How Food Marketing Partnerships and Sponsorships Drive Restaurant Sales: The Little Caesars Playbook

 

With back to school it’s the perfect time to begin comminating fall food marketing programs according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. In 2024 more than in past years, marketing partnerships and sponsorships have become critical tools for driving sales, particularly in takeout, delivery, and meal pick-up options. As the Grocerant Guru®, it's clear that these strategies can exponentially increase a brand’s visibility and customer base, directly translating into incremental top-line sales. Little Caesars, as the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, exemplifies how leveraging high-profile partnerships can lead to significant growth, especially as they gear up for the 2024-2025 football season.

The Impact of Marketing Partnerships on Takeout and Delivery Sales

Marketing partnerships, particularly with major sports leagues like the NFL, offer restaurant chains an unparalleled platform to reach millions of consumers. For takeout and delivery services, these partnerships create a direct association between a popular brand and a convenient dining option, encouraging fans to order in during games. This association is particularly potent in the pizza segment, where game days are synonymous with pizza nights.

Sponsorships also provide opportunities for targeted promotions, such as limited-time offers and gamification, which can further drive sales. For instance, Little Caesars is not only offering fee-free delivery for the season kickoff but is also engaging fans with its Pizza!Pizza! Pregame challenge program. These initiatives are designed to boost customer engagement, encouraging repeat orders and fostering brand loyalty.

Five Ways Little Caesars Will Garner Incremental Sales and New Customers

1.       Fee-Free Delivery Promotion: By eliminating delivery fees, Little Caesars is removing a significant barrier for customers who might otherwise hesitate to order. This move is particularly strategic, as it taps into the convenience factor that drives takeout and delivery orders. Free delivery not only encourages first-time orders but also increases the frequency of repeat purchases, leading to incremental sales.

2.       NFL Star Power and Advertising Campaigns: Partnering with NFL stars like George Kittle and Amon-Ra St. Brown allows Little Caesars to tap into the fan bases of these athletes. Featuring these players in commercials creates a strong emotional connection between the brand and football fans. Additionally, Justin Jefferson’s involvement in a primetime advertisement through the Pepsi partnership amplifies Little Caesars' reach. These high-profile endorsements are likely to attract new customers who are fans of these athletes and the NFL.

3.       Pizza!Pizza! Pregame Challenge Program: The gamification of the customer experience through the Pizza!Pizza! Pregame challenge is a brilliant way to engage customers beyond just the purchase. By incentivizing fans to participate in challenges and earn rewards, Little Caesars is creating a fun, interactive experience that keeps customers coming back. This program not only drives repeat orders but also enhances customer loyalty, resulting in sustained sales growth.

4.       Localized In-Game Activations: Little Caesars’ partnerships with several NFL teams for localized branding and in-game activations create a personalized experience for fans in different markets. By aligning with local teams, Little Caesars strengthens its presence in key markets, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among fans. This localized approach is likely to attract new customers who feel a stronger connection to the brand through their favorite team.

5.       Community Engagement through the Love Kitchen: The Love Kitchen initiative, which serves pizza to communities in need, is more than just a charitable act; it’s a powerful marketing tool. By partnering with the NFL to roll out the Love Kitchen in key event cities, Little Caesars is reinforcing its brand as one that cares about the community. This positive brand image not only attracts socially conscious consumers but also fosters goodwill that can translate into long-term customer loyalty and incremental sales.

Think About This

Little Caesars' strategic use of food marketing partnerships and sponsorships demonstrates the power of aligning a brand with cultural touchpoints like NFL football. By offering value-driven promotions, leveraging star power, and engaging in community-focused initiatives, Little Caesars is poised to not only drive incremental top-line sales but also attract a new generation of loyal customers. As the NFL season kicks off, Little Caesars' playbook of fan-centered promotions and activations will undoubtedly reinforce its position as a leader in the pizza industry, particularly in the grocerant niche takeout and delivery segments.

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.

Little Caesars Looking a Franchisee Ahead

 

At the intersection for growth and profitability Little Caesars Pizza is reducing costs while elevating franchisees profit potential with new modular building templates.  Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® believes that Little Caesars is signaling new franchisees its open for growth.

Here are five ways these modular building will help drive either growth or profits:

 

1.       Reduced Construction Timelines: The modular units in the POD Program are manufactured off-site and seamlessly transported to the concrete foundation on location. This streamlined process significantly reduces construction time compared to traditional restaurants, allowing franchise owners to open their stores quicker.

2.       Lower Building Costs: Because of the way PODs are manufactured, their building costs are lower. This financial advantage benefits both the franchisor and franchisees, making it an attractive option for Little Caesars Pizza.

3.       Eco-Friendly Solution: PODs feature recyclable walls and minimize the impact on the surrounding community. By opting for modular units, Little Caesars contributes to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

4.       Tax Write-Offs: Franchise owners who choose PODs qualify for a full tax write-off, providing a significant financial benefit. This tax advantage can positively impact their bottom line.

5.       Operational Efficiency: The POD program redefines the operational landscape of fast-food establishments. With only two-to-three employees needed to efficiently operate the entire facility, franchise owners can maintain service quality while keeping operational costs in check.

Now just think about this, Little Caesars’ POD Program combines innovation, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency, making it a win-win for both the company and its franchisees. 

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

Little Caesars if a Super Bowl ‘Pick 6’ Happens They are Offering Free Slices-N-Stix

 

Ok, I guess I now have a reason to watch the Super Bowl thanks to Little Caesars.  If there is a ‘Pick 6’ there is a 50 percent chance your team got the ball.  That is reason enough to be happy.  However, if your team ends up winning the game, or not you still get a reward. That’s the power of a positive, proactive, food marketing program according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, of course there is a catch, pizza and football fans who pre-register for Little Caesars’ Slices-N-Stix Super Bowl Trigger Promotion will receive a free Slices-N-Stix if a pick 6 occurs in this year’s game.

What even is Slices-N-Stix? Pretty much your dream come true. Slices-N-Stix is four slices of pepperoni pizza, combined with eight Italian Cheese Stix, plus Crazy Sauce. It also comes in bacon and jalapeno varieties.

You in? Here’s how fans can pre-register for the promotion:

1.       Sign in or create an account on the Little Caesars app (yes, on your phone, not the website)

2.       Tap the “Challenge” option in the app menu to see the official Pick 6 Challenge

3.       Tap “Accept Challenge” to let us know you want a slice of the action

4.       Purchase a Slices-N-Stix, Slices-N-Stix Bacon, or Slices-N-Stix Jalapenos on the app between February 5 and 10.

5.       Sit back and enjoy Super Bowl LVIII and pray to the pizza gods that a pick 6 happens.

If a pick 6 happens, every guest who pre-registered will receive a code through their app on February 26 to redeem for a free Slices-N-Stix.

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

Little Caesars if a Super Bowl ‘Pick 6’ Happens They are Offering Free Slices-N-Stix

 

Ok, I guess I now have a reason to watch the Super Bowl thanks to Little Caesars.  If there is a ‘Pick 6’ there is a 50 percent chance your team got the ball.  That is reason enough to be happy.  However, if your team ends up winning the game, or not you still get a reward. That’s the power of a positive, proactive, food marketing program according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, of course there is a catch, pizza and football fans who pre-register for Little Caesars’ Slices-N-Stix Super Bowl Trigger Promotion will receive a free Slices-N-Stix if a pick 6 occurs in this year’s game.

What even is Slices-N-Stix? Pretty much your dream come true. Slices-N-Stix is four slices of pepperoni pizza, combined with eight Italian Cheese Stix, plus Crazy Sauce. It also comes in bacon and jalapeno varieties.

You in? Here’s how fans can pre-register for the promotion:

1.       Sign in or create an account on the Little Caesars app (yes, on your phone, not the website)

2.       Tap the “Challenge” option in the app menu to see the official Pick 6 Challenge

3.       Tap “Accept Challenge” to let us know you want a slice of the action

4.       Purchase a Slices-N-Stix, Slices-N-Stix Bacon, or Slices-N-Stix Jalapenos on the app between February 5 and 10.

5.       Sit back and enjoy Super Bowl LVIII and pray to the pizza gods that a pick 6 happens.

If a pick 6 happens, every guest who pre-registered will receive a code through their app on February 26 to redeem for a free Slices-N-Stix.

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

Just Starting Out on Your Own Try a Pizza Restaurant

 

Did you know that overall, 13% of the U.S. population aged 2 years and over, consumed pizza on any given day  That said, on the day consumed, pizza provided about one-fourth of the total daily energy.  So, why pizza and just who is the target market?  The percentage consuming pizza ranged from approximately 22% among older children (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-19 years) to less than 6% among older adults, 60 years and over

The majority of pizza is consumed at dinner time for adults and lunch time for kids. Thick crust pizza is the most popular form. 17% of all restaurants in the USA are pizza shops. That totals 70,000+ restaurants. The average American typically eats approximately 23 pounds of pizza in a year.

Here are some clues to consider before you begin from industry professionals including Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® to Nick Charles, from Alive and Kickin:

1. Size, Even Heat, and Fast - Your Oven Matters

Building a brand known for quality requires consistency. Including how long it takes to get served. When the first Pizza Hut opened in Hong Kong I was invited to the grand opening.  I will never forget the second guest I spoke with said; “I though Pizza Hut was American Fast Food’.  It took 14 minutes for her to get her order.

Plan to grow you want consistence because when a customer buys a slice at one location, it needs to provide the same experience as the slice they bought three weeks ago at your operation across town. While standardizing the recipe across all locations is necessary to deliver the same taste and texture your customers expect, variation in equipment can also alter the outcome. 

The larger the oven the more sales space you are paying rent on. Oven variation between stores can throw off standard bake times and influence the coloring, texture and other crust characteristics. If you're struggling to provide consistency across all store locations, or you're thinking about starting a new pizza program, don't forget how your oven can influence the product. Oven standardization can help enhance crust performance, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening your bottom line.

2. Do More than the Basics Rising Crusts Can Optimize Your Operation

Being adaptable within the foodservice industry is vital to staying competitive and fresh. Considering the particularly unpredictable product and labor availability, the efficiency and convenience of food products can make all the difference. All fresh food retailers who want to take their pizza program to the next level can benefit from rising pizza crusts, with enhanced simplicity of operations and improved consistency for a variety of menu items.

So, self-rising crusts are a great way for c-stores to provide a high-quality pizza with ease. These crusts combine leavening agents with yeast to create a dough that rises as it bakes, giving each pie that fresh, pizzeria-style experience that customers desire with easy preparation. With no kneading, proofing or resting necessary, c-stores can stay agile by benefiting from freezer-to-oven convenience.

Customers want and care about having the same positive experience in flavor, texture and quality of their food products. For many grab-and-go options, quality may decline the longer a product rests under a warming unit. With excellent performance in a warming station for extended periods of time, rising crusts can help c-stores exceed expectations and provide the uniform taste and textures customers rely on. Additionally, rising crusts are adaptable to a wide range of recipes, helping you do more with less. 

3. Hand Held Marketing with Multiple Merchandising Channels Is Vital

Regular readers of this blog know that 82.3 percent of all restaurant meals purchased are hand held food for immediate consumption. There's a lot more to running a successful pizza program than simply offering hot and ready slices. Customers have busy lives, and every individual is different; some like to plan ahead, while others make decisions on the fly. Satisfying a variety of customers in their time of need is important to establishing long-term loyalty.

Where are you going to sell you pizza and how are you going to build your brand?  You need to know where your customer is and what you can sell them in each retail channel. In addition to offering hot, grab-and-go pizza by the slice for the individual to enjoy, whole pies that are prepared, boxed and ready to go can please larger groups and families at mealtime. Alternatively, a traditional frozen pizza or a take-and-bake pizza can provide a helpful mealtime solution for those who are thinking ahead.

Your customers' lives are busy and often unpredictable, and multiple merchandising provides the versatility they want and need, quickly. If you're crafting a pizza program, providing your customers with a variety of options to fit their lifestyles should be a given.

With modern customers navigating hectic lives, they typically know exactly what they want and when they want it. Your retail operation offering the convenience of a mobile order paired with a curbside pickup service could spare the headache of relying on a third-party partner to deliver the same high-quality service that is expected of your own staff.

5. Limited-Time Offers Expand Your Brand Invitation

Pizza's popularity makes for a consistently competitive market. To ensure your convenience store pizza program remains a top choice for customers, encourage them to act with a limited-time offer, new promotion or even a loyalty program.

Who doesn't love a good deal? Limited-time offers are effective because they create a sense of urgency. Placing a deadline or quantity limit on your pizza products compels customers to act immediately, incentivizing them to buy now to avoid missing out on deals set to expire.

Increase the odds of a successful promotion by using these tactics:

·         Timely promotions: As the seasons change, so do customers' desires for certain comfort foods. Keeping a pulse on what customers want and when they want it can help keep your menu fresh year-round and prevent customers from getting restless with the same offerings.

·         Bundles: Customers may love your pizza, but maybe aren't aware of your other innovations like breadsticks or cinnamon rolls. Promoting a bundle can incentivize them to try new things and get them hooked on your other menu offerings.

·         Charitable donations: Limited-time offers that include a charitable component generally help customers feel good about supporting something meaningful. Plus, in their eyes, your operation will benefit from the halo effect when your store donates a portion of its proceeds to a worthy cause.

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