Franchisors Show Allyship to the LGBTQIA+ Community With Charitable Programs and Special Menu Items
To show solidarity and allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, fast-food franchisors offer special products and create charitable initiatives. This show of support benefits franchisees with increased sales and sends a message that they are inclusive and caring for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fast-food franchisors have prioritized inclusion and have leveraged the LGBTQIA+ community’s $3.7 trillion dollars in purchasing power. With LGBTQIA+ identification spiking in recent years, these individuals are also celebrated for their entrepreneurial contributions and have greater access to resources to make business ownership more accessible.
In commemoration of Pride Month 2023, here’s a look at six examples of fast-food franchises that offer special products and give back.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
In 2021, Chipotle Mexican Grill teamed up with drag queen superstars Trixie Mattel, Kim Chi (above), and Gottmik to support LGBTQIA+ charities for Pride Month. Chipotle offered special menu items in honor of each of them and matched $1 per dish for up to $15,000 to the drag queens’ favorite charities.
Dunkin
In June 2021, Dunkin’ offered pride-themed merchandise like tumblers and straws, e-Gift cards, a Sprinkled with Pride Donut and more. Dunkin’ donated $1 for each item sold to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, which is focused on hunger relief.
Next Level Burger
The Next Level Burger franchise offered the Peachy Passion Pride Shake in 2021 and has brought it back for Pride Month 2023. This fun item consists of organic peach and passion fruit puree and is blended with a choice of soy soft serve, coconut soft serve, or a combination, and topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a gummy. Participating locations donate to an LGBTQIA+ non-profit of their choice, including Gay City, Q Center, Pacific Center for Human Growth, and The Center on Colfax.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company brought back its Pride Crispy for Pride Month 2023. As in years past, every package of the specialty treat has a QR code that links to its pride page, which contains information about the LGBTQIA+ community and its history. Additionally, proceeds from the Pride Crispy (up to $30,000) will be given to Out & Equal, a nonprofit organization that supports workplace equity for the gay community.
Shake Shack
For Pride Month 2023, Shake Shack added rainbow sprinkles to its menu items and is partnering with PFLAG National, an organization that supports and connects the LGBTQIA+ community. For an additional $0.50, guests can add the festive sprinkles to their order, with all proceeds going to the charity.
The Habit Grill
For Pride 2023, The Habit Burger Grill is serving the Rainbow Shake. This product was released in partnership with the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that works to support LGBTQ+ youth. For every Rainbow Shake sold, the nonprofit will receive $1 up to a total of $50,000.
FranchiseWire is franchising’s favorite news platform. We offer a one-stop destination for need-to-know information and practical inspiration about franchising. Our content delivers fresh perspectives and an unbiased look at the dynamic world of franchising. With expert contributing writers and journalists, we bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from all areas of franchising. We share best practices to help franchise professionals — franchisees and franchisors, grow and learn. Our engaging content doesn’t simply report, but provides unique insights and strategies.
