As the foodservice industry continues to change and evolve, operators are creating partnerships that bring new and creative offerings to their guests, reach broader audiences, and draw in new customers. So far this year we’ve seen some creative collabs with restaurants partnering with celebrities, video games, and complementing brands, and these alliances seem to be gaining popularity among businesses and consumers.

Here are some of the interesting partnerships QSRs have made so far this year :

McDonald’s and Minecraft

To celebrate the April 4th release of A Minecraft Movie, McDonald’s has created movie-themed menu items. A Minecraft Movie Meal features the choice of a Big Mac or 10-pc. Chicken McNuggets plus medium fries and a drink, and a limited-edition collectible, along with movie-themed Nether Flame Sauce. McDonald’s has also introduced A Minecraft Movie Happy Meal featuring one of 12 film-inspired figurines or Block World toys, and every Happy Meal includes a scannable code so kids can complete their very own quest in the A Minecraft Movie world.

Wendy’s and Cheez-It

Last year, Cheez-It partnered with Taco Bell to launch the Big Cheez-It Crunchwrap Supreme and the Big Cheez-It Tostada nationwide but has recently aligned with Wendy’s to create Baconator-flavoured crackers. This is an example of a current restaurant trend: selling merchandise and food items in retail spaces. While this does not affect the restaurant’s menu, it is a new way to get attention from a potentially broader market, grow the brand, and draw in new customers.

Starbucks and Peanuts

Starbucks has partnered with Peanuts, and as of March 25, stores across the U.S. have been featuring limited-time only themed merchandise. The collection includes a 24 oz. plastic cold cup, 16 oz. stainless steel tumbler, and 14 oz. ceramic mug, all featuring classic Peanuts characters along with a new Snoopy persona, Joe Kind Snoopy, available exclusively at Starbucks.

Partnerships like these allow restaurants to leverage marketing to reach a new customer base, create a buzz, build brand awareness, and get guests excited to try something new. Boosting sales with innovative new products shows consumers that your brand is interesting and can keep them engaged with your business – both on social media and by visiting your restaurant.

Photo courtesy of Starbucks