Loyalty Programs
Thorntons' Loyalty Program Adds Contactless Text-to-Enroll Registration
Thorntons has announced it is adding a contactless text-to-enroll registration problem for its Refreshing Rewards program. To do this, customers need to text the word "fuel" followed by a valid email address to 737-57. After this, the person will immediately get a 15 cents a gallon discount for them to use the next time they fill up.
"Safety and value are central to our promise to be our guests' favorite place to stop when they are on-the-go," said Simon Richards, Thorntons president and CEO, in the above Convenience Store News article. "We are proud to introduce text to enroll as another contactless option for our guests and another way we can promote social distancing for the safety and well-being of our guests and our team members while delivering the opportunity for savings and value."
Innovation
Chili's Owner Launches Virtual Wings Concept
Brinker International, owner of Chili's and Maggiano's, has announced the launch of It's Just Wings. This new brand is a virtual, delivery-only, brand that can be ordered from DoorDash's app or website and will operate out of current Chili's and Maggiano's. It's Just Wings features 11 sauces, free curly fries with every order, and dessert options like fried Oreos.
"It's Just Wings is a virtual, delivery-only Brinker brand created to meet the guest's need for value and convenience," CEO Wyman Roberts said in a statement quoted in the above FSR Magazine article. "Between our exclusive partnership with DoorDash, more than 1,000 company-owned kitchens across the country and 45 years of operational expertise, we had the secret recipe to leverage our scale to provide quality food at a value straight to the guest's door."
Chuck E. Cheese is Serious About Pasqually's Pizza & Wings
Chuck E. Cheese has started using a different brand name for its virtual pizza delivery, Pasqually's Pizza & Wings. This brand is named after a member of Munch Make's Believe Band. The pizzas use similar ingredients as Chuck E. Cheese but have thicker crust, extra sauce, and new blends for cheese and seasoning.
"At first we were caught a little bit by surprise at that attention, and really around the narrative," Sherri Landry said, CMO of Chuck E. Cheese parent company CEC Entertainment, in the above QSR Magazine article. "It was important for us to make sure that we were focused on launching the brand and doing it well. So, we paused on response, and waited for the right opportunity to tell our story and then respond to any questions that we might receive."
Partnerships
Tim Hortons U.S. Partners with Grubhub for Delivery in Select Markets
Tim Hortons has announced it is partnering with GrubHub to start offering delivery in select markets. These select markets include Grand Rapids, Michigan, Detroit, Michigan, Rochester, New York, and Columbus, New York. Thanks to this announcement, Tim Hortons guests can get free delivery and a free 10-pack of Timbits on orders of $10 or more exclusively through GrubHub. This promotion runs to July 21, and the customer must include a 10-pack in their cart.
According to the above press release, "Guests in select markets can now easily order all their Tim Hortons favorites through www.Grubhub.com or the Grubhub app. Simply visit www.Grubhub.com or download and open the free Grubhub app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, choose the closest participating Tim Hortons restaurant from the list of restaurants, and select your items from the Tim Hortons menu."
News
Convenience Stores Ask for Exact Change as Coin Shortage Continues
Convenience stores have started asking customers to bring their coins to stores as supply for the smaller increments of cash is starting to become in short supply. Some brands have even started rewarding customers that do so. Thorntons is one such brand, which will let customers that pay with change, or exchange at least $10 in coins, to receive a free fountain drink, coffee, cappuccino, or FizzFreez.
"Signage is up now, or in the process of going up, notifying customers about the coin shortage," said Mike Thornbrugh, manager of public and government affairs for QuikTrip, in the above Convenience Store News article. "If they can, we're asking that they use exact change to help out or use a debit or credit card or other contactless forms of payment."