?? Restaurant Roundup 4th July 2024

Welcome to this week’s Restaurant Round-Up Marketing News. I’m Dawn Gribble, your host. I'm on a mission to bring you the latest actionable insights to help you Delight Guests and Drive Growth.?

? Let’s Check In!

?? Caribou Coffee Launches TikTok Dating Show

• Caribou Coffee is launching a dating show called "Dream Date: A Sip At Love" on TikTok, hosted by comedian Hannah Berner, to celebrate its new iced drink menu aimed at Gen Z.
• The show aligns with Gen Z's interests in energy drinks, fruit shakers, and dating shows.
• Caribou aims to strengthen its community connection by sparking relationships among guests through the dating show, airing weekly episodes on TikTok and highlights on Instagram throughout the summer. (QSR )

?? Rubix Foods: The Era of Food Influencers and Viral Trends

• Gen Z is heavily influenced by influencers and their recommendations.
• By tapping into influencer insights, restaurants can create menu items that anticipate consumer expectations and drive traffic.
• Consumer expectations and trust in influencers can greatly impact the success of new menu items. (FI )

?? McDonald’s Discontinues AI Drive-Through Ordering After Viral Mishaps

• McDonald's is removing AI-powered ordering tools from its US drive-through restaurants after multiple customer complaints.
• Viral TikTok videos showed the AI system making incorrect orders, such as filling an ice cream cup with butter or adding over 100 chicken nuggets to an order.
• McDonald's will continue to evaluate new technology partners for a future automated order system by the end of the year. (FO )

??? Chili’s Introduces Arcade-Inspired Video Game

• Chili's has launched a throwback video game, inspired by the '80s arcade title BurgerTime, to promote its Big Smasher Burger and 3 For Me value menu.
• The game allows players to step into the shoes of Joe ChiliHead as they assemble burgers and fend off fictional overpriced competitors.
• Consumers with a My Chili's Rewards account can compete for the highest score to win free burgers for life and an arcade cabinet of the game. (MD )

?? Chipotle Extends Coveted Celebrity Card to Social Media Fans

• Chipotle is extending applications for its coveted Celebrity Card to social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Fans can apply by sharing a piece of content explaining why they deserve the card and using the hashtag #CelebCardContest.
• This move reflects the growing influence of social media in defining celebrity and could help build loyalty with a diverse range of consumers, including Gen Z. (CMG )

?? Chrome Mobile Shortcuts: Call Restaurants Directly from the Address Bar

• Google has added new Chrome Actions to mobile, allowing users to easily call, read reviews, or get directions to businesses from the address bar.
• This feature is currently only available for Android users, with iOS users having to wait until the autumn to access it.
• Along with Chrome Actions, Google also added live sports cards to Chrome's Discover Feed for both iOS and Android users. (TV)

?? Boneless Wings Debut at Popeyes with Comedian Jimmy O. Yang

• Popeyes is releasing their new Boneless Wings nationwide on June 25, available in six flavours.
• Actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang, known for his scepticism of boneless wings, has teamed up with Popeyes after tasting their Boneless Wings.
• To celebrate the launch, Popeyes is offering a free 6-piece Boneless Wings with any $10 purchase through their app or website until July 14th. (FB )

?? Cracker Barrel Plans Largest Menu Revamp in Brand History

• Cracker Barrel is making big changes with its largest menu test ever, part of a strategic transformation announced last month. T
• he test, currently available at 14 Texas locations, includes 20 new menu items such as Green Chile Cornbread and Banana Pudding. Among the revamps is the introduction of a Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and a Cinnamon Bread French Toast.
• The changes are part of a larger strategic transformation for the struggling family dining chain. (NRN )

?? New Research Shows 42% of Gen Z Prefer Ordering Food Over Going Out on Fridays

• 73% of Gen Z consider themselves foodies, but only half prioritize food taste when choosing a restaurant
• 93% value recommendations from friends and family over social media influencers
• 42% prefer takeout over dining out on a Friday night (FC)

?? Chicken QSR Market Overview?

The global chicken market is projected to reach USD 429.11 billion by 2028, maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.45%. The versatility of chicken drives this growth as an ingredient and its perception as a healthier alternative to red meats like beef and pork. The expanding variety in chicken products, from bone-in wings to nutritious alternatives, continues to attract health-conscious consumers. The take-out fried chicken market is expected to reach $9.85 billion by 2030. International flavours, particularly Korean BBQ, are popular, influencing menu offerings worldwide.

Customer Segmentation?

Generational characteristics, lifestyle demands, and ever-evolving culinary trends strongly influence consumer preferences and decision-making regarding chicken.

Gen Z is an important market segment characterised by its fast-paced, digital-native lifestyle. Approximately 40% of Gen Z members often consume food on the go, necessitating quick, convenient meal options that fit their busy schedules. This preference significantly drives this demographic's popularity of easy-to-consume chicken products like burgers and wraps.?

Gen Z's engagement with global cuisine is deep; their exposure to diverse cultures via the internet and multi-cultural families has heightened their demand for international flavours—from Korean BBQ chicken to Middle Eastern shawarmas—making them pioneers in pushing for culinary diversity in the QSR sector.

For Gen Z, visual appeal is one of the most important factors that make a dish desirable. Their value on health and sustainability guides their choices, with a strong preference for chicken products that boast fresh, ethically sourced ingredients.

Millennials are now transitioning into family life and exhibit a shift in dining preferences that align with their changing lifestyle. This consumer segment leans towards venues offering family-friendly environments and versatile menu options catering to adult and children's needs. Millennials favour smaller portions and sharing plates over larger meals, reflecting their desire for variety and frequent pursuit of new culinary experiences. Despite a generally tighter budget, millennials are prepared to invest more in meals that promise fresh, healthy ingredients and align with ethical eating principles, such as organic and locally sourced products.

Gen X balances traditional preferences with an openness to new experiences. While comfort foods remain a staple, there's an evident willingness to explore novel flavours, albeit leaning towards more familiar options. Gen X prioritises the quality and origin of their food, showing a readiness to pay a premium for homemade, authentic dishes or boast organic credentials.

Considering each generation's diverse preferences, chicken product marketers must tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to meet diverse expectations and values, from health and convenience to authenticity and sustainability.?

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