🍕Global QSR Trends: From Pizza to Burgers🍔🍟

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✔ Domino’s has launched a new TV campaign highlighting its $6.99 “Mix & Match Deal.”

• The ad shows a birthday party where guests are disappointed by a sliced-up cheeseburger—until they cheer for a medium pizza instead.

• The campaign reflects both shifting competition in QSR and how value-driven menus are reshaping marketing in today’s tough economy.

🧑🏻💬 During downturns, QSR chains usually had the upper hand, but after pandemic price hikes they lost their “value-for-money” appeal. Now we’re seeing them push “value menus” again—let’s see if it works this time.🤔

🔗_{Restaurant Business}

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✔ Wendy’s teamed up with Netflix’s hit series Wednesday to launch a “Meal of Misfortune.”

• A parody of McDonald’s Happy Meal, it includes 10 nuggets, fries, a “Raven’s Blood Frosty,” plus two random “fear sauces” from four spooky options.

• The promo also comes with a game event, “Escape from Wednesday’s Woe,” with a $10,000 prize.

🧑🏻💬 In the U.S., playful ad rivalries like McDonald’s vs. Burger King or Domino’s vs. Pizza Hut are common, but we rarely see that in Korea. Wouldn’t it be fun if brands here also leaned into this kind of cheeky marketing?😋

🔗_TODAY

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✔ Starting Aug 12, McDonald’s U.S. is selling a Happy Meal featuring Ninja Turtles x Hello Kitty figurines.

• Each toy combines the personality of a Turtle with the charm of Hello Kitty.

• Every meal also includes a collectible card showing each character’s special powers.

🧑🏻💬 Ninja Turtles + Hello Kitty = the ultimate kidult crossover. Total nostalgia bait.🎯

🔗_TODAY

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✔ A limited-edition McDonaldland set launches Aug 12, paying homage to the 1970s campaign universe.

• It includes a Quarter Pounder or 10-piece McNuggets, fries, a “Mt. McDonaldland Shake,” and a collectible tin case.

• The shake’s flavor remains a mystery—described only as “a recipe as fascinating as the world itself.”

🧑🏻💬 McDonaldland (1971–2003) was a huge part of their brand identity—I couldn’t cut this one even though we already had another McDonald’s story! Anyone else nostalgic for the old characters and decor?🥺

🔗_FOOD&WINE

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✔ Lotteria, with 1,300 stores in Korea, opened its first U.S. branch in Orange County on Aug 11.

• The menu features signature Korean items like Bulgogi Burger, Shrimp Burger, Bibimbap Rice Burger, and Chicken Burger.

• This follows other Korean/Asian chains like Knotted and Bread, Espresso & entering the U.S. market.

🧑🏻💬 I’ve been loving Lotteria’s recent Mozzarella Basil Burger and Spicy Shrimp Burger. Curious to see how locals in California react to these flavors!😋

🔗_{EATER LA}

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🕗1st & 3rd Fridays – Korean Food Trend Highlights

🕗2nd & 4th Fridays – Global Food Trend Highlights

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