How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Discover how Sonic Drive-In embraced the pickle trend with Grillo's Pickles through a unique marketing campaign. Learn about the collaboration, product offerings, and the success of the 'Pickle the World' promotion.
Photo by Lucas Gallone
Photo by Lucas Gallone
Sonic Drive-In, known for its iconic offerings, embarked on an unconventional journey into pickle mania with the guidance of CMO Ryan Dickerson. Initially hesitant about the idea, Dickerson recognized the trend's relevance to the evolving tastes of Gen Z consumers. The partnership with Grillo's Pickles, a brand synonymous with unique collaborations, paved the way for Sonic's innovative foray into the briny world of pickles.
The collaboration between Sonic and Grillo's resulted in a range of limited-time promotions that pushed the boundaries of traditional fast-food offerings. From the pickled-themed Sonic Smasher burger to pickle-seasoned fries and tater tots, the menu catered to adventurous eaters seeking novel flavor experiences. The introduction of the Picklerita Slush, featuring 'flavor bubbles' reminiscent of boba tea, further exemplified Sonic's commitment to unique culinary creations.
Photo by Lucas Gallone
Sonic Drive-In made a bold statement with the 'Pickle the World' campaign, showcasing the brand's willingness to embrace unconventional marketing strategies. The collaboration between Sonic's CIO character and Grillo's mascot, Sam-Sam, brought a touch of whimsy through a visually stunning 30-second advertisement that featured over 2,000 real pickles to create a memorable 'pickle rain' effect.
Photo by Lucas Gallone
Despite initial reservations, the success of the pickle-focused campaign underscored the importance of trusting in creative partnerships and pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising. Sonic's approach to practical effects over generative artificial intelligence highlighted the brand's commitment to authenticity and humor, resonating with consumers seeking genuine and entertaining content.
The strategic collaboration between Sonic and Grillo's served as a testament to the power of innovative marketing in capturing consumer interest. Ryan Dickerson's insights into balancing creativity, partnership dynamics, and market trends shed light on the thought process behind executing a successful campaign. As Sonic continues to evolve its seasonal offerings and engage with trending flavors, the pickle mania campaign stands out as a prime example of embracing unique opportunities in the fast-food landscape.