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McDonald’s x Kerwin Frost
On the heels of a wildly successful adult Happy Meal promotion with Cactus Plant Flea Market, McDonald’s teamed up with DJ/artist Kerwin Frost for a reimaged McNugget Buddies promotion as part of a limited-time adult Happy Meal.
Smokey Bones x Chef Robert Irvine
Smokey Bones tapped into the culinary celebrity world with its partnership with Chef Robert Irvine to launch a limited-time menu called Robert’s Ribfeast.
Chipotle x Keith Lee and Alexis Frost
Earlier this year, Chipotle leveraged the popularity of TikTok by featuring influencers Keith Lee and Alexis Frost’s fajita quesadillas on the menu. During the launch, quesadilla sales nearly doubled and Chipotle had two of its best-ever digital sales days.
Chipotle x ‘Swelce’
Though not an official partnership, Chipotle tapped into the cultural phenomenon that is Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s relationship, renaming one of its Kansas City restaurants to “Chipolte” after a 2011 Kelce tweet resurfaced with the misspelling.
Dunkin’ x Martha Stewart
Dunkin’ tapped Martha Stewart to promote a new martini shaker and glasses, available on the chain’s merchandising website. Stewart also partnered with Dunkin to promote etiquette advice on how to shake iced beverages in different social settings.
Dunkin’ x Ice Spice and Ben Affleck
Dunkin’ has long partnered with celebrity Bostonian Ben Affleck, and in September, the brand brought on rapped Ice Spice to join him for the promotion of the Ice Spice Munchkins Drink. In a statement, CMO Jill McVicar Nelson said the item is an attempt to distinguish Dunkin’s offerings from its competitors.
Baskin-Robbins x DeuxMoi
In September, Baskin-Robbins collaborated with Instagram celebrity-gossip reporter DeuxMoi during New York Fashion Week. DeuxMoi appeared on a mobile truck offering ice cream and merchandise during the event.
Raising Cane’s x Post Malone
In April, singer Post Malone designed a Raising Cane’s restaurant near his home in Midvale, Utah. The chain expanded its design partnership with Post Malone in the fall, opening a Dallas Cowboys-themed restaurant in Dallas. In July, the company introduced a line of limited-edition collectors’ cups with the singer.
Taco Bell x Paris Hilton
When Taco Bell brought back its Volcano Menu in June, it recruited celebrity/singer Paris Hilton to revisit her signature catchphrase, “That’s hot,” on the brand’s “first-ever hot line.”
Jack in the Box x Snoop Dogg
Jack in the Box celebrated the 10th anniversary of the original Munchie Meal by introducing a limited-edition “Snoop’s Munchie Meal” I partnership with Snoop Dogg. The meal helped drive late-night sales at the chain.
Friendly’s x Jonas Brothers
Ahead of the Jonas Brothers “The Tour,” the band partnered with Friendly’s Restaurants to promote the brothers’ signature sundae creations. The Joe Sundae, Nick Sundae, and Kevin Sundae were available for a limited time, and customers who joined the Friendly’s Fan Club received exclusive news about the tour and the chance to win tickets.
Burger King x Steve Aoki
Burger King teamed up with DJ and music producer Steve Aoki to create a remix of its popular “Whopper, Whopper” commercial jingle.
Cracker Barrel x Dolly Parton
Cracker Barrel recruited music legend Dolly Parton to be the face of the chain’s "Rewards That Rock," a campaign that honors the brand's recently launched rewards program, Cracker Barrel Rewards, and Dolly's new album, Rockstar. To celebrate the partnership, Cracker Barrel and Dolly gave rewards members the chance to win one of 667 custom-designed Dolly Rockin' chairs.
Chili’s x Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer
Actors Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer, podcasters who starred in the sitcom, “The Office,” launched Chili’s “It All Starts With a Marg” premium campaign with digital videos in June.
Chili’s x Boyz II Men
Chili’s also tapped into ‘90s nostalgia by partnering with Boyz II Men to sing a new rendition of the chain’s signature “Baby Back Ribs” jingle. The Dallas-based parent, Brinker International, said Boyz II Men members Wanyá Morris, Shawn Stockman and Nathan Morris were often mistakenly credited with originating the jingle.
Taco Bell x Pete Davidson
In October 2022, Taco Bell enlisted comedian/actor Pete Davidson to apologize for the brand “going too far” with its breakfast innovation, noting that the morning is no time for such intensity. During parent company Yum Brands subsequent earnings call, CEO David Gibbs said Davidson helped “drive consumer buzz” for breakfast, which led to a 9% transaction growth during the daypart. The chain brought the actor back for another promotion in April.
