How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are influencing brands like Carl's Jr. to change advertising

For a free burger promotion on Monday, February 12, burger chain Carl’s Jr. went big. Like Super Bowl ad big.

The chain ran an ad at the game that was a fighter jet scene reminiscent of the Top Gun films with pilots rushing to get their free burger.

Related: Carl’s Jr. to give free burgers to loyalty program members on Feb. 12

Carl’s Jr. announced it would be giving away free Western Bacon Cheeseburgers to its loyalty program the day after the Super Bowl.

Customers with the Carl’s Jr. app who have joined the My Rewards program received the “Free Burger Day” offer and were able to order it through the app or show the app offer to team members at a restaurant. No purchase is necessary.

The company said the giveaway is part of an effort to distance Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, which had often been marketed together.