McDonald’s has brought back their Monopoly game to over 14,000 national restaurants. Players have a one in four chance of winning with prizes ranging from free food to $1 million dollar. Resort vacations, Redbox rentals, and motorcycles are also included. Menu items featuring game pieces include the Big Mac, Filet-O-Fish and many others.
While independent restaurants don’t get the group branding advantage of chains, they do have consumers looking for them specifically. New research from Mintel shows that nearly 50% of consumers report seeking out independently owned restaurants for dining. Half of them are doing so to offer support to local business owners.
U.S. Foodservice is undergoing a re-branding campaign and have changed their name to US Foods. The company provides supplies and pre-cooked foods to a variety of campuses, restaurants and other kitchens. Improved quality of their food offerings is also part of the re-branding plan, along with updated packaging.
Denny’s Corporation has begun a partnership with the Casanova Pendrill firm to broaden their appeal to Spanish-speaking diners. Casanova Pendrill will be the company’s Spanish agency of record beginning in October. This will help Denny’s develop new marketing and promotional campaigns to target Hispanic customers more effectively.
Unilever Food Solutions has announced the winner of their online “Inspired Restaurant Makeover” contest for small, independent restaurants. The Coach Sports Grille near Detroit will receive a total makeover package that comes with a value of $100,000. Consultation from restaurant coaches and training through the Culinary Institute of America is also included.
Church’s Chicken is investing in their executive team by hiring a new Chief Executive Officer. Jim Hyatt comes to the fried chicken chain after serving as the President and CEO for Cosi Inc. He’s worked in the restaurant industry for over 35 years, including 16 as a store owner and executive with Burger King.
Don Shula may be the winningest coach in the history of the National Football League, but he also knows about quality burgers. He plans to open his first Shula Burger location in Islamorada, Florida by the end of 2011. Expansion into a small chain is planned for the rest of 2012. The chain will serve gourmet burgers, quality sides and a wide wine selection.
Smashburger first introduced the Windy City Burger in Chicago, the town that inspired it. Now its growing popularity has brought it to the rest of the country. The burger, which features a pretzel roll and haystack onions, will be available nationally until October 30th. The 100% Angus Beef patty is included on this Smashburger as well.
Pizza Hut is using the over 7,000 locations across the country to help end hunger across the world. The “Share a Slice of Hope” campaign will raise money during the 2011 World Hunger Relief program. Pizza Hut is teaming up with game developer Zynga to solicit donations through online and in-store drives.
While the big players in the burger industry, like McDonald’s and Burger King, are struggling to grow, small fast-casual chains are seeing improving numbers. Chains like Smashburger and the Counter are bringing in consumers despite the recession by offering higher quality food than fast food chains. Big burger chains are also focusing on breakfast and other menu items and not burgers.