Best Areas in Chicago to Open a Restaurant in 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
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
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
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
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
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
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
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 McDonald's is captivating Pokémon fans with its limited-time Happy Meal featuring Pokémon Trading Cards and Pokémon GO activations.


McDonald's latest marketing campaign has taken a bold step by introducing Pokémon-themed Happy Meals nationwide. With each Happy Meal, customers not only get a delightful treat but also enter the vibrant world of Pokémon. The inclusion of Pokémon Trading Card Game booster packs, featuring four out of fifteen unique cards, adds a thrilling element of surprise and collectability to the meal experience. Alongside the cards, each Happy Meal contains a Pokémon poster and a sticker sheet, making it a comprehensive package that appeals to the nostalgia and excitement of Pokémon enthusiasts.
To enhance the Happy Meal experience, McDonald's has integrated a digital aspect through in-game codes accessible to customers who purchase the Happy Meal via the McDonald's app. These codes unlock 24-pack hourglasses and 12 wonder hourglasses, giving customers the opportunity to delve into the digital realm of Pokémon. By redeeming these hourglasses, players can open two digital booster packs and select a digital card through the Wonder Pick feature. This fusion of physical and digital engagement adds a modern twist to the traditional concept of collectible cards.
In a strategic move to further engage Pokémon fans, McDonald's has partnered with Pokémon GO to bring the virtual world of Pokémon into the real world at their restaurants. Through this collaboration, players can embark on Pokémon-hunting adventures by visiting sponsored PokéStops or Gyms located at all domestic McDonald's establishments. The activation also includes special weeks, spread from January to March, where players can encounter unique Pokémon attracted by Lure Modules and participate in exciting five-star raids at McDonald’s Gyms. This immersive experience bridges the gap between virtual gameplay and physical dining locations, creating a memorable interaction for players.
McDonald's deep understanding of its audience's nostalgia and love for the Pokémon brand is evident in the Happy Meal campaign. By tapping into the emotional connection fans have with Pokémon, McDonald's not only revives great memories but also cultivates new moments of joy and happiness. The Senior Marketing Director at McDonald's, Guillaume Huin, acknowledges the power of merging the brand's legacy with innovative campaigns, stating that creating excitement among fans is a key driver for successful partnerships.

The collaboration between McDonald's and Pokémon is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the iconic franchise. Since its inception in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a global phenomenon, generating over $150 billion in revenue and captivating audiences of all ages. By leveraging the success of Pokémon GO and the brand's widespread appeal, McDonald's not only attracts loyal fans but also introduces new generations to the enchanting world of Pokémon, expanding its brand reach and impact in the market.
McDonald's innovative approach to incorporating popular franchises like Pokémon into its marketing strategies sets a trend in the food industry. Other chains, like Burger King in 2008, have also utilized the allure of beloved characters to enhance kids' meal promotions. This strategic alignment between food establishments and entertainment brands not only boosts sales but also creates memorable dining experiences for customers, showcasing the power of effective brand collaborations in driving business growth and customer engagement.