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
Related Ideas
Restored Cafe Culture Retailers
The New Starbucks Coffee House Design Revives the Local Cafe Feel
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
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Exercise-Themed QSR Promotions
Chipotle x Strava: The City Challenge is Arriving for the New Year
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
Affordability-Focused Game-Day Campaigns
Kroger Offers Discounts on Snacks, Beverages & Foods
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
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Mindful Restaurant Drink Menus
The Chipotle Beverage Menu Has Been Expanded with New Options
Dynamic Basketball-Informed Marketing Campaigns
March Madness' New Campaign Features NCAA Athletes
Silly Restaurant Chain Ads
German Doner Kebab Brings Bold Flavors and Quirky Ads to America
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
In-App Restaurant Ordering Systems
Châtaigne' Innovative Food Delivery Approach Uses WhatsApp
Dog-Friendly Dining Events
CESAR Restaurant Weekend Links Dogs & Owners to Pet-Friendly Eateries
Ice Cream Stick-Inspired Campaigns
KFC Brazil Gets Creative with Its 'Prize on a Bone' Campaign
Dating-App Holiday Campaigns
Bumble Holiday Campaign Sparks Real-Life Connections This Season
Data-Driven QSR Campaigns
Burger King's BK Unwrapped Reveals Customers' 2024 Ordering Preferences
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
Restaurant-Focused AI Marketing Platforms
Birdeye Strives to Help Restaurant Increase Engagement
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Food-Themed Holiday Campaigns
Kroger’s 2024 Holiday Campaign Celebrates Food and Connection
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
Music-Inspired Restaurant Recommendations
The Spotify, Amex, Resy Partnership Links Music & Dining
Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns
Jewelry Brand MWCurated Uses Fake Infidelity Flyers for Marketing
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
Delivery Driver-Centric Pizza Ads
Pizza Hut's New Commercial is Cheeky and Playful
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
Restaurant Marketing Platforms
Cheff Connect Helps Restaurants Create Custom Marketing Emails
Cinematic Dance-Driven Campaigns
DoorDash's 'Your Door to More' Campaign Highlights its Offerings
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Restaurant-Focused Beverage Campaigns
Surfside Introduces Its Promotional Surf N' Turf Campaign
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Nostalgic Fast Food Campaigns
'cheeky Maccas' Celebrates Australian Summer with a Road Trip
Cheerful Healthy Snack Campaigns
Garden Veggie Snacks' YUMbelievably Delicious is Innovative
Super Bowl Drive-Thru Commercials
Taco Bell Debuts Its Live Más Drive-Thru Cams Campaign
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
Holiday Countdown QSR Deals
These Wendy’s Holiday BOGO Deals are In-App Exclusives
Delivery Mishap-Inspired Campaigns
Knorr Launched its #DeliverBetter Campaign to Promote Cooking
Virally Inspired Virtual Menus
The Creator's Kitchen As Seen on TikTok Menu is Ever-Changing
Tariff-Themed Pizzeria Promotions
The Pizza Pizza Reverse Tariff Campaign Offers a 25% Discount
Festive QSR Menus
Popeyes Introduces Two Exciting Offerings for the Holiday Season
Specialty Cheese Campaigns
Alouette Unveiled its Creative 'Flavor That Sings' Campaign
Late-Night Chicken Shop Pop-Ups
Bird's Eye Launched a New Range with an Exclusive Experience
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
Midlife Crisis Pizza Campaigns
The California Pizza Kitchen 40th Anniversary Marks a Milestone
Local Eatery-Elevated Soda Campaigns
Pepsi is Running Immersive Experiences for the Super Bowl LIX
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
Mobile Collagen-Branded Trucks
Revive Collagen Boosts Engagement with Branded Mobile Truck
Tech-Driven Drive Thrus
Pita Pit's New Drive-Thru Design is Flexible, Scalable and Efficient
Familial Meal Kit Campaigns
HelloFresh, Hello Dinner Spotlights the Uniqueness of Households
Dumpling-Inspired Valentine’s Day Promotions
P.F. Chang’s Enhances the Romantic Experience
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
QSR Voting Promotions
The Shake Shack Showdown Will Offer Patrons Free Food
Basketball-Themed QSR Promotions
Arby's is Launching a March Madness Promotion
Indulgent QSR Wintertime Menus
The SONIC Late-Winter Menu Embraces Cold Weather Comfort Foods
Saucy High-Definition Screen Campaigns
Zaxby’s is Leveraging the Busy Black Friday Shopping Period
Festive Free Burger Promotions
The Shake Shack Holiday Burger Blitz Offers Free Fare with Purchase
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips
Cocokind is Hosting a Customer Brand Trip to Napa Valley in 2025
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Seasonal Book Retail Promotions
Indigo Launches Multi-Category Holiday Deals with E-Reader Focus
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
Resolution-Focused Salad Promos
BrightFarms & Instacart Offered Free Salad Kits for Quitter's Day
AI-Powered Marketing Solutions
BrandPilot AI Unveils a New Marketing Campaign Management App
Sponsored Tailgating Events
The Popeyes x DoorDash Wing Truck Makes Game Day More Memorable
Fitness-Themed QSR Campaigns
Mary Brown's Chicken Has Introduced the Leg Day Combo
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
Sweet-Heat Restaurant Menus
The Cracker Barrel Summer Menu is Packed with Seasonal Flavor
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Seasonal QSR Breakfast Menus
Dunkin' Showcases its Iconic Seasonal Menu Ahead of the Holidays
Frozen Pizza-Centered Campaigns
Dr. Oetker Debuts the Frozen Pizza Publicist Campaign
Seasonal Seafood Restaurant Menus
These New Additions to the Red Lobster Menu are Holiday-Ready
Virtual Dining Brand Collaborations
The Virtual Brand Man vs Fries is Coming to CPK Restaurants
Drone Marketing Initatives
LEGO Takes to the Sky with Drone Show and Aerial Messages
Appetizer-Themed Holiday Campaigns
Summer Fresh® Debuted 12 Days of Appetizer Recipes
Artisan-Quality Pizza Brand Desserts
These New Marco's Pizza Menu Items are Sweet and Savory
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Marketing Measurement Strategies
Rockerbox Recently Launched Its Unified Measurement Playbook
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
Advanced Retail Campaign Kiosks
Freeosk and Place Exchange Partnered for Integrated Campaigns
Fusion Italian Cuisine Menus
The ASK Italian Spring Menu Features Fresh Flavors
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
Nostalgic Seasonal Snack Campaigns
This Tyrrells Campaign Encourages Holiday Snacking
Purpose-Driven Menu Items
BarBurrito Partners with Athletes for Court Restoration Initiative
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
Seasonal Mexican Cuisine Promotions
These Pancheros Promotions Will Kick Off December
Elevated Fast-Casual Entrees
Just Salad Market Plates Come in Three Options
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
QSR-Operated Pizza Drive-Thrus
Pizza Hut Unveils a New Drive-Thru Menu for Consumers On the Go
Comforting Pizzeria Dishes
These New Marco’s Pizza Menu Items Arrive in Time for the Winter
Chef-Supported Dairy Campaigns
Anchor Food Professionals Debuts the Taste of Tradition Campaign
Mobile Advent Calendar Promotions
Bar Louie is Refreshing Its App-vent Calendar Promotion
Online Menu Platforms
Menuzet Transitions Paper Menus to Digital Alternatives
Customizable Digital Menus
Leader Menu Uses AI to Produce Beautifully Designed Menus
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
Foodie Social Platforms
DineIT is A Social Network for Food Lovers, Bookings, and Restaurant Promo
Reflection-Encouraging Edible Oil Campaigns
Simply Fresh Marks the New Year with a New Campaign
Chicken Wing-Inspired Menus
Old Chicago is Serving Up a New Wing-Inspired Menu
Food Show Finders
TVFoodMaps Discovers Restaurants Seen on Your Favorite Food Shows
In-Restaurant Italian Offerings
Maggiano's Little Italy Evolves its Menu with Nine New Additions
Scratch-to-Win Pizza Promotions
Freshslice Pizza is Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary This Month
Fresh Produce-Focused Campaigns
I Love Fruit & Veg from Europe Emphasizes Fresh European Produce
Streaming Music Pack Promotions
Rustlers Debuts a New Boost Your Burger Initiative with Spotify
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
Engagement-Boosting Marketing Apps
LOCALACT Unveils the LOCALACT Mobile Marketing Application
Complimentary Chicken Sandwich Promotions
ChickQueen Gears Up to Open Its Restaurant in Markham
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