Fast Company’s Post

Taco Bell digital sales up 7% & loyalty members up 17%. 📈 🚀 During a time of little to no growth in the Fast Food industry, Taco Bell has leveraged technology, listened to what the data has been telling them, & embraced change which helped pave a path to growth in a somewhat stagnant industry. 🚀 This success was a long time in the making, and Taco Bell has been on a journey for many years now, preparing themselves for the future. This doesn't just happen over night, but the longer you wait to start, the more challenging it will be to finish. 💥 Reach out if you're interested in learning how to kickstart your maturity journey & deliver your digital products through an automated, self-service storefront that increases revenue & strengthens your brand 💥

Taco Bell's 'Ambitious Goal...Is to Be a Brand Bully?' Taco Bell, in its quest to "free Taco Tuesday," has successfully pressured the last holdout, Gregory's Restaurant and Bar in New Jersey, to forfeit its "Taco Tuesday" trademark. This move comes after the chain's aggressive efforts to cancel the usage of the trademark, which Gregory's had owned for over four decades. Taco Bell's stance was that the term "Taco Tuesday" should be "freely available to all who make, sell, eat, and celebrate tacos." However, the reality paints a different picture. Gregory's, a multigenerational family business, faced the might of Taco Bell and its parent company, Yum Brands. The financial burden of legal fees, estimated to be at least $100,000, was too much for the small business to bear. While Taco Bell championed the cause of "freeing" the term, it was clear that the campaign was more about eliminating competition than genuine concern for the phrase's ubiquity. The irony doesn't end there. David Gibbs, CEO of Yum Brands, highlighted the success of their "Taco Tuesday liberation" campaign, which generated more buzz than their Mexican pizza relaunch the previous year. The result? A 4% jump in sales at Taco Bell US locations open for at least a year. Yet, one can't help but wonder about the authenticity of Taco Bell's intentions. Their call for freedom seems inauthentic when juxtaposed against the backdrop of a small business being forced to relinquish a trademark they rightfully owned. Taco Bell may have emerged victorious in this legal battle, but the taste of this victory feels a tad bitter. Especially when considering that their celebration includes giving away free Doritos Locos Tacos in New Jersey to commemorate the surrender of their smaller competitors. Oh, and one more thing… will Pizza Hut, another Yum Brands entity, now abandon its recently renewed "Wing Wednesday" trademark? In the world of branding, authenticity and genuine intent matter. If you're looking to build a brand that resonates and stands the test of time, reach out to us at Bob's Your Uncle. Let's create narratives that are both impactful and true to your brand's essence. #branding #marketing #storytelling

To evolve is to stay curious in the innovation to defy the standard.

🚨 Alert! Ticket prices increase Friday. Get yours at: hubs.la/Q02cb-Tm0 🚨 How do brands stay current with what younger consumers expect and desire from them? ✍ The purchase decisions of each new generation are shaped by their distinct world views, preferences and expectations. Brands need to adapt to stay relevant, yet they must also keep their history and values top of mind to avoid being labeled inauthentic or alienating existing customers. Storytelling, technology and smart partnerships can all help brands keep pace with changing generations. Scott Mezvinsky of Taco Bell will join us to discuss the iconic chain’s unique approach to constantly innovating its operations, offerings and messaging to stay fresh and new, while always remaining quintessentially Taco Bell. He’ll also speak to how Taco Bell instills a culture that embraces creative risks that most other established brands would shy away from. See who else is speaking: https://hubs.ly/Q02bWX1g0

Nostalgia works. Or does it?   In this case it means McDonalds reviving an old character from the 80’s and turning it into a standalone store concept - CosMc's.   Why not just expand the current store offerings? They tried already with little success when they launched McCafe coffee and bakery options. Additionally, it dilutes the OG brand. Oh, there’s also the fact that the drink menu is difficult to execute with their current store formats (they tried and it did NOT work).   Test & learn can be effective if you learn the right things from the experiment. McDonalds has the budget & resources to move forward with this concept as a standalone, driving current customers (and hopefully new ones) to a new location & new options.   Do you think it’s a flash in the pan or could this be a successful alternative to the Starbucks model? #Marketing #TestandLearn #Branding

You’ve certainly tried the Doritos® Locos Taco from Taco Bell — after all, they sold over one billion in the first year of this iconic partnership. 🌮 🤝 This innovative menu item launched in 2012 after the two brands intentionally worked to create something great. This wasn’t just a marketing ploy — but a product they knew would land. Steven Gomez, the food innovation mastermind, worked to ensure it had the Taco Bell taste and the #Doritos experience. The team went through 40+ recipes before landing on the perfect combination. And they did it well. 😋 What they created has the crunch and zest of a Doritos, with the portions and experience of a Taco Bell product. You have to admit, this is a brilliant partnership. What started as an exciting collaboration, has turned into a staple on the menu and an item still popular 12 years after it launched. This is the power of brands coming together. When they bring what makes them unique to the table, loyal consumers from both brands will surely engage. Doritos got their product in front of new consumers in a new way. Taco Bell showcased their innovation and relevance. 📈 Increase sales 🤩 Boost brand awareness 👏 Make a splash in culture 🤗 Reach new consumers 🗣 Get people talking That’s why brands engage in partnerships. 🤝 #partnerships #brandpartnerships Image: Doritos Locos tacos Patrick T. Fallon—Bloomberg / Getty Images

Ever wonder how the fast-food value menu was born? 🌮 I played a pivotal role in pioneering the iconic value menu (99-cent menu as it’s known today). Dive into the behind-the-scenes of Taco Bell's unprecedented success story. #TacoBell #BrandStrategy #SuccessStory #Marketing #Branding #Advertising #AdAge Reflecting on a career milestone that shaped my journey: spearheading Taco Bell's iconic 59-cent menu revolution. 🚀 This experience wasn't just about boosting sales—it was a pivotal moment that solidified my expertise in brand strategy and propelled my career to new heights. It’s a chapter I'll always cherish. #TacoBell #BrandStrategy #CareerMilestone #Marketing #Branding #Advertising #AdAge Reflecting on a career-defining moment that reshaped an industry: spearheading Taco Bell's iconic 59-cent menu revolution. 🌮 This journey wasn't just about boosting sales—it was about challenging norms, shaping culture, and leaving a lasting mark on the fast food landscape. Stay tuned as I peel back the layers of this transformative experience—it's a humble reminder of the power of innovation and perseverance. #TacoBell #BrandStrategy #IndustryGameChanger #Marketing #Branding #Advertising #AdAge Reflecting on a pivotal career milestone that redefined an industry: leading the charge in Taco Bell's legendary 59-cent menu. 🚀 Beyond just boosting sales, this journey was about driving innovation, shaping culture, and setting new standards in the fast food landscape. This story serves as a testament to the impact of strategic thinking and bold decision-making. If you're seeking to revolutionize your business and make waves in your industry, let's connect—I bring the same passion and expertise to every consulting project. #TacoBell #BrandStrategy #IndustryInnovation #ConsultingExcellence #Marketing #Branding #Advertising #AdAge

So. damn. good. OLIPOP PBC has been a leader (in a lot of ways) in the beverage space for the last few years and I am always keeping an eye on what they are up to. From partnerships to new innovations to Retail expansions and here, with truly memorable content. They really are best in class! Take a sip, and enjoy! #cpg #beverageindustry #socialmediacontent

Interesting observations on the battle for our coffee dollars between McDonald's and Starbucks. Who would have thought that McDonald's would be the challenger in this heavyweight fight? Starbucks used to be the upstart, offering premium coffee and a place to linger. Now, it's all about speed, with both companies emphasizing drive-thru service. It will be fascinating to watch this branding and marketing war unfold. Check out this article for a glimpse inside the new McDonald's stores: #coffeewars #starbucks #mcdonalds #branding #marketing

Finding the Perfect Recipe: Taco Bell and KFC's Nash Equilibrium Strategy Imagine you're driving down the highway, and you spot a rest stop with both Taco Bell and KFC outlets side by side. At first glance, it might seem like they're in direct competition for your stomach's attention. However, this is where the brilliance of Nash Equilibrium comes into play. Differentiation of Offerings: Both Taco Bell and KFC recognize that they have distinct menu items and customer bases. Maximizing Profits: Nash Equilibrium is about making the best decisions considering others' choices. Taco Bell and KFC's decision to maintain their specialties ensures they both thrive. Cooperation Over Conflict: They coexist peacefully, enhancing the overall appeal of the dining destination. Businesses can learn that sometimes, cooperation can be more profitable than cutthroat competition. In conclusion, Taco Bell and KFC's Nash Equilibrium strategy showcases the power of differentiation, maximizing profitability, and the benefits of cooperation in the business world. These lessons can be applied to various industries, guiding businesses towards sustainable success. #tacobell #kfc #nashequilibrium Prof (Dr) Shalini Verma 'Lifoholic Shalini' Drinking 'LIFE' Sip-by-sip®