In recent years, the rise of better burger franchises and fast-casual chains such as Panera Bread and Chipotle has put pressure on sit-down chain restaurants and classic fast food joints alike. As the competition for diner …
McDonalds
Why Restaurants Use the ‘At Participating Locations Only’ Disclaimer
Lately, it seems like at the bottom of every freebie, buy-one-get-one deal, and 99-cent special, there’s some teeny-tiny print noting that the offer is good only “at participating locations.” The clause is especially ubiquitous at fast food chains, and consumers are known to get agitated after walking into an establishment expecting to …
Self-Serve Revolution: How Touchscreens Are Replacing Human Customer Service
Back in the day, screens allowed you to do one thing: Sit down with popcorn and watch Blade Runner. Today, they can do things that even go beyond what last generation’s science fiction could imagine. Those old sci-fi writers did …
How 7-Eleven’s New Slurpee Rollout Is Perfectly Shaped to Attract Crowds All Summer
Nowadays, retailers and manufacturers can’t merely introduce a new product to consumers and call it a day. The way that 7-Eleven is launching “Slurpee Lite,” its new low-calorie drink, shows how a product rollout must be an “event.” This week’s event includes a big Slurpee giveaway.
Hot Fast Food Deals: 50% Off Drink Specials, Loyalty Program Freebies, Limited-Time Menu Items
Major fast food and coffeehouse chains are launching special discounts and promotions aimed to keep customers streaming in during the hot days and months ahead. Who says “happy hour” has to be limited to bars and restaurants that …
Why We’re Eating Fewer Happy Meals
Kids are less likely to order kids meals now. For the past five years, there has been an annual decline in the number of fast-food child meals that come with toys. In 2011, Happy Meal and other child meal sales were down 6%, from …
Did Burger King Wait Too Long to Reinvent Itself?
Two weeks after Wendy’s bumped Burger King out of the No. 2 spot among hamburger chains, the King has unveiled a new menu, new marketing and a new look. But is it too late?
How Wendy’s Finally Knocked Burger King Down A Notch
There’s a restaurant in Wichita, Kan., that now offers a Bacon Portabella Black Label Burger (with mushroom sauce and Muenster cheese), an Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, a Monterey Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich and an Asiago Ranch …
Backlash to the ‘Pink Slime’ Backlash
Who in the world would ever want “pink slime” in their hamburger? Before answering, take note that the slime is officially referred to as “lean finely textured beef,” or LFTB, that it’s 95% lean, on average — and that without …
The 10 Most Memorable Ads Featuring Celebrities And Their Kin
What’s the Best Chain Restaurant in America?
The answer is … Chili’s. No wait, that’s only according to a new study focused on the Best Cheap Family Restaurant. Other surveys give top honors to The Cheesecake Factory. Or Bonefish Grill. Or In-N-Out Burger. Or Chick-fil-A. …
Look Out, Dunkin’ Donuts: McDonald’s Plans to Offer Breakfast Pastries
Egg McMuffins not your thing? No problem. McDonald’s is trying to boost its share of the breakfast business with new offerings like muffins, scones and danishes. The fast-food giant is rolling out a line of breakfast pastries in …
