What's Happening?
Several restaurant chains are rolling out special deals and promotions throughout December to celebrate the holiday season. Baskin-Robbins is offering 80-cent scoops on December 7 to mark its 80th anniversary,
along with a new lineup of seasonal treats. Buffalo Wild Wings has launched its first holiday campaign, 'Hank the Halls,' featuring a stop-motion short and a Pick 6 meal deal. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is offering free hot chocolate with any beverage purchase on Fridays until December 12, and a gift card promotion through January 1, 2026. Chipotle is running an 'Unwrap Extra' promotion with buy one, get one free offers for Rewards Members on select Saturdays. Subway has reintroduced its Sub Club loyalty program, offering a free footlong sandwich after purchasing three. Other chains like El Pollo Loco, Shake Shack, Sonic, and Zaxby's are also participating with various discounts and freebies.
Why It's Important?
These promotions are significant as they aim to attract more customers during the holiday season, a crucial period for the food and beverage industry. By offering discounts and special deals, these chains hope to increase foot traffic and boost sales. The promotions also serve as a way to engage with customers and enhance brand loyalty, particularly through loyalty programs and app-based rewards. For consumers, these deals provide an opportunity to enjoy their favorite meals at reduced prices, which can be particularly appealing during a time when holiday expenses are high. The competitive nature of these promotions highlights the importance of customer retention strategies in the fast-food and casual dining sectors.
What's Next?
As these promotions continue throughout December, restaurants will likely monitor customer response and sales data to assess the effectiveness of their campaigns. Positive outcomes could lead to similar promotions in future holiday seasons or even the introduction of new loyalty programs. Additionally, the success of these deals may influence other restaurant chains to adopt similar strategies to remain competitive. Customers can expect more app-based rewards and personalized offers as companies leverage technology to enhance customer engagement.
