Arby’s Partnership with Paramount+ Adds New Electricity

 

How are you going to garner new customers while edifying the old and most loyal customers?  According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® a customer focused partnership just might be the answer to drive incremental brand relevance.

Have you heard that Arby’s is partnering with Paramount+ to celebrate the release of GOOD BURGER 2 by introducing a one-of-a-kind meal that enthusiasts of the long-awaited sequel are sure to recognize. The GOOD BURGER 2 Meal, available exclusively at Arby’s started on November 13, features Arby’s Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger – a blend of 51 percent Wagyu and 49 percent ground beef – a Strawberry Shake and Fries.

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. 

GOOD BURGER 2 is the new original movie sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from the Nickelodeon comedy series All That. Nearly three decades following the original GOOD BURGER movie release, GOOD BURGER 2 follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and original cashier Ed (Kel Mitchell) as they reunite in the present day at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees.

The new movie will premiere on Wednesday, November 22, exclusively on Paramount+, and Arby’s fans can further enjoy the movie with a nostalgia-filled meal. Arby’s Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger features an American Wagyu blended burger topped with American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion and a special burger sauce on a toasted buttery brioche bun.

“Many of our guests have such fond memories of watching GOOD BURGER when they were younger, and in many ways, Arby’s evokes a similar sense of nostalgia as a place they grew up going to with family and friends,” says Ellen Rose, Arby’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Partnering with Paramount+ to offer the GOOD BURGER 2 Meal lets us connect with our audience in a relevant yet unexpected way – and also showcase our Deluxe Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, which is a really good burger, to new fans.”

Fans can also share their GOOD BURGER love with exclusive Arby’s x GOOD BURGER 2 merch. Available only on ArbysShop.com starting on November 13 at 10 a.m. ET, the collection includes a grey crewneck sweatshirt and a black t-shirt, each with unique designs that capture the spirit of the collaboration.

“Paramount Brand Studio is thrilled to collaborate with Arby’s to bring “Home of the Good Burger” to life through a multifaceted campaign that will immerse fans in the iconic world of GOOD BURGER 2,” says Michelle Zoni, SVP of Activation, Paramount Brand Studio. “Through co-branded creative, in-store activations, consumer products and more, we are creating shared experiences for fans that will not only build excitement for the movie’s release on Paramount+, but also for the GOOD BURGER 2 meal which is the perfect kickoff to this partnership.”

For fans in the Atlanta area, Arby’s will host a pop-up event on November 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a Johns Creek Arby’s location to celebrate the movie and the GOOD BURGER 2 Meal, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves into the world of GOOD BURGER for the day. The Arby’s location at 5815 State Bridge Rd. will be transformed into a Good Burger with recognizable décor throughout, and the event will feature interactive activities including a Burgermobile replica that is perfect for photo ops and chances for attendees to win prizes such as GOOD BURGER 2 merch and Arby’s gift cards.

Enjoy the GOOD BURGER 2 Meal for a limited time at Arby’s participating locations nationwide.

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

Is Burger King’s Marketing Relevance Consumer Focused

 

Summer and action movies go hand in hand and Burger King is starting the summer off right with its partnership co-promotion with Spider-Man according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. 

Johnson stated that Burger King will drive new electricity into its brand and brand messaging with its primary targeted customer this summer and should see growth in Top-line sales and bottom-line profits all summer from this co-promotion.”

So, Burger King in co-promotion with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – is entering the Spider-Verse with a limited-time take on the brand’s iconic Whopper sandwich. The newest Whopper innovation was developed in celebration of the upcoming theatrical release of Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the next chapter in the hit film franchise that will swing into theaters worldwide on June 2.

Available at participating U.S. restaurants nationwide from May 15 through June 21, the “Spider-Verse” Whopper features a red bun topped with black sesame seeds, drawing inspiration from the amazing web-slinger himself, along with melted Swiss cheese and all the traditional Whopper toppings – including juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, creamy mayonnaise, ketchup, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions.

Burger King customer can have the “Spider-Verse” Whopper their way with personal customizations – including the addition of crispy bacon – potentially making for nearly as many combination possibilities as there are Spider-Verses.

Alongside the flame-grilled “Spider-Verse” Whopper, customers and Spider-Man fans alike can also enjoy a “Spider-Verse” Sundae this summer, which features soft serve ice cream topped with black and red chocolate popping candies.

Pat O’Toole, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King North America, stated, “Like the infinite number of universes that can be explored in the next installment of the award-winning Spider-Man franchise, Burger King fans can discover new and exciting ways to customize the “Spider-Verse” menu items,” ... “This co-promotion allows us to bring the best of both worlds together, creating countless possibilities for Guests to have it their way and rule their Spider-Verse.”

Yes, there is more, “Spider-Verse” Whopper and “Spider-Verse” Sundae to participating locations nationwide, starting today, the Spider-Verse will also take over select Burger King restaurant locations across the globe. With interactive designs that place guests and fans inside the action-packed “Spider-Verse” – including an in-dining room and drive thru takeover and “Instagram-able” areas where Guests can immerse themselves in the “Spider-Verse” – the transformed restaurants can be found in New York City (Astoria, Queens), France, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, and others. 

Jeffrey Godsick, EVP, Global Partnerships & Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, stated, “Burger King is an iconic and global brand, making them the perfect partner for our Spider-Verse film. Their passion for great creative has led them to come up with fun and imaginative activations that will allow fans to be able to swing into select local Burger King restaurants and immerse themselves in the ‘Spider-Verse.”

Are you looking for new customers? Do you want to keep your current customers while building new electricity? 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, 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.  

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 Foodservice Solutions®.

Walmart Where Dinner and a Movie are a Perfect Fit

 

Dinner and a Movie have become an American staple in millions of homes.  According to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® Walmart is evolving its subscription plan to offer Paramount+ to its service for no extra charge.  That is a very good strategic fit, according to Johnson.

Soon, Walmart+ shoppers can tune in to “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” while putting away their groceries. That’s because Walmart is adding a Paramount+ Essential Plan subscription at no extra cost for Walmart+ members. The subscription service will remain at $98 a year, or $12.95 a month, and include the Paramount+ Essential Plan subscription with an added $59 value.

Here is you will like this, the streaming component, which begins in September, includes recent blockbuster films such as “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” live sports and the perennially popular preschool franchise “PAW Patrol.” And if looking into the future with Paramount’s original drama “Strange New Worlds” doesn’t strike their fancy, Walmart+ members can visit the past in the “Yellowstone” prequel series “1883.”

Chris Cracchiolo, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart+, stated, “We know Walmart+ is providing members real value in their every day — from grocery shopping to filling up their tank and more,”. “With the addition of Paramount+, we are demonstrating our unique ability to help members save even more and live better by delivering entertainment for less, too. Eighty-five percent of U.S. households use streaming services, and Paramount+ has the premium content and broad appeal that our members are looking for — like Walmart, they have something for everyone. We’re excited about the launch and what comes next for Walmart+.”

In a Battle for Share of Stomach

Are You Focused on the Customer? 

In case you did not know, Walmart+ offers members unlimited, free same-day grocery delivery from stores ($35 order minimum), free shipping (no order minimum) and an array of shopping tools such as Scan & Go contactless checkout (via the Walmart app) for $98 per year, or $12.95 a month. Other benefits include prescription drug savings, member-exclusive pricing and deals, and early access to promotions like Black Friday and new product releases.

Yes, there is more, in addition, Walmart+ members are eligible for six months of the Spotify Premium music streaming service at no cost. Walmart+ members can also add unlimited, no-fee and tip-free InHome delivery for another $7 per month or $40 per year, Walmart said. Walmart has also boosted the Walmart+ fuel benefits.

Jeff Shultz, chief strategy officer and chief business development officer for Paramount Streaming, stated,  “Paramount has enjoyed a close relationship with Walmart for years, and Walmart customers connect with Paramount’s beloved brands, content and characters every day through a range of consumer products available throughout Walmart stores,” …“Now, pairing Walmart’s expansive reach across the country with Paramount+’s broad and popular content that offers something for everyone is a unique opportunity to expand our partnership. Together we will bring Walmart+ members the full breadth of Paramount+ programming.”

The team at Foodservice Solutions® does not think that the Paramount+ tie-in might be Walmart’s way of competing against Amazon Prime Video. Rather they think that Walmart has insights into tier consumers and understand video is more important today than ever to consumers.

Here is a bit of a cost comparison, an Amazon Prime membership costs $15 a month, or $139 annually, and includes various perks such as free delivery (two-day, one-day and same-day delivery options), streaming, shopping and reading benefits. Prime members in 4,000 U.S. cities can sign up for a year of free Grubhub+. Members can buy groceries from Whole Foods, listen to audiobooks with Audible, subscribe to Kindle Unlimited, watch Amazon Video and use Amazon Echo speakers. Members can share their benefits with one other adult for free, and up to 10 members of a family can share benefits like shipping, video and photos through Amazon Household.

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, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869

Starbucks has a Club so you can See How to Make Movie

 

Did you ever want to learn how to make a movie?  Do you own a smart phone with a video camera?  Well, you guessed it.  Starbucks has partnered with Netflix to help you do just that.  Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® stated, “Starbucks the global leader in Coffee is schooling other food retailers on just how interactive participatory marketing should be done.”  That will drive new electricity into each brand. 

Netflix has partnered up with Starbucks for the club. So, they are launching a monthly social content series titled “But Have You Read the Book?” hosted by “Orange Is the New Black” star Uzo Aduba.

This is so good, get this filmed in various Starbucks locations around the U.S., each episode will share an inside look at how a book is brought from page to screen. Cast, creators and authors will engage in conversations about both the book and adaptation — what drew them in, how they relate and its messages.

That’s right integrated interactive participatory branded consumer marketing. Simply outstanding. The press release shared a few titles, “From ‘Bridgerton‘, ‘To All the Boys’ and ‘Sweet Magnolias’ to ‘Queen’s Gambit’, ‘Unorthodox’, ‘Virgin River’ and of course ‘Orange Is the New Black’,

Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, stated, Netflix loves bringing books to life on screen and creating conversation with passionate readers and fans,” …“We’re thrilled to partner with Starbucks and excited that the incredible Uzo Aduba will be our host to discuss favorite books and what goes into the writing, developing, casting and creating of our beloved series and films.”

Here is what you have to do to sign up for the Netflix Book Club, simply visit their website each month to learn about the current selection and read the book before the adaptation is released on Netflix. You will then find behind-the-scenes content and discussion guides so you can dive deeper, followed by an episode of “But Have You Read the Book?”, which will be on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel and the Netflix US Facebook page.

For more detail the official video link announcement from Netflix on YouTube is bleow:

The first pick for the new book club is “Passing,” a Harlem Renaissance-era novel by Nella Larsen. The book, which was published in 1929, can be read online for free through Google Books. The film adaptation of “Passing” will hit Netflix on Nov. 10, with the first episode of “But Have You Read the Book?” airing on Nov. 16.

You can also purchase the ebook for $4.99 on Kindle or as a mass paperback for $5.99 on Amazon.

How are you going to drive new electricity into you brand? According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food and related 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, 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. 

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information. 

Domino’s Order On-line Get Free Streaming on EPIX NOW

 

Every business person knows that the trend is your friend. Consumers are adding streaming this year at an unprecedented rate. In fact, Nielsen reports that 25 percent of consumers added a streaming service during the second quarter of 20201, while one-fourth of consumers' TV usage was spent streaming.

Guess who else knows that? Domino’s Pizza. So, get this any Domino's customer who orders online now through April 11, 2021, will receive 30 days of free access to EPIX NOW.  In case you did not know EPIX NOW is a premium streaming service with more than 2,000 movies and 300 hours of original series and specials. This partnership will drive new electricity into Domino’s brand according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Art D'Elia, Domino's executive vice president—chief marketing officer stated, "Pizza and movies go hand-in-hand," … "Whether you're looking for a fun way to entertain your family at home or you want a date night in, Domino's has you covered. The best part is, no credit card is needed and you won't be charged after the month is up. All you need to provide is an email address and you're good to go."

So, here is how it works: customers who place an online order can claim their free 30-day access of EPIX NOW by clicking through the link on their order confirmation page, Domino's Tracker page or order confirmation email. After the 30 days of free access is up, customers must subscribe to EPIX NOW in order to continue streaming.

Michael Wright, president of EPIX stated, "We're thrilled to pair up with Domino's and offer customers a month of EPIX NOW," says. "For 30 days, customers will have unlimited access to movies such as 'Creed II' or 'Sonic the Hedgehog,' as well as our growing slate of acclaimed original series. Plus, our service is commercial-free, so your movie night won't be interrupted with ads."

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply chain and includes such things as; corporate partnerships, fresh foods, online ordering, delivery, self-driving cars, plant-based foods, streaming, food sampling, toy’s, podcast, movies, cereal, developing brands, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All food and beverage retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food and beverages that are portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different.  Does your retail path forward look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Why? What trend is your friend?

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

KFC Partnership with Lifetime will Air a Mini - Movie with Romance

 

Food marketing that is interactive and participatory is the bedrock of the grocerant niche according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Yum! Brands Kentucky Fried Chicken and Lifetime have a new partnership that is the most proactive, interactive, and participatory food marketing of 2020 according to Johnson. 

So, in an effort to drive new electricity into the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) brand.  KFC and Lifetime are teaming up to bring consumers: the holiday Lifetime Original Mini-Movie, “A Recipe for Seduction.” The title is enough to garner attention of most Gen Z’s and Millennials alone.

The Lifetime Original Mini-Movie will be featuring veteran actor and star of Lifetime’s FelizNaviDAD Mario Lopez as Colonel Harland Sanders, the first-of-its kind 15-minute Lifetime Original Mini-Movie is full of mystery, suspense, deception, “fowl” play and - at the heart of it all - love and fried chicken. “A Recipe For Seduction” premieres on Lifetime Sunday, December 13 at 12 p.m. ET/PT.

The Mini-movie will drive new electricity into the KFC and its branded products according to Johnson. Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply chain and includes such things as; corporate partnerships, fresh foods, online ordering, delivery, self-driving cars, plant-based foods, sampling, toy’s, podcast, movies, cereal, developing brands, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing.

All food and beverage retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food and beverages that are portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different.  Does your retail path forward look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Why?

KFC to enhance the viewing experience this new holiday romance, consumers can order KFC on Uber Eats for delivery and get six free extra crispy tenders with a $20 purchase or more. While enjoying the delicious taste of the Colonel’s secret 11 Herbs & Spices, viewers can share in all the drama of this steamy holiday love affair as they watch a young heiress contend with the affections of a suitor handpicked by her mother. But when a handsome, young chef with a secret fried chicken recipe and a dream arrives, he sets in motion a series of events that unravel the mother’s devious plans.

"We’re no stranger to heating things up for the holidays, just like our famous fried chicken scented Firelog. But let’s face it, we could all use a little distraction this holiday season, so why not fill some of your time at home with a suspenseful drama and the comfort of our world-famous fried chicken?” says Andrea Zahumensky, KFC U.S. CMO. “’A Recipe for Seduction’ is a perfect excuse to curl up at home and escape to your own happily ever after.”

“A Recipe for Seduction” is Lifetime and KFC’s first-ever branded custom mid-form content. The Lifetime Original Mini-Movie is a playful addition to Lifetime’s It’s A Wonderful Lifetime movie slate, which continues to be the fan-favorite destination for holiday content. After its linear premiere, “A Recipe for Seduction” will continue to be available throughout the holiday season on mylifetime.com/christmas- movies, all Lifetime apps, and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms.

“Lifetime is the perfect holiday home to bring this spicy, unexpected tale to life,” adds David DeSocio, EVP, Ad Sales Marketing & Partnerships, A+E Networks. “Through a terrific cast, and with a wink to the unique sensibilities celebrated in Lifetime movies, this co-production spotlights each brand’s POV and marries them in a fun and authentic way. A+E Networks delivers custom creative that our audiences and clients love."

Mario Lopez (Colonel Harland Sanders) stars in Lifetime’s FelizNaviDAD, part of It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’s holiday movie slate. FelizNaviDAD will encore on Lifetime directly following “A Recipe for Seduction.”

Battle for Share of Stomach

Remember interactive and participatory food marketing while watching this mini-movie as you will note cozy scents for your fireplace like the KFC 11 Herbs & Spices Firelog, to vintage-inspired holiday buckets that bring a sense of nostalgia, KFC is spreading warmth and joy this holiday season with a fun film and a mouth-watering Uber Eats offer to help fans end this unpredictable year on a high note.

So, while the holidays may look a bit different this year, let KFC do the heavy lifting to provide a comforting meal that the entire family will enjoy. The Uber Eats special promotion - six free extra crispy tenders with an order of $20 or more for delivery - will be available to fans between December 13 through December 19 via UberEats.com or mobile app.* How interactive and participatory is your brand this year?

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