1 5
1 5
Fast-casual restaurant chain Chipotle turned a popular meme about cilantro smelling like soap into an item for sale on its merchandise store. The Cilantro Soap sold out less than two weeks after the launch but was inspired by a joke post by the brand in August 2021.
“Our Cilantro Soap plays into a larger trend of turning digital moments into real life experiences,” said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer. “Every Chipotle fan, regardless of which side of the great cilantro debate they're on, can appreciate this fan-inspired gift.”
Inspired by the concept of “ugly sweaters,” fast-casual restaurant chain Panera created a line of “ugly cups.” The collection of reusable cups was on sale from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6 and created in collaboration with TikTok star Emily Zugay. The collection is meant to “remind us it’s what’s on the inside that counts,” according to a statement.
Panera’s new coffee being what’s on the inside, in this instance.
“We’re so excited to do something different from the rest this year with our 2021 Ugly Holiday Cup Collection launch in collaboration with TikTok sensation, Emily Zugay” said Eduardo Luz, Panera’s chief brand & concept officer, in a statement. “Our new holiday cups send a friendly message that while we may focus on décor, gifts and holiday cards during this busy season, it’s important not to lose sight of the things that come from within - joy, family, memories, traditions and of course, the Panera Coffee that will power you through the holidays.”
Zugay is known for her “graphic designs” on TikTok, which are drawn poorly to comedic effect. The same style is used for these reusable cups.
Another brand that took the “ugly sweater” trend to another level is Popeyes, which partnered with UglyChristmasSweater.com to create an “ugly sweater” and beanie for this holiday season. The quick-service chicken concept is donating some proceeds from the sweater and hat (sold in a bundle) to the brand’s charity, the Popeyes Foundation.
The set retails for $54.99, with $19.88 going to the Popeyes Foundation, according to the brand.
The quick-service chain with “the meats” has an entire Christmas-themed collection of merchandise this year for customers.
- Festive Inflatables: If you’ve ever wanted a giant Beef n’ Cheddar and Curlies in your front yard, the brand-new Arby’s inflatable is for you. This decoration stands at 5 feet x 6 feet tall.
- Matching Christmas PJs for the Family and Pups: These hooded PJs not only have a zipper, but a festive Arby’s pattern as well. They come in a variety of sizes — some for adults, teens, and pups.
- Seasons Meatings Glassware: With a retro-style design, these glasses are like those vintage Arby’s holiday glasses in your grandma’s cabinet
- Smokehouse Wrapping Paper: Make your gift-giving a lot tastier with this extremely meaty smoke-scented wrapping paper.
- Christmas Tree Meat Skirt: Lay your presents on the tastiest tree skirt this holiday season with a Meat Mountain-inspired design.
And the classic, the KFC 11 herbs and spices log, this year with enhanced chicken smells.
With the purchase of the firelog – for $15.88 at Walmart – customers can be entered to win a trip to the KFC Firelog Cabin Experience. The trip is for a three-day, two-night stay for up to eight people in a 7,000 square foot, three-story luxury log cabin surrounded by 200-acres of a protected nature reserve in none other than Kentucky, of course.
The chain describes the experience like this:
“The KFC Firelog Cabin features four bedrooms, multiple open living room spaces, a theater room and built-in bar, kitchen and dining area, outdoor kitchen, pool, and hot tub, all decorated in their fried chicken finest. …
“[During the trip], KFC’s head chef Chris Scott will prepares a private dinner, turning KFC’s world-famous fried chicken and sides into a gourmet, five-course meal. Guests will enjoy mouthwatering dishes like a Finger Lickin' Good Charcuterie, The OG Original Recipe Chicken Roulade, and Sweet, Southern & Sticky Toffee Pudding to cap off the evening.”
