These restaurant marketing strategies show different ways casual dining establishments are promoting themselves, whether through interactive initiatives, promotional packaging or other advertising avenues.
Mobile apps for the smartphone are an easy way to reach consumers, especially brand loyalists. Honoring frequent guests can be as simple as an incentives program or launching a line-skipping service like Chili's.
In addition to popular channels such as creative packaging design or entertaining commercials, interactive restaurant marketing strategies are another way to engage audiences. This includes contests, from digital burger giveaway campaigns to fantasy football contests. While one is more broad, the other appeals to a more segmented or niche area within the customer base companies are trying to reach and retain.
Rebranding efforts are a way to make old things new, bringing in new people while also keeping things fresh for others.
15 Casual Restaurant Marketing Strategies
15
Dynamic Food Packaging
Prime Star's Healthy Food Branding is Quirky and Active
14
Vibrant Vintage Brewpub Branding
The Freehouse's Contemporary Brand Identity Gets It Just Right
13
Active Vegetarian Packaging
This Restaurant Branding Design Blends Healthy Food & Activity
12
Picturesque Ice Cream Branding
The SPIN! Gelato Design Uses a Cute Frame for Details
11
Smartphone Pancake Spoofs
Denny's Created an Advertisement to Spoof the iPhone 5S Gold
10
Re-Branded Fast Food Franchises
Denny's 'The Den' Restaurant Targets a Millennial Demographic
9
Bottomless Pasta Passes
Olive Garden's All You Can Eat Pasta Pass Will Feed You Through the Fall
8
Digital Burger Giveaway Campaigns
TGI Fridays is Boosting Business Through Shareable Discounts
7
Line-Skipping Dining Apps
The Chili's Waitlisting App Will Launch in Summer 2015
6
Bottomless Appetizer Promotions
TGI Fridays' $10 Endless Appetizers Runs Throughout the Summer
5
Christmas Kissing Drones
TGI Fridays UK Gets Couples to Kiss Under the Mistletoe
4
Incentivized Loyalty Apps
Hooters' HootClub Customer Loyalty App Gives Frequent Diners Big Prizes
3
Informal Grillhouse Rebranding
Bo's Steak & Grill Gets a New Identity as 'Cole's Backyard Grill'
2
Aspirational Lifestyle Ads
This Panera Spot is Part of an New Manifesto-Driven Campaign
1
Fantasy Football Contests
These Buffalo Wild Wings Promotions Consist of Three Different Games
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College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Restyled Cinematic Makeup Campaigns
Dolce & Gabbana's 'Il Pranzo' Campaign is Dramatic and Bold
Ketchup Dispenser Billboards
'Smack for Heinz' Helps Fans Complete Meals with a Favorite Condiment
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
AR Restaurant Packaging
White Castle Launches a New Augmented Borderland Experience
AI Food Photography Apps
MenuSnap Helps Restaurants Capture, Edit & Optimize Images
AI-Powered Restaurant Recommendations
Google Maps Now Uses AI to Recommend New Food Places
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
QSR Menu Billboard Campaigns
Burger King Shows Real Burger Sizes with Real Size Campaigns
Product Review-Centered Campaigns
Kitchenaid's 'Love the Racks' Campaign Was Written by a Customer
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Heated QSR Anniversary Campaigns
Burger King Brazil Celebrates Milestone with a New Campaign
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Mindful Restaurant Drink Menus
The Chipotle Beverage Menu Has Been Expanded with New Options
Strategic Dining Concept Updates
These New Pepper Lunch Menu Updates are Extensive
Anti-Shrinkflation Pizza Campaigns
Domino's MOREflation Will Offer More Food for the Same Price
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Dog-Friendly Dining Events
CESAR Restaurant Weekend Links Dogs & Owners to Pet-Friendly Eateries
Restaurant Marketing Platforms
Cheff Connect Helps Restaurants Create Custom Marketing Emails
Cross-Category Refreshment Campaigns
Sprite and Pringles Hot Have Teamed Up for a New Campaign
Deceptive Pizza Campaigns
Pizza Hut Frozen Pizza Underscores the Chain's Commitment to Freshness
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Mobile-Order-Only Restaurants
Chick-Fil-A is Opening a Restaurant with No Seating Space
Scented Fast Food Billboards
McDonald's Set Up a French Fry-Scented Billboard
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Local Restaurant Campaigns
PEPSI X Kelly Rowland Present the Local Eats Better With Pepsi Program
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Inventive Fast Food Campaigns
Habit Burger Launches Its #1 Ranked 'Double Char' Burger into Space
Chicken-Centric QSR Menus
Taco Bell's Teased Its New Cantina Chicken Menu in Vegas
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Food-Themed Holiday Campaigns
Kroger’s 2024 Holiday Campaign Celebrates Food and Connection
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Dumpling Restaurant Rewards
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Unveils its New Loyalty Program
Loyalty-Focused Grocery Initiatives
Tony’s Fresh Market Boasts a New Website and Loyalty Program
Healthy Lifestyle Reward Promotions
The Chipotle No Quitters Challenge Was Created with Strava
Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns
Jewelry Brand MWCurated Uses Fake Infidelity Flyers for Marketing
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Late-Night Chicken Shop Pop-Ups
Bird's Eye Launched a New Range with an Exclusive Experience
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Cheerful Healthy Snack Campaigns
Garden Veggie Snacks' YUMbelievably Delicious is Innovative
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Festive Steakhouse Menus
The Outback Steakhouse Holiday Menu Has New and Returning Favorites
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Artisan-Inspired Summertime Cafe Menus
This New Dunkin’ Menu Offers New Twists on Classics
Virally Inspired Virtual Menus
The Creator's Kitchen As Seen on TikTok Menu is Ever-Changing
Specialty Cheese Campaigns
Alouette Unveiled its Creative 'Flavor That Sings' Campaign
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Dressed-Up Breakfast Campaigns
Joe & the Juice Invites Customers to Get Chic for Breakfast
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Seasonal Book Retail Promotions
Indigo Launches Multi-Category Holiday Deals with E-Reader Focus
QSR X-Ray Campaigns
KFC Spain Presents a Chicken X-Ray Campaign to Combat a Stigma
Travel-inspired Brand Campaigns
Michelin Launches the On the Road and Beyond! Campaign
Streaming Platform Dining Experiences
KTV's U Presents a TV Dinner Pop-Up Event
Late-Night Fast Food Restaurants
White Castle is Strengthening Its Night Castle Brand
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Familial Meal Kit Campaigns
HelloFresh, Hello Dinner Spotlights the Uniqueness of Households
Budget-Friendly Restaurant Campaigns
Chuck E. Cheese 'Summer of Fun' Focuses on Accessibility
Football-Themed Pizza Promotions
Little Caesars & NFL Debut HOT-N-READY Giveaways & Getaways
Socially Supportive Retailer Promotions
Wawa 'Buy a Kids Meal, Make an Impact' is Supportive
Saucy High-Definition Screen Campaigns
Zaxby’s is Leveraging the Busy Black Friday Shopping Period
Glowing Chicken Restaurant Designs
Preen Inc Designs the Dino's Famous Chicken Restaurant
Tech-Driven Drive Thrus
Pita Pit's New Drive-Thru Design is Flexible, Scalable and Efficient
American Restaurant Partnerships
QDOBA Partnered with Leo Burnett for Massive Expansion
QSR-Inspired Grocery Products
Aldi Launches the New McDonald’s Inspired Burgers
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Greek Cuisine Pita Menus
The Pita Pit Mediterranean-Inspired Menu Has Five New Options
Beef-Centered Thanksgiving Menus
Pre Brands' Flip the Bird Challenges Seasonal Dining Traditions
Valentine’s Day Dinner Series
Shake Shack’s Debuts the 'Love Shack' Menu for Valentine's Day
Sponsored Tailgating Events
The Popeyes x DoorDash Wing Truck Makes Game Day More Memorable
AI-Powered Marketing Solutions
BrandPilot AI Unveils a New Marketing Campaign Management App
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
Freeze-Dried Meal Brand Refreshes
Mountain House Unveils a Rebrand Across All Marketing Channels
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Sweet-Heat Restaurant Menus
The Cracker Barrel Summer Menu is Packed with Seasonal Flavor
First-Taste Burger Boxes
McSpicy x Frank's RedHot Released "the Hottest Drop"
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Seasonal Seafood Restaurant Menus
These New Additions to the Red Lobster Menu are Holiday-Ready
Seasonal QSR Breakfast Menus
Dunkin' Showcases its Iconic Seasonal Menu Ahead of the Holidays
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
AI-Enhanced QSR Rewards
Wendy's Leverages Artificial Intelligence for its New Rewards Platform
Restaurant-Inspired Frozen Comfort Foods
The Boston Market At Home Frozen Foods Has Been Expanded
TV Dinner Restaurants
TV Dinners for U Serves Meals to Enhance the Streaming Service Experience
Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus
This New Taco Bell Menu Has Five Nostalgic Offerings
Frozen Pizza-Centered Campaigns
Dr. Oetker Debuts the Frozen Pizza Publicist Campaign
Hungover Diner Discounts
Burger King's Facial Recognition Gives Discounts to Hungover Customers
Chicken Restaurant Rewards Systems
KFC U.S. Introduces a New Loyalty Program for Frequent Shoppers
Advanced Retail Campaign Kiosks
Freeosk and Place Exchange Partnered for Integrated Campaigns
Tiered Restaurant Rewards
Chopt Enhances its Rewards Program and Secures an Influencer Partnership
Latin Cuisine-Inspired Cafe Menus
The Latest Dunkin' Spring Menu is Arriving Now
Seasonal Street Food-Inspired Menus
Taco Cabana Street Food Fest Features Ample Food and Drink
NFL Restaurant Promotions
Applebee's Partners with the NFL to Offer an Array of Sporty Deals
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Revitalized Pasta Packaging Designs
MarketPlace Branding Has Revitalized the Ronzoni Pasta Brand
Immersive Restaurant Rewards App
Bella Italia is Unveiling a New Digital App for its Guests
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
Football Weekend QSR Promotions
The Wendy's Deal-ivery Promotion Offers Ample Deals
Chef-Supported Dairy Campaigns
Anchor Food Professionals Debuts the Taste of Tradition Campaign
Celebratory Seasonal QSR Deals
Wendy's 12 Days of Holiday Deals Gets Customers Ready for Christmas
Virtual-First QSR Brands
IHOP Unveils a New Expansion for its Virtual Restaurant Concepts
Customizable Digital Menus
Leader Menu Uses AI to Produce Beautifully Designed Menus
Online Menu Platforms
Menuzet Transitions Paper Menus to Digital Alternatives
Customer-Driven Pizza Menus
The Pizza Guys Fan Favorites Lineup Has Four Options
Breakfast Rewards Apps
Effin Egg Launches the New Loyalty App for Consumers
Artisan-Inspired Diner Menus
Denny's Permanent Menu Now Has Nine New Options
Money-Saving Grocery Apps
Schnuck Markets and Upside Launch a Co-Branded App for Rewards
Digital Loyalty Companions
Brew Perks Offers an Easy Way to Track Rewards, Unlock Exclusive Deals
Streetstyle Flavor Campaigns
Old El Paso's Turn It Up Entices Gen Z to Try Its Street Vibes Range
Affordability-Enhancing QSR Updates
St-Hubert Debuts a Menu Update and Pricing Strategy
Seasonal Mexican Cuisine Promotions
These Pancheros Promotions Will Kick Off December
Parent-Focused Restaurant Menus
The Chuck E. Cheese Grown-Up Menu Caters to Adult Diners
Chicken Wing-Inspired Menus
Old Chicago is Serving Up a New Wing-Inspired Menu
Comprehensive Business Loyalty Solutions
BusinessQR Helps Brands Build Customer Loyalty
Holiday Meal Savings Campaigns
The Dollar General 'Decked Out In Deals' Campaign is Cost-Conscious
In-Restaurant Italian Offerings
Maggiano's Little Italy Evolves its Menu with Nine New Additions
Restaurant Discovery Websites
Find Me a Restaurant Will Help You Pick Where to Eat
Scratch-to-Win Pizza Promotions
Freshslice Pizza is Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary This Month
Streaming Music Pack Promotions
Rustlers Debuts a New Boost Your Burger Initiative with Spotify
Food-Focused Travel Guide Platforms
'FoodieTrip' Connects Hungry Travelers to Experienced Guides
Celebratory Pizza Promotions
Little Caesars Summer of Hot-N-Ready Giveaways & Getaways is Tasty
Digital Diversified Beverage Programs
Diverse Powered Brands Provides Online Operations Solutions
Chicken Restaurant Rewards Games
Chick-fil-A Debuts a New Digital Experience for Loyalty Members
Festive Restaurant Catering Menus
The Bar Louie Seasonal Catering Specials are Arriving Now
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Engagement-Boosting Marketing Apps
LOCALACT Unveils the LOCALACT Mobile Marketing Application
Complimentary Chicken Sandwich Promotions
ChickQueen Gears Up to Open Its Restaurant in Markham
Comprehensive Restaurant Overview Apps
Toast Debuts a Digital App to Manage Restaurant Operations
Feedback Collection Tools
Review Pasta Helps Businesses Organize the Reviews to Convert Customers
Loyalty-Focused BBQ Apps
Sonny's BBQ Debuts a Mobile App Alongside an Exclusive Rewards Program
Surprising Romantic Inspiration
Love Fuel Offers 450 Ideas to Liven Up a Relationship
Burger Restaurant Rewards Apps
Hat Creek Introduces a New Menu Item and a Dedicated App
Nostalgic Seasonal Snack Campaigns
This Tyrrells Campaign Encourages Holiday Snacking