Ten Unusual and Outlandish Fast Food Marketing Tactics

The fast food industry is a fiercely competitive arena. Giants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s generate massive annual revenues through their extensive networks of restaurants worldwide. However, they also engage in intense rivalries to capture market share. Marketing strategies often become highly aggressive as these brands vie for the attention of American consumers and their dining budgets. It’s no wonder that some of these companies have resorted to incredibly unconventional methods to stand out.

This compilation highlights ten extraordinary examples of fast-food chains pushing boundaries to distinguish themselves from competitors. These aren’t just quirky menu additions. From themed hotels to international diplomatic ventures (yes, you read that correctly) and even fast food-inspired perfumes, these campaigns take creativity to unprecedented heights. Let’s dive in!

10. The Scent of the Hut!

The global fragrance industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, offering an astonishing variety of scents. From celebrity-endorsed perfumes to iconic luxury brands, the competition is fierce. Given this lucrative landscape, it’s no surprise that fast food chains have also ventured into the world of fragrances, aiming to capitalize on their unique brand identities.

Back in 2012, Pizza Hut ventured into the fragrance industry with a bold idea: a limited-edition perfume that captured the aroma of freshly baked pizza dough. While many dismissed it as a prank, the product was genuine. Unfortunately, it was only available for a brief period.

Today, if you’re determined to get your hands on this one-of-a-kind fragrance, your best bet is scouring online platforms like eBay. The scent is no longer sold in stores and is unlikely to be re-released. However, pizza enthusiasts need not despair! Other pizza-inspired fragrances are still on the market, perfect for those who want to channel the essence of Pizza Hut on their next romantic outing.

9. I Do… Want Fries with That

Food and romance are a natural pairing, which is why dinner dates are so popular. Sharing a meal fosters intimacy and can deepen connections. However, not all dining venues are equally suited for romance. Fast food isn’t typically the go-to choice for a first date, but it can be a surprisingly endearing option for established couples.

Recognizing this trend, several fast-food chains have introduced special services to appeal to couples. For instance, in 2017, Domino’s Pizza launched a wedding registry, allowing soon-to-be-wed couples to add pizzas and gift cards to their wish lists. The registry featured a range of pizza-related options, from various pizza types to customizable gift card amounts.

McDonald’s elevated the concept further. In Hong Kong, the chain’s managers have tapped into the growing trend of hosting weddings at their locations. Asian franchises now provide tailored wedding packages, ranging from simple balloon arrangements to premium options featuring custom invitations and gifts for up to 50 attendees. Couples can even book the restaurant for two hours, complete with a sound system and a dedicated wedding DJ.

Though unconventional, fast food chains are increasingly embracing the charm of food-focused romance. Perhaps a Big Mac and fries might just be the perfect way to mark your next anniversary.

8. Crypto King

Cryptocurrency has surged in popularity in recent years. Bitcoin’s value has skyrocketed over the past decade, and NFTs have sparked both interest and debate in the Blockchain space. While many businesses hesitated to adopt cryptocurrencies, Burger King took the lead. In 2017, the burger giant showcased its forward-thinking approach by introducing its own digital currency, WhopperCoin.

WhopperCoin operated on a straightforward premise: Russian customers earned one WhopperCoin for every ruble spent at Burger King. However, redeeming a Whopper required 1,700 WhopperCoins, making it a pricey endeavor. The currency was hosted on the Waves blockchain, setting it apart from other digital currencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

Despite its innovative approach, WhopperCoin struggled to make an impact in the cryptocurrency market. By late 2018, its value had plummeted to just $0.002 per coin. Over time, its worth continued to dwindle, and Russian consumers showed little interest. Burger King’s venture into digital currency largely fell flat, though the company has since explored other crypto initiatives. Perhaps there’s still a chance for the burger chain to succeed in this space.

Nevertheless, Burger King’s attempt at cryptocurrency was noteworthy. While it didn’t achieve success, it highlighted the brand’s openness to adopting emerging technologies. As digital currencies continue to rise in popularity, other fast food chains might follow suit. Who knows—we might even see fast-food crypto millionaires in the near future!

7. KFC, the Movie

The connection between fast food and Hollywood is a fascinating one, with a long history of mutual influence. Often, movies collaborate with fast food brands for cross-promotional campaigns. In some cases, fast food chains even play a role in films themselves.

A well-known example is the 1980s film Mac and Me, which prominently featured McDonald’s. The fast food chain’s extensive promotion of the movie made it feel almost like a feature-length advertisement for the brand.

Surprisingly, the film earned a fresh rating of over 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning most critics actually enjoyed it. Titled A Recipe For Seduction, it joined the ranks of cinematic classics like Citizen Kane and The Godfather. Well, perhaps not quite on that level, but it certainly delivered more entertainment than anyone anticipated!

6. Yo Quiero Taco Hotel!

While Taco Bell often faces criticism, it remains a beloved and affordable fast food choice. The chain has consistently innovated in the realm of Mexican-inspired cuisine, offering bold menu items like Pop Rocks-filled burritos and tacos with fried chicken shells. But their creativity doesn’t stop at food.

In 2019, Taco Bell launched a pop-up hotel in Palm Springs, California, entirely themed around the brand. The hotel featured taco-shaped decor and Taco Bell-inspired amenities. All 70 rooms sold out within two minutes. Guests were treated to mini-fridges stocked with Taco Bell treats, unique experiences like cinnamon twist hair braiding, and poolside Baja Blast cocktails.

Interestingly, the hotel’s menu wasn’t your typical Taco Bell fare—it offered gourmet twists on the chain’s popular dishes. Even the pillowcases mimicked giant hot sauce packets, adding to the quirky vibe. So, before dismissing Taco Bell’s bold moves, remember this daring stunt. The brand thrives on taking risks and creating unforgettable experiences for its fans!

5. Burger Morgue

The fast food industry has shown its versatility by stepping up in unexpected ways during crises. One striking example took place in Miami during the 1980s, a decade marked by a violent drug war that gripped the city.

South Beach quickly gained notoriety as one of the world’s most dangerous drug hubs. Rival drug lords engaged in deadly conflicts, leading to an alarming surge in homicides. In 1980, there were 573 murders, followed by 621 in 1981—numbers that are almost unimaginable today. Miami officials faced an unprecedented challenge in combating this wave of violence.

The sheer volume of homicides overwhelmed the Miami-Dade morgue, which struggled to manage the influx of bodies. To address the crisis, the morgue reached out to Burger King for assistance. The fast food chain provided a refrigerated truck to store bodies, which the morgue rented for $800 per month. This solution remained in use until 1988, playing a critical role in ensuring proper handling and investigation of the deceased.

While the circumstances were undeniably grim, Burger King’s willingness to help highlights the potential of fast food infrastructure to serve communities in times of need. These resources can be repurposed to provide vital support during emergencies. Let’s hope, however, that such drastic measures won’t be necessary again in the future.

4. KFConsole

The PC gaming industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with console gaming playing a major role. While tech companies naturally dominate this space, it’s unusual for businesses outside the industry to venture into gaming.

Enter KFC! In 2020, the fried chicken giant unveiled the KFConsole, a gaming system that looked like a chicken bucket and even functioned as a chicken warmer.

Despite its quirky appearance, the KFConsole was no slouch in terms of specs. It featured an Intel Nuc 9 processor, an Asus-powered GPU, and two Seagate BarraCuda 1TB SSDs with PCIe NVMe speeds six times faster than standard drives. This made it a powerhouse for 4K gaming—and, of course, keeping your chicken warm.

While the price of the KFConsole wasn’t revealed at launch, its high-end specs suggest it wouldn’t come cheap. However, as of 2023, it still hadn’t hit the market, leading many to believe it might just be a clever marketing stunt. Sorry, gamers! But if you’re anything like us, just hearing about it probably has you craving some fried chicken.

The gimmick seems to be paying off. The KFConsole quickly captured the gaming community’s attention, thanks to its unconventional design and cutting-edge specs. While its future in the gaming market remains uncertain, KFC has clearly demonstrated its willingness to push creative boundaries in promoting its brand.

3. Life-Saving Delivery

This story isn’t about a fast food marketing stunt but rather an incredible act of heroism by Pizza Hut employees and customers. In 2015, staff at a Florida Pizza Hut proved they could do more than serve meals—they saved a family’s life in Avon Park.

Cheryl Treadway, a loyal Pizza Hut customer, found herself in a terrifying situation when her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson, held her and her children hostage. Armed with a large knife, Nickerson threatened to kill them if they attempted to escape. Desperate for help, Treadway knew she had to act quickly.

Remarkably, Treadway convinced Nickerson to let her use her phone to place an order via the Pizza Hut app. In the comments section, she discreetly requested that the restaurant call 911. Recognizing her as a regular customer, the staff took her plea seriously and immediately alerted the police, setting off a chain of events that saved her family.

The police responded swiftly, arriving just in time to arrest Nickerson and rescue Treadway and her children without any harm. Thanks to the alert Pizza Hut staff and Treadway’s quick thinking, a tragedy was averted.

2. Chicken-Covered Potholes

Potholes are a universal nuisance, causing frustration for drivers and passengers alike. They damage vehicles, create discomfort, and often go unaddressed for years, tarnishing a city’s reputation. Residents are left wondering where their tax dollars are going.

In 2009, KFC stepped in with an unconventional solution for Louisville, Kentucky. The fried chicken giant offered to repair 350 potholes at $3,000 each, with one condition: each repaired pothole would be marked with a chalk stencil reading “refreshed by KFC.” It was a simple yet creative way to address the issue.

Interestingly, KFC didn’t initially propose fixing potholes. They approached city hall with an offer to fund a local cause. The city chose to allocate the funds to pothole repairs, adding the stencil as a form of acknowledgment. This partnership not only solved a pressing problem but also improved the driving experience for residents, all thanks to a local company’s initiative.

The branded potholes doubled as a brilliant marketing strategy for KFC, with the stencils highlighting the company’s community involvement. Drivers also benefited from smoother rides, making it a win-win situation. It’s hard to argue with the success of this fast food marketing stunt!

1. Ronald McDonald, Consul General

McDonald’s, with its thousands of global locations and iconic golden arches, is a household name. Recently, the brand leveraged its widespread presence to assist American citizens abroad in unexpected ways.

Starting in 2019 in Austria, American citizens in need of consular help could visit their nearest McDonald’s for assistance. That’s right—McDonald’s effectively became a consulate! Instead of heading to the U.S. embassy, Americans could seek support directly from McDonald’s staff.

Trained McDonald’s employees now help Americans contact the embassy, report lost or stolen passports, and access travel assistance. For more complex issues, staff members coordinate with the embassy to ensure the problem is resolved.

It’s worth noting that while McDonald’s provides consular assistance to Americans, the restaurants remain under Austrian jurisdiction. This means visitors cannot use the Playplace as a refuge from legal issues or crimes, as Interpol and Austrian authorities retain full authority. However, if you need travel assistance, why not enjoy a McChicken or Big Mac while you’re at it?