7-Eleven Music Contest Drives New Electricity See Why

 

If you love music by now you know what a great line-up of events Live Nation has in 2024.  You might already have some tickets.  If not don’t worry 7-Eleven jut might be the one company that can get you tickets to one of your favorite Live Nation events according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Johnson stated 7Rewards members will help drive new electricity into 7-Eleven this year as they look for a chance to win $3,000 worth of tickets for Live Nation events.

Here are several reasons that new electricity could result from Live Nation and 7-Eleven customers focus promotion:

Synergy between target audiences: Both 7-Eleven and Live Nation cater to a similar demographic - young adults and busy individuals who are often on the go. This creates a natural synergy between the two brands, allowing them to reach a wider audience and leverage each other's customer base.

Convenience factor: 7-Eleven's extensive network of convenience stores could be leveraged to offer various benefits to concert-goers, such as:

·         Ticket sales and pick-up: 7-Eleven stores could act as additional points of sale for concert tickets, offering convenience to customers who might not want to purchase online or through traditional outlets.

·         Merchandise sales: Limited edition merchandise or co-branded products could be sold at 7-Eleven stores, creating additional revenue streams and excitement for fans.

·         Pre-concert essentials: 7-Eleven could offer pre-packaged snacks, drinks, and other essentials that concert-goers might need before or after the event.

Promotional opportunities: This partnership could create unique promotional opportunities for both companies. For example:

·         Live Nation could offer exclusive discounts or promotions at 7-Eleven stores to ticket holders.

·         7-Eleven could run sweepstakes or giveaways for concert tickets or merchandise.

Marketing and brand awareness: By working together, both companies could benefit from increased brand awareness and reach a wider audience through co-branded marketing campaigns.

So, how to get in on it:  now until April 30, 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members who purchase participating products at 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes convenience stores will have the chance to win a year's worth of tickets to see their favorite performances, events and experiences live.

Marissa Jarratt, executive vice president, chief marketing and sustainability officer at 7-Eleven, stated, "Seventy-three percent of our target customers say they are a music lover or obsessed with music — making this sweepstakes a no-brainer for us,"… "We can't wait to reward these loyal customers with the chance to enjoy some of the hottest shows of the year."

Guests can also score seven extra entries by purchasing any flavor of Red Bull — including Energy Drink, Sugarfree and Amber editions — as well as any size or flavor of Ghost Energy or Trolli product.

The best part is that, approximately 150 winners will be awarded a $3,000 Live Nation e-gift card.

The contest is open only to registered 7-Eleven and Speedy loyalty program members. Interested customers can sign up either via the 7-Eleven or Speedway apps or by visiting the company websites.

More information about the contest, including the full rules and restrictions, is available here.

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. 

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

At Friendly’s Restaurants Endorsements Drive Relevance

 

Most regular readers of this blog know that endorsements are a form of marketing that uses famous personalities or celebrities that command a high degree of recognition, trust, respect and awareness among a target audience. 

A brand will choose a celebrity or an athlete endorser that their target market looks up to so that they can support their products or services.  Endorsements can be especially effective when you enlist the approval from trusted figures.  The strategy of celebrity endorsement marketing has been in the industry for a while and has been proven to improve both brand image as well as brand awareness. Not only can sportswear giants Nike and Adidas attest to its effectivity, science can actually back this up; the same is true for restaurants.  

Endorsements can be an excellent marketing strategy to build credibility, create personality and establish a market footprint and Friendly’s understand that according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  

Which is why one of the world’s most popular bands (The Jonas Brothers) has teamed up with their favorite childhood destination Friendly’s Restaurants to bring fans a “Burnin’ Up” partnership built around the brand’s iconic ice cream sundaes.

“We’ve been hooked on Friendly’s since we were little,” said Kevin Jonas. “Friendly’s has always been a favorite stop of ours … a memorable place where we bonded as brothers over ice cream and delicious food. Fun fact: We decided on the band’s name at our local Friendly’s back in 2005, while chowing down on Monster Mash sundaes. So, we’re beyond excited to have this opportunity to relive our childhoods and create our own signature Friendly’s creations!”

Available through December 9, Jonas Brothers’ fans can snag their favorite Jonas Brothers’ sundae creation at a local Friendly’s Restaurant:

The Joe Sundae

Step into the delicious world of Joe Jonas’ imagination. Think the masterful Monster Mash Sundae times three! It starts with three scoops of Friendly’s Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Chocolate ice cream sitting on a delicious spread of hot fudge and topped with crushed Oreos, M&M’s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, whipped cream and cherries.

The Nick Sundae

The Nick Sundae

Nick fans will love this creamy creation! His sundae includes Friendly’s Vanilla Fat-Free Frozen Yogurt, Reese’s Pieces, bananas and a generous drizzle of Friendly’s Famous Peanut Butter Sauce and whipped cream.

The Kevin Sundae

The Kevin Sundae

Kevin is a certified chocoholic, and his chocolatey concoction is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Guests will love scoops of Friendly’s Chocolate, Butter Crunch and Forbidden Chocolate ice cream topped with caramel, hot fudge and whipped cream. Kevin recommends adding an extra layer of crushed sugar cone with a cherry on top for that little something extra.

“Friendly’s is incredibly honored to partner with Joe, Kevin and Nick to serve up these personally crafted sundaes to their legions of fans and our loyal guests for the next several months,” said President of Friendly’s Restaurants, Dawn Petite. “Just as Friendly’s has served generations of ice cream lovers across the country, the Jonas Brothers have been a music sensation over many stages of their fans’ lives. We’re thrilled they are embracing their past and helping to introduce a new generation to Friendly’s ice cream and a great place to create memories that can last a lifetime.”

Aside from the craveable creations, the fun doesn’t stop there! Join the Friendly’s Fan Club to get exclusive news about THE TOUR concert sweepstakes, where one lucky fan will have a chance to win two tickets to the final tour stop in Brooklyn, New York, including airfare and hotel for the winner and a plus one. Select attendees of THE TOUR, at two unannounced stops, will also receive a coupon booklet good for a free Friendly’s Fribble a week for a year. No purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Official rules will be posted on friendlysrestaurants.com when sweepstakes begins.

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

PDQ Fresh Chicken and Baby Boomers Welcome

 

If success does leave clues and it does Paul Anka has picked up a few over the years. Paul Anka is an icon to many and singing success that every Baby Boomer knows with hits like Diana, It's Time to Cry, My Heart Sings,  It Doesn't Matter Anymore

Paul Anka's credits include the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, He wrote "Teddy",and lyrics to "My Way", Frank Sinatra's signature song (originally the French song "Comme d'habitude").

Now the world-renowned artist has teamed up with PDQ restaurants (People Dedicated to Quality) to create a jingle for the award-winning premium chicken brand. Anka is a long-time fan of PDQ and produced a 30-second commercial that lets listeners know they can “Count on PDQ” for fresh chicken and a Tender Lovin’ approach to its guests. All Baby Boomers know his sound, and Anka wants them to try PDQ’s chicken.

So, the jingle will air on radio stations in the Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami and Tampa Bay markets starting on Wednesday, July 28. Anka and PDQ are also working together to give away tickets and other unique experiences as part of his United States tour starting this fall.

Anka is the only artist in history to have a song on the Billboard charts during seven consecutive decades, and his LP and single sales collectively number more than 90 million per BMI. Anka received the prestigious Johnny Mercer award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is also the recipient of the 2020 French National Order or Merit by President Macron for his international career as an author, composer, and performer. He was named the 21st most successful artist in Billboard history, alongside Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

“Paul Anka is a legend in the music industry, his music spans generations, and we are honored that he has created this incredible jingle for our brand,” says PDQ Chief Marketing Officer Frank Rappa. “Paul is beloved throughout the world. He exemplifies a Person Dedicated to Quality.”

Once again, Anka has more than 500 songs to his credit, including “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “My Way,” and the famous theme from “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He has also collaborated with other legends in the music world, including Celine Dion, Buddy Holly, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Frank Sinatra, and many others. PDQ will have a success story to tell with the sounds of Anka on their side.

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

Get the Supergroup BTS McDonald's Meal Now

McDonalds excels at expanding the brands reach, relevance, while refreshing its look.  That is the kind of restaurant industry leadership that was needed to stop the customer count migration from restaurants to other non-traditional fresh food retailers according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® while driving new electricity into brand messaging.

All restaurant brands increasingly need to build lasting partnership to drive top line sales and bottom-line profits according to Johnson.  In a battle for Share of Stomach branded retailers must have an understanding where the consumers shop, when they are thirsty, hungry and what music is ‘hot’ with their prime target customer. 

So, McDonald’s is a global brand, and is acting the way a global leader should by forming a partnership / collaboration the ‘hottest music group in the world right now,  21st century global pop icons, BTS.

Creating new electricity, this one-of-a-kind menu “tour” officially kicks off on May 26 in the U.S., when customers can enjoy the BTS Meal at participating restaurants nationwide. The superstar band’s signature order includes a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium World Famous Fries, medium Coke and for the first time ever in the U.S., Sweet Chili and Cajun dipping sauces inspired by popular recipes from McDonald’s South Korea. You had better get in line as this special might go fast.

“The band has great memories with McDonald’s. We’re excited about this collaboration and can’t wait to share the BTS Meal with the world,” says BIGHIT MUSIC, label of BTS.

Most of your kids know that since 2013, BTS has topped charts and brought people together from all over the world through their music and positive messages. Following the successful launch of McDonald’s celebrity signature orders program last year, BTS is the latest icon to have their signature menu items featured at participating restaurants. However, they’ll be the first celebs to share their order with customers worldwide. Meaning, for the first time since McDonald’s launched celebrity signature orders, the BTS Meal will be available globally in nearly 50 countries.

Over the next few months, customers everywhere will find themselves that much closer to their favorite artists.

“BTS truly lights up the world stage, uniting people across the globe through their music,” says Morgan Flatley, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s USA. “We’re excited to bring customers even closer to their beloved band in a way only McDonald’s can – through our delicious food – when we introduce the BTS signature order on our menu next month."

U.S. customers will be able to order the BTS Meal in-restaurant, through contactless mobile order and pay in the McDonald’s App, at the Drive Thru or via McDelivery. So, mark your calendars for May 26, and be sure to keep an eye out on McDonald’s social channels (@mcdonalds) for regular updates on the collab, including even more surprises in the coming weeks.

How is your brand building new electricity? According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new menu 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, music, developing brands, unique urban hemp 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.  How is your brand building new electricity?

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 

At Dunkin’ Partnerships are Fun

Developing lasting customer relationships is simply the ‘joy’ in food marketing.  Developing relationships with customer relevance that garner incremental customers visits while expanding your brands value with new electricity can be a ‘home run’ according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru®, at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

So, when Dunkin’ and social media megastar Charli D’Amelio first made their long-brewing relationship official last year when Charli’s go-to Dunkin’ Cold Brew order was officially named “The Charli”, edified a new electricity for the Dunkin brand. That partnership and their mutual love was taken to yet another level a few weeks ago with the remixed Charli Cold Foam. Now, Dunkin’ and Charli are taking things one step further for fans with limited-edition Charli x Dunkin’ merch, dropped exclusively on ShopDunkin.com.

So, the first-ever Charli x Dunkin’ merch collection makes it easy to sip the new Charli Cold Foam in style, with fun and fashionable items for fans to show the world their Dunkin’ love runs as deep as Charli’s, including:

The Dunkin’ Onesie is back and as comfy as ever. This highly-coveted Dunkin’ merch item and one of Charli’s go-to lounge outfits is a famous fan favorite that’s sure to sell out fast.

·         The Charli x Dunkin’ Sparkle Tumbler is blinged-out to add some extra sparkle to your sip and give your daily Dunkin’ drink a serious glow-up.

·         The Charli x Dunkin’ Puffer iPhone Case dials up the fun by bringing Sweet Cold Foam inspired fashion to your phone.

·         The Charli x Dunkin’ Oversized Scrunchie Set lets anyone rock a Dunkin’-ized low ponytail just like Charli.

·         Charli x Dunkin’ Shoelaces bring a pop of color to any Dunkin’ run or TikTok dance.

·         The Charli x Dunkin’ Pom Pom Keychain will show everyone that Dunkin’ is the key to your heart.

·         The Limited-Edition Charli x Dunkin’ Cold Brew Tap is the perfect collector’s item for Charli fans who love Dunkin’ Cold Brew as much as she does.

Johnson continued, “in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply chain and includes such things as; corporate partnerships, fresh foods, perfume, cosmetics, online ordering, delivery, self-driving cars, plant-based foods, music, 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 and this fits that bill according to Johnson.

At Dunkin the new limited-edition Charli x Dunkin’ merch collection will be available while supplies last.

Kemma Kefalas, Brand Engagement Manager at Dunkin’, stated, “Our fans can’t get enough of the genuine love between Charli and Dunkin’, so creating the Charli x Dunkin’ merch collection felt like the perfect next step in our relationship. This collection is our way of sprinkling more Charli and Dunkin’ love onto our fans,” … “We worked hand in hand with Charli to bring her signature look into each accessory so our fans can sip their Charli Cold Foam in style this spring.”

Are you driving new electricity? Consider that Dunkin’ ,is  TikTok’s most followed quick service restaurant brand, teamed up with Charli, TikTok’s most followed star, to introduce the Charli Cold Foam in February. This exciting remix of her famous Dunkin’ order – a Dunkin’ Cold Brew with three pumps of caramel – now adds Sweet Cold Foam and cinnamon sugar on top. Dunkin’s creamy new Sweet Cold Foam features vanilla-forward flavor to perfectly complement the chocolate notes of Dunkin’s rich Cold Brew. The Sweet Cold Foam gradually blends into the beverage as it’s sipped, delivering a delicious coffee beverage with a silky, smooth texture. Are your brand marketers having fun?

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 

Chipotle Mexican Grill Menu Music is ‘Better for you’

 

At the intersection of food that has the halo of ‘better for you’, music, and brand relevance Chipotle Mexican Grill is once again elevating it brand messaging, creating new electricity with its core users according to Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  

So, when Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it was partnering with Shawn Mendes and the Shawn Mendes Foundation to launch "Wonder Grants" supporting young innovators in sustainability, as well as a "Shawn Mendes Bowl" on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com for a limited time in the U.S. and Canada.  You know, that it was a brand invitation, that would be gobbled up, according to Johnson.

Now get this for every Shawn Mendes Bowl sold, Chipotle will donate $1 toward the Shawn Mendes Foundation in support of changemakers that is good and extend the brand ‘halo’ to a new subset.  The new digital menu item features Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, the brand's latest menu innovation that was launched earlier this month like we said before this is ‘better for you’ and that is a good thing.  So, in short Chipotle has a daily double of proactive messaging that will resonate with its core customers.

(Shawn Mendes Bowl: Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, black beans, chicken, roasted chili-corn salsa, romaine lettuce, and guac).  This marks the first time Chipotle has launched a philanthropic entrée on its menu. It’s a great idea and one sure to drive new electricity.

When Chipotle and Shawn Mendes begin awarding "Wonder Grants" to young activists focused on sustainability that halo will continue expanding the brand messaging. The "Wonder Grants" are designed to help young changemakers with big ideas but insufficient resources to launch or complete innovative projects across a range of fields including music, film, activism, education, science, environment and technology. How are you driving new electricity into your brand?

This partnership with a music icon company will drive new electricity, top-of-mind brand awareness, top-line-sales, bottom-line-profits, all while edifying store unit metrics 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, music, 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 and Subway fits that bill according to Johnson.

So, to learn more about the Shawn Mendes Foundation, fans can visit www.shawnmendesfoundation.org . The sustainability Wonder Grant recipients will be announced in the coming weeks.

Shawn Mendes stated, "It is important to me to partner with a company that values sustainability – I'm excited to partner with Chipotle and appreciate their support for my Foundation and young changemakers who are leading the charge in these crucial efforts,"

Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer at Chipotle stated, "We are thrilled to partner with Shawn Mendes and use the power of our real food to back the next great innovations in sustainability," … "Together with Shawn's team and our passionate fans, we continue to pursue our mission of cultivating a better world."

In 2021, ‘better for you’ is going to be a big thing according to Johnson. Chipotle understands that and is also introducing a new extension of its Real Foodprint feature that will allow fans to view the cumulative potential impact of all their Chipotle orders, as compared to orders using conventional ingredients, in one comprehensive dashboard on the Chipotle app and Chipotle.com. Real Foodprint, introduced in October 2020, is a sustainability impact tracker that uses data provided by HowGood to compare average values for each of Chipotle's real ingredients to their conventional counterparts against five (5) key metrics.

The Real Foodprint computed for a Shawn Mendes Bowl is:

Less Carbon in the Atmosphere

1.4 grams

Gallons of Water Saved

1.7 gallons

Improved Soil Health

1.8 sq ft

Organic Land Supported

1 sq ft

Antibiotics Avoided

42.3 milligrams

At the conclusion of the campaign, Chipotle will share a Real Foodprint for all Shawn Mendes bowls ordered to demonstrate the potential impact of his ingredient choices at Chipotle on the environment and animal welfare.

Are you looking for a new Out of the Box  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.