Franchises boost excitement and sales with creative promotions tied to hit movies and television shows.
When your favorite show or movie hits blockbuster status why shouldn’t your fast food order get in on the action too? Fast food brands love creating special menu items and fun promotions tied to popular movies and TV shows because it adds a touch of excitement to the everyday experience. It’s a win-win for both sides. These promotions let fast food chains tap into the excitement of blockbuster films and television shows, attracting fans to their restaurants and boosting sales with limited-time food items, toys and collectibles.
For movie and TV studios, these partnerships help reach more people and create buzz. Together, fast food brands and Hollywood create fun, memorable campaigns that benefit both parties while giving fans something extra to enjoy.
One of the fast food pioneers of these collaborations is Burger King, which promoted the original “Star Wars” film with posters, stickers and drinking glasses. According to Mashed.com, the burger giant led the way for a slew of unforgettable limited-time food items.
Check out some of our all-time favorite promotions, plus a few exciting ones happening right now!
1. Barbie-Inspired Takeover
The “Barbie” movie was a cultural phenomenon in the summer of 2023. The billion-dollar blockbuster, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, had arguably one of the most successful marketing campaigns of all time. Franchise brands happily grabbed a piece of the action. For example, the Pinkberry frozen yogurt franchise released the Barbie Land Berry Pink, a tart frozen yogurt that blends the flavors of dragonfruit and strawberry in a swirl, in honor of the film. Meanwhile, Burger King Brazil rolled out a Barbie-themed meal, which featured a cheeseburger with bacon bits and a smoky-flavored bright-pink sauce (above) and vanilla milkshake tinted pink with strawberry Nesquik powder. “Ken potatoes,” or classic fries, were kenough to complete the meal.
2. Wahlburgers Co-Founder Celebrates the Final Season of “Blue Bloods”
To honor the final season of the popular TV series, “Blue Bloods,” Wahlburgers co-founder Paul Wahlberg (above) — brother of the show’s star, Donnie Wahlberg — is serving up something special. He began rolling out eight recipes on Oct. 14 through an exclusive YouTube series, with each meal inspired by the show’s iconic Sunday dinners. Through these videos, Paul guides viewers through the preparation of each dish while sharing cooking tips and telling the stories behind his recipes.
3. A “Golden Trio” of Menu Items from Nékter Juice Bar
“The Golden Bachelorette” brought a fresh twist to the hit television franchise, featuring a leading lady in her golden years. To celebrate, Nékter Juice Bar introduced the “Golden Trio,” a Spiced Golden Apple Smoothie, Golden Latte and Spiced Golden Apple Bowl. Like the show, Nékter emphasizes living vibrantly in later years with nutritious offerings.
4. IHOP’s “Wonka”-Inspired Limited-Time Offers
The “Wonka” prequel starring Timothée Chalamet delighted fans and inspired some scrumdiddlyumptious fast-food menu items. In partnership with the film, IHOP rolled out Wonka’s Perfectly Purple Pancakes (buttermilk pancakes layered with cheesecake mousse, pictured above) and the Daydream Berry Biscuit to the menu for a limited time. Other offers included the Dreamy Lemonade, Fantastical Wonka Burger and Willy’s Jr. French Toast Dippers. Talk about a magical partnership!
5. SpongeBob SquarePants Turns 25
“SpongeBob SquarePants” recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and fast food franchises joined in on the fun with new menu items. Wendy’s released the Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty and Krabby Patty Kollab Burger. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop offered a SpongeBob-themed meal featuring a Bacon Cheeseburger Dumpling, choice of side (edamame, waffle fries or Sesame ginger slaw) and a “Diet Dr. Kelp” fountain drink.
6. Burger King Goes Spooky for “The Addams Family”
Just in time for Halloween, Burger King is getting creepy and kooky with its new “The Addams Family”-themed promotion. Participating locations have added four new limited-time menu items in honor of the beloved characters: Wednesday’s Whopper, Thing’s Rings, Gomez’s Churro Fries and Morticia’s Kooky Chocolate Shake. Kids get to share in the excitement with a line of King Jr. Meal toys featuring the frightfully fun family.
7. Starbucks Turns “Wicked”
“Wicked” fans, rejoice! Starbucks has rolled out two specialty drinks in anticipation of the Broadway show’s film adaptation set for release on Nov. 22: Glinda’s Pink Potion and Elphaba’s Cold Brew. Fans of the Broadway show can also purchase the coffee giant’s Oz-inspired tumblers and mugs.
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