McDonald’s Monopoly Is Back — And Now It’s Gone Digital!

 

Break out your fry boxes and fire up your apps: McDonald’s Monopoly is returning October 6, and this time it’s not just about peeling stickers — it’s going digital.

Yes, you can still score those classic physical pieces on select menu items, but now you’ll also get digital pieces through the McDonald’s app. Prizes? Oh, just a casual 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a million airline miles, or even a trip to Universal Orlando Resort.

And here’s a pro tip: if you pre-register in the McDonald’s app between Sept. 29–Oct. 5, you’ll snag 500 MyMcDonald’s Rewards points to kick things off. Free fries, anyone?

 

Why McDonald’s Monopoly Was a Total Smash Back in the Day

1.       Peel-and-Reveal Thrill – Nothing beat the rush of peeling that little sticker and hoping for a jackpot.

2.       The Collect-’Em-All Vibe – Everyone wanted Park Place or Boardwalk. Trading pieces with friends made it a social sport.

3.       Meals Became a Game – Lunch wasn’t just lunch. It was a shot at winning a car or a pile of fries.

4.       Cultural Moment – From TV shoutouts to office banter, Monopoly at McD’s was everywhere.

5.       Boosted the Burger Biz – Large fries, drinks, and meals flew out the door, padding McDonald’s bottom line.

 

Why It Lost Its Sizzle

1.       Fraud Fallout – A headline-making scandal in the 2000s left some fans skeptical.

2.       “Nobody Ever Wins” Feeling – Big prizes were so rare that players started to lose hope.

3.       Burnout – After years of repetition, the magic wore off.

 

Why McDonald’s Is Rolling the Dice Again

1.       App Love – McD’s wants you in their app, and Monopoly is the perfect lure.

2.       Nostalgia Factor – Millennials who grew up peeling stickers are ready to share the fun with their kids.

3.       Standing Out in a Sea of Burgers – Taco Bell’s got tacos, Wendy’s has the snarky Twitter feed, but Monopoly? That’s McDonald’s turf.

 

What Could Go Sideways This Time

1.       Tech Trouble – If the app glitches, players will rage faster than fries get cold.

2.       Déjà Vu Fraud – Security is key; another scandal would sink it.

3.       Too Complicated – Juggling app codes, peel-offs, and Rewards could confuse casual players.

4.       Prize Letdowns – If too few people win, excitement fizzles.

 

Why the Grocerant Guru® Says This Time Will Be Bigger and Better

1.       Hybrid Play = Hybrid Fun – Old-school stickers meet modern app play. Win-win.

2.       Rewards Hook – Tie-ins with MyMcDonald’s Rewards keep the excitement (and free food) flowing.

3.       Major League Prizes – Jeep. Miles. Orlando. These aren’t small potatoes.

4.       Family-Friendly Throwback – Parents can share the thrill with their kids — nostalgia meets new memories.

5.       Smarter Strategy – With app data, McDonald’s can fine-tune the game for max engagement.

 

Think About This

McDonald’s Monopoly is back to remind us all that sometimes the best part of your meal isn’t what’s in the bag — it’s the game that comes with it. With prizes this big and a digital twist for a new generation, the return of Monopoly at McDonald’s could be its best run yet.

So grab your fries, download the app, and get ready to play. The dice are in your hands.

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

Chick-fil-A: Integrating Interactive Food Marketing for Consumer Loyalty and Profitability

In the ever-evolving landscape of food marketing, Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that Chick-fil-A continues to lead the charge with innovative, consumer-focused strategies. This summer, Chick-fil-A is captivating customers with its engaging interactive digital game, Code Moo. This initiative not only strengthens customer loyalty but also drives top-line sales and bottom-line profits, embodying the core principles of effective grocerant marketing.

Code Moo: A Digital Game that Delivers

From July 22 through August 17, Chick-fil-A invites fans to immerse themselves in the world of Code Moo. This interactive digital game, accessible via the Chick-fil-A App, takes users on a thrilling car racing mission to thwart Circus Burger and spread the beloved 'Eat Mor Chikin' message. Players can choose their favorite cow character and vehicle, navigating a four-course mission to earn weekly food rewards. This gamified experience seamlessly blends entertainment with tangible rewards, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.

Building Loyalty Through Engagement

Chick-fil-A's strategy to engage customers through participatory marketing is not new, but the execution of Code Moo is a masterclass in leveraging digital platforms for brand interaction. By offering Chick-fil-A One members the chance to win food rewards through gameplay, the brand ensures repeated interaction and sustained interest. Each new mission, launching every Monday, keeps the content fresh and the customers coming back, fostering a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Multifaceted Marketing Approach

Dustin Britt, senior director of brand strategy, investment, and entertainment at Chick-fil-A, highlights the diverse ways the brand is bringing the iconic Cows to life this summer. Beyond the digital game, Chick-fil-A is engaging customers with a new animated short film, "Rocky Road," and a line of cow-themed merchandise. These additional touchpoints enrich the customer experience, creating a cohesive and immersive brand environment.

The Power of Storytelling

The animated short film, "Rocky Road," features the adventurous Cows, Carrots, Sarge, and Daisy, in a high-speed mission to rescue their friend. This family-friendly film is available for viewing at playCodeMoo.com/film, adding a narrative layer to the Code Moo experience. By weaving storytelling into its marketing strategy, Chick-fil-A deepens emotional connections with its audience, making the brand more memorable and relatable.

Merchandise and In-Restaurant Activities

To complement the digital and cinematic experiences, Chick-fil-A introduced the "Chick-fil-A Cow Collection." This line of cow-centric merchandise, available online and in participating restaurants, allows fans to express their love for the brand in a fun and stylish way. From clothing and accessories to plush cows and keychains, these items serve as physical reminders of the enjoyable experiences Chick-fil-A offers, further cementing customer loyalty.

Driving Sales and Profitability

Chick-fil-A's interactive and participatory marketing efforts do more than just entertain; they translate into increased sales and profitability. The digital game and merchandise sales provide direct revenue streams, while the enhanced customer loyalty leads to repeat visits and higher spending. By creating an engaging and rewarding customer journey, Chick-fil-A effectively boosts both its top-line sales and bottom-line profits.

Think About This

Chick-fil-A's integration of consumer-focused interactive and participatory food marketing exemplifies the power of innovative strategies in building brand loyalty and driving profitability. Through Code Moo, the brand not only entertains its customers but also fosters lasting relationships, ensuring that the 'Eat Mor Chikin' message resonates well beyond the summer. As the Grocerant Guru®, I can confidently say that Chick-fil-A's approach is a blueprint for success in the modern foodservice landscape.

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 than 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. 

Kids Like to Go Out to Eat ask Chuck E. Cheese

 

Don’t want to cook, don’t want to do dishes, well according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® your kids don’t want you hear you complain about cooking dinner either.

Chuck E. Cheese has a new program for that has a great chance to make the entire family happy according to Johnson.  It is a three-tiered program (subscription) that starts at $7.99 a month and offers families a weekly ration of gaming tokens and tickets, plus discounts on food.  What’s not to like?

So, Chuck E. Cheese is testing a membership program that gives users a fresh supply of gaming tokens and prize tickets every week, plus discounts on food and drinks. This three-tiered program starts at $7.99 a month and entitles every kid in a family to their own membership card. It's currently available at 13 locations in California. 

It’s 2024 and kids enjoy going out to eat:

1.       A change of scenery and routine: Eating out breaks up the monotony of the usual home dinner routine. It offers a new environment to explore, which can be especially exciting for younger children.

2.       Novelty and variety: Restaurants offer a wider variety of food options compared to what is typically available at home. This can be particularly appealing to kids who are curious about trying new things or who are picky eaters and might be more open to trying unfamiliar dishes at a restaurant.

3.       A treat and a celebration: Eating out is often seen as a special occasion or a treat, making it more exciting than the usual meals at home. This can be especially true if the restaurant visit is tied to a celebration, such as a birthday or a good report card.

4.       Social interaction and family time: Eating out can provide an opportunity for quality family time and conversation, free from distractions like television or chores. Additionally, some restaurants have play areas or other features that cater to children, which can provide entertainment and interaction with other kids.

5.       Sense of independence: For older children, eating out can offer a sense of independence, as they get to make their own choices from the menu and experience a bit more freedom in the restaurant setting.

Now back to the new membership program; perks in the $7.99 Bronze tier include 70 game play points and 200 e-tickets per week, plus 20% off food and games. The $11.99 Silver tier unlocks 115 points, 300 tickets and a 30% discount, while the $29.99 Gold tier gives 300 points, 1,000 tickets and 50% off food and games. All tiers include special "bonus rewards" throughout the year.

Most of the chain’s games cost 1 point to play. E-tickets can be won from games and exchanged for prizes. For families willing to visit Chuck E. Cheese every week for a year, the gold tier equates to a value of more than $6,000, according to the chain.

But they should be prepared to commit: Once members sign up, they are locked into the program for 12 months. After that they can continue on a month-to-month basis or cancel. 

Note: This program is separate from Chuck E. Cheese Rewards, a more traditional loyalty program that allows guests to earn points for every dollar they spend, and the Summer Fun Pass, which offers savings for eight weeks over the summer in exchange for a one-time fee.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® 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 the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Here’s How Panda Express NRG Partnership Can Drive Interactive Participatory Customer Engagement

 

Panda Express excels at customer focused interactive participatory engagement and it is one of their success clues that they continually build upon according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

The Panda Express and NRG partnership will drive interactive and participatory customer trials according to Johnson.  The collaboration offers several potential avenues for engagement let’s take a look:

Social Media Integration:

·         Livestream events: Panda Express could host live streams in collaboration with NRG, featuring NRG content creators or gamers enjoying Panda Express meals and engaging with viewers through Q&A sessions or challenges. Viewers could be encouraged to try Panda Express themselves and share their experiences using dedicated hashtags or participate in polls related to menu items.

·         Contests and Giveaways: Both brands could run joint contests or giveaways on their social media platforms, offering prizes like exclusive merchandise, NRG coaching sessions, or Panda Express meal vouchers. Participation could involve trying specific menu items, sharing photos, or creating user-generated content related to the partnership.

Interactive Content on NRG Platforms:

·         Panda Express Pre-Game Segment: The newly introduced segment on NRG's "Mission Control" broadcast could be interactive by incorporating polls, quizzes, or trivia questions related to Panda Express or Rocket League, encouraging viewers to participate and potentially win prizes.

·         Original Content on NRG's TikTok: The planned original content featuring NRG's Rocket League roster and content creators could involve challenges, recipe recreations using Panda Express ingredients, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into the partnership, encouraging viewers to try the food themselves.

Panda Express Initiatives:

·         Limited-time menu items: Panda Express could introduce limited-edition menu items inspired by NRG or Rocket League, with a portion of proceeds potentially going towards supporting NRG or esports initiatives.

·         In-store promotions: Panda Express could run in-store promotions or offer special discounts to customers who show proof of purchase from NRG's online store or attend NRG events.

It's important to note that these are just potential examples, and the actual strategies used by Panda Express and NRG might differ. However, the focus on social media engagement, interactive content, and potentially unique offerings suggests an attempt to create a buzz and encourage trial among fans of both brands will work.

 

Fabiola del Rio, Vice President of Integrated Marketing Communications, stated, “Both of our brands recognize the importance of shared experiences in bringing communities together. Just as NRG forges connections through gaming, Panda Express invites guests to connect over good food,” … “This partnership celebrates the inherent social nature of dining and gaming experiences, inviting fans to savor the thrill of victory and the deliciousness of American Chinese cuisine.”

Hauk Nelson, Director of Business Development for NRG, stated, “NRG has always been at the forefront of innovation in the esports industry, and our collaboration with Panda Express marks a monumental leap forward.” ... “This partnership goes beyond the screen, bringing a taste of excitement and community to our fans. Together with Panda Express, we’re setting the stage for a whole new kind of engagement, where the thrill of gaming meets the joy of great food. We’re thrilled to integrate Panda Express into the NRG family and can’t wait to see the energy and enthusiasm this partnership will bring to our Rocket League and broader esports initiatives.”

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 than 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

City Barbeque Creates Customer Focused Participatory Marketing

 

Regular customers know that in the heart of every City Barbeque joint is its pitmaster, a teammate trained in every element of the art of barbeque. Selecting the perfect brisket, loading the smoker with the best local hickory, or keeping an eye on the all-important time and temp … a City BBQ pitmaster has to stay on top of all of it.  Now consumers can get a taste of what that life is like by playing Pitmaster https://www.citybbq.com/pitmaster, a new digital game from the teams at City Barbeque and Decise. 

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, stated, “consumer focused interactive and participatory food marketing programs elevate brands while driving top-line sales  and bottom-line profits.” 

Ok, in case you were wondering, the goal is to smoke as much meat as possible to feed as many folks as you can. You can choose from pork, sausage, ribs, and bone-in chicken: Each meat needs a different amount of time on the smoker and can feed a different number of people.

You’ll play as a pitmaster—loading meats on the smoker, keeping the smoker temp stable, and pulling off that slow-smoked barbeque when it’s perfectly done. Points are awarded based on how many folks you can feed in one minute: Will you be an apprentice, a pit boss, or a full-blown pitmaster? 

Annica Conrad, chief brand officer for City Barbeque stated, “Our pitmasters have spent years honing their craft,” …. “This game is an incredible way to honor the work they do—and to see how much fun we can have ‘slow’-smoking barbeque in the span of a minute!” 

Kyle Pott, senior managing partner at Decise, stated, “City Barbeque’s dedication to providing authentic barbeque experiences is truly inspiring. We’re delighted to have been a part of their journey in creating the Pitmaster game, where players can step into the shoes of City Barbeque’s talented pitmasters,” …. “Be careful, though: The pitmaster job isn’t easy, and your mouth will be watering just thinking about that delicious barbeque!”

Interested, Pitmaster will be available through November 30, 2023, with new rewards for each level dropping each week. All rewards are in the form of City Rewards offers and are valid for one week, so you’ll have time to use them before you play again to earn the next week’s offer. Not a member of City Rewards? Join now so your account is ready to receive your hard-earned rewards. 

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutio23ns.US or call 1-253-759-7869