From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 40s
McDonald’s, Casey’s, and Chipotle Shift Strategies
McDonald’s ends World Cup sponsorship; Casey’s launches Pan Pizza; Chipotle returns smoked brisket.
In brief
McDonald’s ends World Cup sponsorship; Casey’s launches Pan Pizza; Chipotle returns smoked brisket. McDonald’s stops World Cup sponsorship after poor sales, Casey’s releases Pan Pizza to fill market gaps, and Chipotle brings back smoked brisket for limited time. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
McDonald’s ends World Cup sponsorship
McDonald’s has opted to shift its marketing and decided not to renew its sponsorship agreement with the FIFA World Cup after failing to generate expected sales.
“The company has sponsored the event since 1994, but the company did not generate the sales it expected during the most recent world cup.”
Casey’s launches Pan Pizza
Casey’s is launching its first-ever Pan Pizza this week, marking its biggest crust upgrade in years to address the inaccessibility of such a crust in nearly 80% of small towns it serves.
“Internal data finds that nearly 80% of the small towns Casey’s serves do not have a nearby pan pizza offering.”
Chipotle returns smoked brisket
Chipotle is bringing back its Mesquite-Smoked Brisket in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time beginning November 5 after it sold out earlier than anticipated in 2024.
“The protein made its debut on Chipotle’s menu in September 2021 and sold out earlier than anticipated.”
Pan pizza development
Casey’s spent nearly two years developing the thicker crust, made with olive oil, honey, sea salt, and finely milled double zero flour.
“The company spent nearly two years developing the thicker crust, which is made with olive oil, honey, sea salt, and finely milled double zero flour.”
Pizza competition
Pan pizza has become one of the most competitive categories within the segment, with Pizza Hut introducing a Crispy Parm Pan Pizza in May and Papa Johns bringing back its pizza for the first time…
“In May, Pizza Hut introduced a Crispy Parm Pan Pizza, while earlier this year Papa Johns brought back its pizza for the first time in six years.”
Chipotle’s transaction lift
The return of smoked brisket helped drive a 4% transaction lift and higher checks during the quarter it was available in 2024.
“It returned in September 2024 and helped drive a 4% transaction lift and higher checks during the quarter it was available.”
Chipotle’s 100 Creators campaign
To promote its return, Chipotle invited superfans into restaurant kitchens to prepare the protein and capture the experience from their first-person perspectives as part of the brand’s new 100 Creators campaign.
“To promote its return, Chipotle invited superfans into restaurant kitchens to prepare the protein and capture the experience from their first-person perspectives as part of the brand’s new 100 Creators campaign.”
The big picture
McDonald’s stops World Cup sponsorship after poor sales, Casey’s releases Pan Pizza to fill market gaps, and Chipotle brings back smoked brisket for limited time.
