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Do you know anybody named Subway? You soon might.
The sandwich brand is offering free subs for life to a fan who commits to legally changing their name to Subway. A lot of chains also had birthdays this week, which was accompanied by efforts to give back to the community and to customers.
Here’s a look at what’s new in restaurant marketing.
Subway superfans
Subway is offering free subs for life to one lucky Subway fan. Entering the contest is simple: All you have to do is legally change your first name to Subway. Don’t worry, after you assume the “iconic new identity,” the sandwich chain will reimburse you for legal and processing costs.
This isn’t the first time Subway has asked fans to go to extremes to showcase their loyalty to the brand. In 2022, Subway hosted a block party at Bad Apple Tattoo in Las Vegas to celebrate the launch of its Subway Series, and one customer camped out for two days to get a footlong tattoo of the Subway Series logo in exchange for free Subway for life, according to a statement from the chain. In total, nine fans received tattoos of the logo in varying sizes and placements.
I’m not sure what’s more surprising—the fact that Subway continues to hold these extreme promotions or the fact that diners seem to have no problem obliging.
Birthdays and anniversaries
This week, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is giving back to the community in honor of its sweet 16. The burger chain hosted a sweet 16 bash at all of its locations on Aug.1. The chain treated guests to limited-time offerings, including a Heat Wave Burger, Berry-Spiked Lemonade and Sunrise Sipper cocktails. Sixteen percent of the day’s proceeds went to local Boys and Girls Clubs chapters.
Bad Daddy’s wasn’t the only chain with a birthday this week. IHOP turned 65 on Aug. 1 and is offering several promotions to diners through Aug. 27. The breakfast chain is also sharing its birthday with actor Kevin Bacon, who turned 65 in July. The actor will take to TikTok to share the anniversary deals.
On offer is a $5 all-you-can-eat pancake deal and a daily Kids Eat Free promotion from 4 to 10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entree. Guests can also take the chain up on $.65 delivery when ordering directly from IHOP. In addition, the chain has a special offer for new loyalty members—a free pancake combo after the first purchase.
Panda Restaurant Group, the owner of Panda Express, is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the anniversary of Panda Cares, Panda Express’ philanthropic arm. To celebrate, the restaurant chain is hosting a virtual fundraiser on Aug. 8. For online and mobile orders placed using the code ‘PCD2023’, Panda will donate 50% of pre-tax sales to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Boys and Girls Club of America. The chain has dubbed the event Panda Cares Day.
Winning the dough
Krispy Kreme's original glazed donut. / Photo courtesy of Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme wants everybody to win the lottery. So, whether or not you clinch the upcoming Mega Millions prize, the chain is offering a free original glazed donut to diners who show a purchased lottery ticket on Aug. 1 or 2. If you didn’t win a billion dollars, the donut might help sweeten the blow.
Sushi and superheroes
Kura Sushi is teaming up with Warner Bros. to offer a DC and Kura Bikkura Pon prize collection. The collection features superhero collectables of iconic DC characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, as well as a rare holographic can badge that can only be collected at the in-restaurant Bikkura Pon prize machines.
Diners can receive one collectible for every 15 sushi plates purchased either in-restaurant or online. The collectables are available through Sept. 30, while supplies last.
Kura Sushi rewards members are also eligible for an extra reward—the chance to win a limited-edition DC and Kura Sushi backpack. Reward members can enter the giveaway by spending $70 in the restaurant.
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