SONIC Drive-In Dives into SEC Football Frenzy as Official Quick-Service Restaurant!

Hey there, sports fans and food lovers! Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® is here with some electrifying news that will have you buzzing with excitement! SONIC Drive-In, the champions of craveable food and fun, have teamed up with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and SEC Network in a game-changing, multi-year sponsorship. That's right, folks—SONIC is now the "Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC!"

This partnership started this July 1st, SONIC is hitting the gridiron with SEC football programming and productions across SEC Network, ABC, and ESPN. This isn't just a touchdown—it's a game-winning play for everyone involved!

“SONIC has always been in the heart of college and professional sports for the past 70 years, and we couldn’t be prouder to rally with our fans as the Official Quick Service Restaurant partner of the SEC,” said Ryan Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer of SONIC. “The SEC’s expanded reach means we’re closer than ever to our amazing guests and team members across the Southeast. We’re ready to bring the fun to college football this season—whether we’re at the pre-game tailgate or the afterparty, you can count on SONIC to be part of the action all season long.”

Now, let's talk about why this is a monumental win for SONIC and the SEC. Gen Z and Millennials are redefining the sports fandom landscape, and they crave experiences that go beyond the game. By aligning with the SEC, SONIC is capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of these dynamic, digital-savvy generations. Did you know that 62% of Millennials are avid sports fans, and Gen Z isn't far behind at 53%? These generations are social media mavens, amplifying their game day experiences across platforms, creating a ripple effect that drives brand loyalty and engagement.

Imagine the thrill of seeing SONIC's mouth-watering commercials during the “SEC on ABC” college football franchise and ABC/ESPN Noon College Football windows, all while connecting with fans on SEC Network. This isn’t just advertising; it’s an immersive experience that brings SONIC's vibrant energy to every home, tailgate, and watch party.

“At Disney, we’re passionate about developing unique opportunities for brands to connect with college football fans everywhere. This season, we are thrilled to welcome SONIC Drive-In as the Official Quick Service Restaurant of the SEC,” said Andrew Messina, SVP of Sales, Disney Advertising. “With SONIC on board, the fan experience will reach new heights for SEC fans across all Disney platforms.”

But wait, there’s more! SONIC is taking their game-day presence to the next level with on-site activations through SEC Nation, the network’s traveling football pre-game show, and other exciting opportunities throughout the season. Picture this: the smell of crispy tots and juicy burgers filling the air as you cheer on your favorite team. That's the kind of fan experience SONIC is bringing to the table.

“We are pleased to welcome SONIC as an official sponsor of the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “The SEC sponsor program is important to the mission of supporting SEC athletics programs and their student-athletes. The addition of SONIC strengthens an already robust family of sponsors for the Conference, and we look forward to SONIC’s participation in our programming and championship events.”

So, gear up, grab your favorite SONIC snack, and get ready to experience SEC football like never before. This partnership is a recipe for fun, flavor, and unforgettable moments. Let's make this season one for the record books, together!

Stay tuned, stay hungry, and let's celebrate this epic collaboration with SONIC and the SEC!

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday than tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues. 

Bar Louie Mix and Match Tailgating Success

 

Once again, the restaurant sector is finding success in garnering new customers embracing one of the hallmarks of the Grocerant niche. That hallmark mainstay is mix and match meal bundling according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Now that fall is settling in sport fans are re-establishing or creating new traditions to mark the season.   Sports fans are ready to cheer on their favorite team or those planning their next happy hour outing will jump for joy as Bar Louie introduces its delicious new Tailgate Bundles that will garner the attention of the coveted fan be consisting of Gen Z and Millennials. Here let’s look at the new Mix and Match Tailgate Bundles:

3 Bar Bites for $35 – Gather the crew and score big flavors and big savings with a choice of any three mouth-watering appetizers for just $35. Choose from Bavarian Pretzels, Fried Cheese Curds, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Pepperoni Flatbread or Boneless Wings for dine-in. Available at participating Bar Louie locations now through the end of football season.

$49 Triple Tap Tower – 3 Beers, 3 Taps and 3+ happy teammates! Come together for a tableside offering that’ll quench the driest thirst all season long. Bar Louie’s new triple tap tower allows fans to be their own bartender and serve up 150oz of select domestic beer in one convenient, compact and self-cooling, tabletop keg. Guests can choose from 3 domestic beers for dine-in parties only with a minimum of 3 or more guests required.

$79 Ultimate Team Up – No one has ever seen a pick-6 quite like this. Dine in and enjoy the ultimate prime-time pair of the Triple Tap Tower and the Pick-3 Bar Bite Bundle for an unbelievable price of $79 at participating locations.

No matter how guests choose to dine, Bar Louie is this season’s MVP with its new Dial N’ Dash system. Now, it is even easier than ever to call in to place an order and pick it up. No lines, no mobile app and no added fees.

Brian Wright, CEO of Bar Louie, stated, “Adding the Tailgate Bundle to our menu lineup is the perfect way for guests to sample all the amazing flavors during the pregame, halftime or late-night overtime,” ... “With Dial N’ Dash, guests can order, grab and enjoy their favorites faster than ever. It’s just another way we’re taking customer service to the next level for our guests.”

For more information about the tailgate offers or Dial N’ Dash, please visit barlouie.com.

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

At Bojangles Tailgating is a Branded Invitation

 

What could be more relevant, timely, or customer focused in the fall than a branded tailgating opportunity for a fresh fast quality hand held restaurant than tailgating mix and match bundled meal?  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® thinks that Bojangles revamped Bojangles app are a prefect fit for fall. 

Yes, Bojangles is once again the go-to destination for sports fans and tailgaters this fall. With an all-new app and partnerships featuring the Carolina Panthers and college programs, the official tailgate headquarters is setting the stage for unforgettable gameday experiences. 

Tom Boland, Chief Marketing Officer at Bojangles, stated, "Bojangles is proud to be at the forefront of the ultimate tailgate experience," ... "Our delicious food, convenient new app, and exciting sports partnerships showcase our commitment to making every game day a memorable one. We’re thrilled to declare ‘It’s Bo Time’ and can't wait to celebrate the traditions that unite us."

Gameday Food Made Easy: Ordering Party-Sized Meals in the all-new Bojangles App

So, with the newly revamped Bojangles app, ordering a tailgate-worthy meal for pick up or delivery has never been easier. The all-new app boasts a gallery of delectable food photos, an array of customizable options, and a streamlined interface that reduces clicks and navigation time. Also new this year and available exclusively on the app, Bojangles will offer 25 pieces of its famous Chicken Supremes, two family fixin’s, five biscuits, and five sauces, packaged in a convenient party box to set up at any tailgate. 

Collegiate and NFL Partnerships

Bojangles announced 11 NCAA and NFL-branded Big Bo Boxes, perfect for the ultimate themed tailgate and allowing fans to enjoy 12- or 20-piece meals with their choice of Southern fixin’s, made-from-scratch biscuits and Legendary Iced Tea®. The team-themed Big Bo Boxes will be available at restaurants in each team’s primary market(s) while supplies last. 

·         Clemson University

·         Coastal Carolina University

·         East Carolina University

·         East Tennessee State University

·         James Madison University

·         North Carolina A&T University

·         University of Georgia

·         University of South Carolina

·         Western Carolina University

·         University of Tennessee 

·         Carolina Panthers 

 

In addition to the school-themed Big Bo Boxes, Bojangles will showcase murals resembling the coordinating Big Bo Boxes on restaurants of each of its partner schools, encouraging fans to get in the spirit with the ultimate fan selfie. 

Gameday Thrills: Partnering with the Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young

Bojangles is excited to team up with the Carolina Panthers, bringing fans an array of exclusive offers and rewards. Beginning Sept. 18, fans who download the Bojangles app can unlock a free Cajun Filet Biscuit when certain game incentives are achieved. This collaboration ensures that fans not only enjoy the game, but also savor the mouthwatering goodness of one of Bojangles' signature dishes.

In addition, Bojangles recently announced a multi-year partnership with Carolina Panthers’ rookie quarterback, and Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young, bringing together two hometown favorites. Attendees of Panthers’ home games can look forward to an immersive, augmented reality fan experience, which superimposes their photos with Young on the field or in the locker room.

Follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter as Bojangles plans more surprises to help make this football season even more memorable.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Little Caesars Partnership Success Clue

Success does leave clues and you don’t get to be the third largest pizza chain in the world without picking up some good clues.  One of the best clues for a food retailer to learn is that the right partnership can drive top-line sales and bottom-line profits while creating new electricity for your brand; according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Everyone that reads this blog knows that Little Caesars, is the home of the famous HOT-N-READY pizza, and the NFL today announced a multi-year partnership that names Little Caesars as the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League. As one of Little Caesars highest-profile partnerships to date, the collaboration will continue to build on Little Caesars momentum of growth over the past several years.

Now when you are thinking brand relevance in an evolving world, what will edify brand value with relevance and new electricity? At Little Caesars it is the NFL. According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food products in combination with new avenues of distribution all of which are the platform for the new electricity.” 

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, smaller footprint, developing brands, fresh flowers, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable according to Johnson.

Growing a Larger Share of Stomach

with Partnerships Works

There is no doubt that eating pizza and cheering on the home team combine to make the perfect weekend social activity.  Little Caesars plans to be a special part of those game-time meal occasions.  The brand, which revolutionized the pizza industry with HOT-N-READY pizzas for convenient pickup and launched the pizza industry’s lowest priced delivery at the 2020 Super Bowl. 

This partnership makes a perfect match for the over 100 million NFL fans who regularly watch football games and want their gametime meals quickly and easily -- whether they choose delivery, exclusive Pizza Portal pickup, or carry-out. Little Caesars is known for unique product offerings and promotions like the Pretzel Pizza, Detroit-Style Deep Dish Pizza, the Batman Calzony, and now offers 33% more pepperoni on its Classic pizza.

Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President of NFL Partnerships, stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Little Caesars to the NFL family,” says. “With a focus on quality and convenience, Little Caesars offers unmatched value for our fans, and we look forward to working together to positively impact communities across the United States.”

Expanding visibility to its target demographic the deal comes about a month before the start of team training camps, the annual unofficial kickoff of the NFL season. The agreement will offer Little Caesars a set of exclusive marketing rights designed to connect the pizza brand with the NFL.  There will be some exciting new components like social media games, new products, new packaging, and unique promotions will be revealed before the start of the 2022 season and continue throughout the course of the sponsorship.

Dave Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars, stated, “This partnership aims to enhance the fun of game day by bringing the quality and convenience Little Caesars is known for to NFL fans across the country,”… “And because we’re the value leader in the pizza industry, hungry fans can enjoy weekly gametime meals at a very affordable price during a time when food prices are on the rise.”

Looking for success clues of your own? Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced food marketing and business development ideations. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities, technology, or a new menu product segment.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter 

Jersey Mike’s Partnering with FanHub for College Football Season

 

Fall football season garners college sports fans from a bygone era to today’s students. Restaurant chains with a goal to expand their brands relevance while driving new electricity are wise to follow the lead of Jersey Mike’s this fall according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. 

With college football season is underway, most of you know that Jersey Mike’s Subs has teaming up with FOX Sports to celebrate by offering a College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes when it hits the road this fall for the multi-city Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour. The tour will feel better than two shots in the arm so you can attend.

Partnering with FanHub to drive incremental relevance to many and clearly a sense of immediacy, Jersey Mike’s will celebrate its return by releasing trivia games for 49 participating NCAA football schools, including five questions for each developed by team insiders. Fans can download Jersey Mike’s app to play.

So, upon completion of the trivia quiz, fans will be automatically entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP trip for four to Rose Bowl Stadium to celebrate America’s New Year’s Celebration, which includes game tickets, round trip airfare, hotel, Rose Parade presented by Honda tickets, pre-game hospitality area and private tour of the FOX Studios in Los Angeles. In addition, trivia players will be rewarded with six Shore Rewards points to redeem in store, in-app or online.

Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, stated, “We are looking forward to working with FOX Sports and connecting with hungry college football fans across the county”…  “Our goal is to deliver a fun, interactive game day experience and introduce fans to our mobile app.”

With this partnership FOX Sports has agreed to air 30-second commercial spots promoting the sweepstakes. The Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour will also visit local FOX affiliates in tour locations, providing staff members with a free lunch and a chance to participate in the tailgate experience in the days leading up to select games. In-store display signage will remind guests to download the app and play the sweepstakes/trivia game.

Robert Gottlieb, Executive Vice President, Marketing, FOX Sports, stated, “We are thrilled to team up with Jersey Mike’s for what promises to be an exciting college football season,”… “As we welcome fans back into stadiums and tailgates, we are eager to elevate the college football fan experience in unique ways across this multi-city tour.”  

Get this, in addition to its first stop at the University of Minnesota, the 14-week college tailgate tour will make stops at Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Florida State, Clemson, Arizona State, Texas, USC and Washington, culminating in the final stop at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 1, 2022.

Extending the brands reach, the fully customized tailgate trailer will give football fans a chance to sample Jersey Mike’s authentic fresh sliced subs, download the app to enter Jersey Mike’s College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes, and experience other game day fun including:

·         Outdoor lounge with Adirondack chairs and picnic benches

·         “The Juice” mobile device charging station

·         Corn hole lawn games

·         Interactive kiosk display

·         Giveaways

·         FOX Sports “Cleatus” character appearances and live game action on outdoor TV

The branded trailer will be placed in high traffic locations on each campus near tailgaters and stadium entrances for up to five hours before kickoff.  So, how is your branding extending your brand invitation this fall?

According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food products in combination with new avenues of distribution all of which are the platform for the new electricity.”  That said, what are you waiting for?

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, developing brands, unique urban clothing, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different. 

Are you looking for a new partnership to drive sales? Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing tactics look more like yesterday that tomorrow?  Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may have the clue you need to propel your continued success.