling van tour will stop at popular concerts, events and even the beach. Outfitted with funky lounge furniture, video games, and a live DJ, the tour is designed to be a mobile party, complete with giveaways and samples.
"The Dunkin' Donuts Ice Lounge sampling van tour is bringing the brand directly to young adults, enabling them to experience Dunkin' Donuts great iced beverages at the beach, park and wherever else they are having fun," said John Gilbert, Dunkin’ Donuts Vice President of Marketing.
Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Xtra Lite Display Systems
3451 West Burnsville Parkway, Suite 100, Burnsville, MN 55337-4287
This Power Table ™ offers a dramatic new way to beverage marketers to maximize brand awareness at restaurants, indoors or out. The display features high impact graphics and provides unlimited impressions. The sturdy table is constructed to offer a long-lasting display.
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