As the holiday season quickly approaches so do boxes and boxes of deliveries. (At least for me.) Consumers love the convenience of online shopping but it makes the holiday season a busy time of the year for delivery drivers everywhere. And as such, Pizza Hut is saying thank you to those drivers with free pizza. Also, this week Wingstop launched a card game for couples in honor of its newest flavor, maple sriracha. And Shoney’s celebrates National Free Hot Fudge Cake Day.
Here's a look at what’s new in the world of restaurant marketing.
Pizza Hut says thank you to delivery drivers…
December is a busy time of the year for delivery drivers and Pizza Hut is giving back to the busy drivers with free pizza. The pizza chain has launched the Reverse Delivery doormat for homes, which offers delivery drivers a free pizza when they deliver a package. The mat is available for free online and features a QR code that enables drivers to redeem a gift card code.
"Many of us look to delivery drivers to deliver joy during the holiday season," said Lindsay Morgan, CMO at Pizza Hut, in a statement. "This was our chance to give some cheer back in the form of a delicious meal for delivery drivers to enjoy during their busiest time of the year."
And launches a Pizza seasoning collection
Pizza Hut has also recently launched the Collectible Seasoning Duet Box Set, in collaboration with the LA-based popup, Chain. The collection features two different pizza-flavored seasonings. The first is Pizza Hut’s ‘Make It Pepperoni’ Seasoning. The seasoning apparently captures the flavors of the chain’s signature pepperoni pizza. The second is Chain’s ‘Everything Pizza Shake’ with flavors like oregano, red pepper flakes and Parmesan.
The set also includes the limited-edition Hut Shaker, a retro pizzeria shaker inspired by Pizza Hut’s stained-glass lamps.
Wingstop’s ‘Sweet or Heat’ card game
Wingstop is putting a marketing push behind the latest addition to its flavor lineup, maple sriracha. To that end, the wing chain has launched a couple’s game that pairs with its new flavor. The game, dubbed Sweet or Heat, prompts players to either sweeten up their conversation or “turn up the heat.” The game launched on Thursday Dec. 7 and is available to the first 350 diners who claim it at SweetorHeat.com.
12 days of Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco wants to get diners into the festive spirit, and what’s a better way to do that than helping them save money? The Mexican chain has launched several new promotions for rewards members, dubbed 12 Days of Pollo. The promotion runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12 and can be redeemed in store or online. Some deals include a $20 Festive Family Meal on Dec. 9 and $7 Double Chicken Tostadas on Dec. 12. In addition, the chain is giving diners a chance to win a year’s supply of its signature Pollo. To enter, diners can simply follow the chain on Instagram and comment on its posts with a gift emoji. And participants can share the post to their Instagram story for an additional entry.
Shoney’s National Free Hot Fudge Cake Day
Shoney’s is treating its guests to free hot fudge cake on Dec. 7 with no purchase necessary. It’s an annual event which the chain has called National Free Hot Fudge Cake Day. The treat on offer is vanilla ice cream in the middle of two slices of fudge cake, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
“Shoney’s continues to shine and will keep its annual promise to its loyal fans and new guests to show them our appreciation on this day,” said. David Davoudpour, Shoney’s CEO, in a statement. “Shoney’s National Free Hot Fudge Cake Day is their day; we just get to enjoy it with them.”
Playa Bowls Winter X giveaway
Playa Bowls is treating its diners with a giveaway featuring a chance to win a trip to the 2024 Winter X games. To enter the giveaway, diners can go to Playa Bowl’s social media accounts and tag a friend in the comments, both of whom must be following Playa Bowls. In addition, entrants must be a Playa Rewards member. To get an extra shot at the prize, diners can visit a Playa Bowls location and post a picture on Instagram of the brand’s Winter Specials. The contest launched on Dec 4. and runs through Dec. 11.
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