Super Bowl 2019 Restaurant Promotions Reddit Contests Free Deliveries And Themed Giveaways

The Super Bowl has become more than just a sporting event; it's a major marketing opportunity for brands across various industries, particularly in the restaurant sector. In 2019, numerous food chains leveraged the game to promote their brands through innovative campaigns, contests, and giveaways. Among these promotional efforts, KFC launched a Reddit-based contest offering themed date-night packages to users who created and shared KFC-themed artwork. This article examines the various Super Bowl 2019 promotional offers from major restaurant chains, with a particular focus on Reddit-based freebies and other innovative marketing tactics employed during this high-profile event.

KFC's Reddit Super Bowl Contest

One of the most notable Reddit-based promotions during the Super Bowl 2019 period was KFC's contest, which encouraged users to create and share KFC-themed artwork on the platform. Participants had the opportunity to win a date-night package that included a KFC rug, fried chicken pajamas, gift cards, and a subscription to an online streaming service. This promotion aligned with KFC's broader marketing strategy during this period, which also included the "Behind the Foil" campaign, where the chain broadcast live its food preparation process on Facebook from a restaurant in California.

The Reddit contest represented an innovative approach to digital marketing, leveraging the platform's creative community to generate authentic brand content while offering valuable prizes to participants. This type of user-generated content campaign can be particularly effective as it both engages existing fans and attracts new audiences through the viral nature of Reddit communities.

Pizza Hut's Super Bowl Initiatives

Pizza Hut implemented several unique promotions surrounding Super Bowl 2019. The chain deployed proprietary scanning technology on its mobile app in anticipation of one of the busiest pizza sales days of the year. Additionally, Pizza Hut delivered free pies to hospitals in Boston and Los Angeles, targeting soon-to-be parents who would likely miss the game. This initiative was designed to "ease the FOMO" (fear of missing out) among this demographic.

Pizza Hut also created a themed wedding pop-up experience, where the first 100 couples received an exclusive edible bouquet. The pop-up featured themed decorations and an officiant with "Dunkin' pink hair" to preside over weddings and vow renewals. This unconventional promotion capitalized on the Super Bowl's cultural significance as a major social event, positioning Pizza Hut as an innovative brand willing to think outside traditional marketing boundaries.

The hospital delivery program and wedding pop-up demonstrated how restaurant chains can tailor their promotional efforts to specific audience segments, addressing unique needs and circumstances while maintaining brand relevance during a major cultural event.

Burger King's Super Bowl Comeback

Burger King made a significant marketing move by returning to the Super Bowl for the first time in 12 years. The chain generated buzz through a mysterious delivery campaign, creating anticipation around its Super Bowl presence. Prior to the main event, Burger King implemented a "Fryday" promotion, where select "fryologists" in 10 markets surprised customers by giving out popular but limited menu offerings before their official return.

Burger King also leveraged the confusion surrounding McDonald's 2018 MacCoins campaign in its marketing, positioning itself as an alternative option for consumers. The chain continued its tradition of offering special table service for the 28th consecutive year, with the added innovation that fans could now order this experience for delivery. This combination of nostalgia and innovation helped Burger King reconnect with existing customers while attracting new ones.

The "Fryday" promotion exemplified how limited-time offers and surprise distributions can create excitement and drive engagement. By deploying "fryologists" to distribute products ahead of official availability, Burger King generated organic buzz and social media sharing, extending the reach of its promotional efforts beyond traditional advertising channels.

Dunkin' Super Bowl Marketing Strategy

Dunkin' participated in Super Bowl 2019 marketing with a multi-faceted approach that included running advertisements in theaters, printing special movie posters, and creating "For Your Consideration" media kits. These efforts positioned Dunkin' as a key player in the Super Bowl advertising landscape, complementing its in-store promotions and themed experiences.

Dunkin's marketing strategy demonstrated how brands can extend their advertising reach beyond traditional television spots by leveraging alternative media channels. The theater advertisements and movie posters created touchpoints with consumers in unexpected environments, while the "For Your Consideration" media kits positioned Dunkin' alongside award-worthy content, enhancing brand prestige.

Other Notable Restaurant Promotions

Beyond the major chains mentioned, several other brands implemented creative promotions around Super Bowl 2019. Some chains focused on digital engagement through social media platforms, while others emphasized charitable initiatives. For example, Starbucks partnered with food rescue organization Second Harvest to donate perishable items like yogurt and milk alongside pastries and breads, enhancing the brand's community image.

The restaurant industry as a whole recognized the importance of the Super Bowl as a marketing opportunity, with many chains implementing personalized marketing strategies and leveraging mobile technology to enhance customer engagement. Research from OpenTable and Toast indicated that the holiday would yield a 7% jump in online orders, prompting businesses to proactively manage staffing to accommodate the increased demand.

Independent restaurants also capitalized on the Super Bowl atmosphere, with some implementing dining room refreshes and menu innovations to stand out from competitors. These efforts helped smaller establishments win new customers and encourage repeat business during one of the busiest dining periods of the year.

Conclusion

The Super Bowl 2019 period saw numerous restaurant chains implement innovative promotional strategies to capture consumer attention. KFC's Reddit contest offering themed date-night packages represented one of the more unique digital promotions during this period. Other chains like Pizza Hut, Burger King, and Dunkin' implemented various initiatives ranging from free hospital deliveries and themed wedding pop-ups to mysterious campaigns and traditional advertising. These efforts collectively demonstrated how food brands leverage major cultural events to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

Sources

1. Restaurant Dive - Super Bowl 2019 Restaurant Promotions