Best Restaurant Marketing Ideas for 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
This guide outlines restaurant marketing ideas that help operators attract nearby customers, convert demand faster, and strengthen long-term retention.
Apr 16, 2026
A clear host training process helps restaurants manage greetings, waitlists, reservations, seating decisions, and guest communication more consistently.
Apr 15, 2026
Chipotle reshapes loyalty with Rewards on Repeat, blending in-store promotions, staff incentives, and simpler redemption to boost traffic.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Salah Ait Mokhtar on Unsplash
A refined look at Papa Murphy’s strategy as MTY guides a cautious turnaround amid a crowded pizza landscape—digital play, local marketing, and a new Detroit-style offering.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Sergio Mena Ferreira on Unsplash
Mo’ Bettahs leaves Kansas City as it pivots to a PE-backed national expansion to Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Minneapolis.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Kate Trysh on Unsplash
Applebee’s O-M-Cheese Burger fuses spectacle with value, driving social buzz and foot traffic—a signal for the skillet-cheese moment in casual dining.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Diego Mattevi on Unsplash
GoTo Foods taps Misra and Lambert to harmonize digital momentum with disciplined development across seven brands, aiming for stronger guest experiences and franchisee economics.
Apr 16, 2026
Bojangles launches Bo’s Chicken Rippers in an eight-week pilot, turning bites into a hands-on, sauce-forward experience with interactive, tear-apart slabs.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by Jim Sosengphet on Unsplash
Popeyes teams with One Piece for a limited menu and merch drop, blending bold flavors with anime fandom to boost traffic and loyalty.
Apr 16, 2026
Photo by dedy kurniawan on Unsplash
A close look at Jersey Mike’s rapid expansion, leadership shift, and international push under Blackstone’s ownership.
Apr 16, 2026
Discover the limited-time Dulce de Leche Frappé by McDonald’s, celebrating Latin American flavors. Learn about the campaign, ingredients, and the impact of espresso machine outage.
Photo by (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin on Unsplash
Photo by (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin on Unsplash
McDonald’s has recently introduced the limited-time Dulce de Leche Frappé, capturing the essence of Latin American flavors. The campaign accompanying this launch celebrates the various names Latinos use to refer to this delectable flavor, such as cajeta, manjar, manjar blanco, arequipe, and others. This strategy aims to connect with the diverse Latino community and honor their rich culinary heritage.
Photo by (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin on Unsplash
To amplify the reach of the Dulce de Leche Frappé campaign, McDonald’s has collaborated with Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy. Known for his role in Netflix’s popular series “One Piece,” Godoy's involvement adds a touch of star power to the promotion. Through this partnership, McDonald’s enhances its connection with Latin American audiences and creates a buzz around the new beverage offering.
As part of the promotion, McDonald’s has introduced Dulce de Leche carritos (carts) at select locations in Southern California and Miami. These carritos offer free samples of the new frappé, allowing fans to experience the flavor before making a purchase. Additionally, customers have the opportunity to win exclusive merchandise and Arch Cards, adding excitement to their McDonald’s visit.
Dulce de Leche, a beloved Latin American flavor, is derived from caramelized milk, milk candy, or milk jam. McDonald’s version of the beverage features a luscious combination of caramel base, dulce de leche syrup, whipped cream, and caramel pieces. This indulgent drink provides a taste of authenticity and tradition, appealing to both new and existing customers.
Interestingly, McDonald’s Dulce de Leche Frappé, unlike the chain's McCafé Frappé line, is not espresso-based. This distinction becomes crucial as many McDonald’s espresso machines were reported to be out of commission for over two weeks due to safety concerns. The outage affected various espresso-based beverages like lattes, Americano, and macchiatos, highlighting the operational challenges faced by the fast-food giant.
McDonald’s, along with its supplier Melitta, is actively working to address the espresso machine outage and determine the extent of its impact on different locations. With a significant portion of the menu dependent on espresso-based drinks, including popular options like lattes, the restoration of these machines is crucial for providing a seamless experience to customers. NRN's follow-up with McDonald’s and Melitta indicates ongoing efforts to resolve the issue promptly.