Fast food chains are known for more than just their quick and savory offerings. Over the years, they’ve engaged their customers with numerous promotions and contests, some of which have been truly epic.
We’ve dredged up eight of the best fast food contests that have ever taken place.
8. McDonald’s Monopoly
Perhaps the most famous fast-food contest is McDonald’s Monopoly, which first launched in 1987. Customers collect Monopoly game pieces attached to food items, aiming to gather all the properties of a particular color, railroad properties, or utilities to win cash and prizes.
Although the contest was not without its controversies, it’s undeniable that it became a significant part of the McDonald’s brand and an exciting game for millions around the world.
7. Taco Bell’s Gold PS4 Giveaway
In 2013, Taco Bell collaborated with Sony to give their customers a chance to win a limited edition gold PS4 bundle. Every Big Box order came with a code that consumers could text to a specific number for a chance to win.
The contest lasted for six weeks, with a winner announced every ten minutes. It certainly added an exciting element to ordering a burrito.
6. Starbucks for Life
Starbucks started the “Starbucks for Life” contest in 2014. To participate, customers had to earn game pieces by making purchases with a Starbucks card or through the app during the holiday season. The grand prize was 30 years of free Starbucks drinks, making it an appealing contest for the coffee aficionados.
5. Burger King’s Whopper Sacrifice
Burger King’s Whopper Sacrifice was a unique social media campaign launched in 2009. Customers had to ‘sacrifice’ ten of their Facebook friends to win a free Whopper.
The campaign was so successful that it was halted after ten days because too many friendships were being ‘sacrificed.’
4. Subway’s Golden Ticket Scratch And Win
Subway launched the “Golden Ticket” Scratch and Win, and Instant Win contest in 2020 where fans could win numerous prizes including, a $3000 trip to Los Angeles, Subway gift cards, Fanatics gift cards, Gatorade GX, and more. There were over 200,000 prizes to be won.
3. Wendy’s NCAA March Madness Bracket
Wendy’s partnered with NCAA for the March Madness bracket in 2019. Fans were invited to fill out their brackets on the official Wendy’s March Madness website, with the chance to win free food for a year and other prizes
2. Pizza Hut’s Book It! Program
Though not a traditional contest, Pizza Hut’s Book It! program deserves a spot on this list.
This reading incentive program was launched in 1984 and rewards elementary school students with pizza for reading books. It was a fantastic way to encourage reading while enjoying a delicious slice, and a free personal pan pizza.
1. Dunkin’s Design a Donut Contest
In 2009, Dunkin’ Donuts launched a contest asking fans to design their dream donut. The winner would receive $12,000 and see their donut creation sold in participating Dunkin’ stores nationwide. This contest allowed customers to not only indulge in their favorite donut but also be a part of its creation process.
Prizes And Promos
These contests show how fast food chains have ingeniously leveraged the power of engagement by creating contests where customers are rewarded for eating at their chain.
The numerous prizes and promotions throughout the years definitely drummed up business for every brand that offered them. Often, they were so successful, they would run out of game pieces or the food items associated with them.
