Restaurant partnerships and LTOs can be an integral part of restaurant marketing, and summer blockbuster movie releases offer the opportunity to engage with customers, create unique menu items and merchandise, and attract new guests. Superhero movies attract a broad audience of all ages, so themed menus are also great way to get attention on social media, draw in families, offer a nostalgic experience, and drive repeat visits.
Some QSRs have gotten creative with this summer’s blockbuster partnerships:
KFC recently launched a collaboration with the new Supergirl movie, offering Supergirl meals that come with a limited-edition blind-bag keychain, a specialty Kryptonian Kooler beverage (featuring strawberry boba), and three new character-inspired sauces (Supergirl’s Solar Honey Mustard, Ruthye’s Sweet Chili Revenge, and Lobo’s Wild Ranch).
Little Caesars has partnered with Spider-Man: Brand New Day to release a limited-time Webberoni Pizza, featuring a large round pizza topped with mozzarella cheese, a toasted 2-cheese blend, and a web-like pattern of shredded pepperoni for $8.99. Customers can also order custom pizzas online with the “web” add-on, served Spider-Man collectible boxes.
McDonald’s has also launched a collaboration with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, adding themed Happy Meals that feature Spider Man boxes and books or a variety of mini backpacks for kids to collect.
Krispy Kreme and Warner Bros. have teamed up to introduce three superhero donuts in a new “Hungry for Heroes” collection. The new additions include the Superman (an unglazed cream-filled donut dipped in blue icing and topped with Superman buttercream flavored clouds, image of Superman and sprinkles), Batman (an unglazed donut filled with cookies and Kreme, dipped in black chocolate icing, and topped with a Bat emblem), and Wonder Woman Doughnut (an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in raspberry icing, topped with white stars, blue sprinkles, and a Wonder Woman logo and belt).
Summer blockbuster tie-ins are an opportunity for restaurants to create an engaged community for their guests with a shared interest in nostalgic characters and new innovation. Adding collectibles incorporates an element of exclusivity, along with adding revenues and branding to a restaurant’s revenue stream.
Image courtesy of Krispy Kreme.
