It’s a competitive world for fast food chains. Iconic brands like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC are always trying to stand out. They compete to win over Americans’ taste buds and food budgets. So, it’s no surprise that they’ve done some crazy things to get noticed!
In this list, we’ll explore ten wild stunts by fast-food companies. These go beyond just adding items to the value menu. From branded hotels to international consulates and even fast food-flavored fragrances, these stunts are next-level. Here’s your order!
Smells Like the Hut!
The fragrance industry is huge, valued at billions worldwide. Celebrities and brands have jumped into the fragrance market, so why not fast food chains?
In 2012, Pizza Hut created a limited-edition perfume that smelled like freshly baked pizza dough. It wasn’t a joke; it was real! Pizza Hut Canada developed the fragrance to celebrate reaching 100,000 Facebook followers. They made only 110 bottles and gave them away to lucky fans.
Today, you might find a bottle on online marketplaces like eBay. The fragrance is no longer in stores and likely won’t be made again. But don’t worry, pizza fans! Other pizza-scented fragrances are available if you want to smell like Pizza Hut on your next date.
I Do… Want Fries with That
Food and romance often go together, as seen with dinner dates. Sharing a meal creates an intimate experience. While fast food isn’t the top choice for a first date, it can be charming for long-term couples.
Popular fast-food chains have noticed the potential for romantic occasions. In 2017, Domino’s Pizza launched a wedding registry, allowing couples to request pizza for their big day. Options included various pizzas and gift cards.
McDonald’s took it further in Hong Kong, offering customized wedding packages. These range from basic balloon decorations to deluxe packages with personalized invitations and gifts for up to 50 guests. Couples can even reserve the restaurant for two hours with an audio setup and a wedding DJ!
Fast food chains are recognizing the unique appeal of food-centric romance. Who knows—maybe a Big Mac and fries could be perfect for your next anniversary.
Crypto King
Cryptocurrency has become popular recently. Burger King jumped in early, launching its own digital currency called WhopperCoin in 2017.
Russian customers received one WhopperCoin for every ruble spent at the restaurant. However, it took 1,700 WhopperCoins to get a Whopper. The virtual currency was hosted on the Waves blockchain.
Despite its unique features, WhopperCoin failed to gain traction. By the end of 2018, one WhopperCoin was worth only $0.002 US. It didn’t catch on with Russian consumers, and Burger King’s venture mostly failed. Still, the company’s foray into cryptocurrency was notable.
It demonstrated BK’s willingness to embrace new technology. With the rise of digital currencies, other fast food chains might follow suit.
KFC, the Movie
Fast food and Hollywood have a long-standing relationship. Often, movies partner with fast food chains for cross-promotions. Sometimes, fast food chains are even featured in films, like McDonald’s in the ’80s movie Mac and Me.
KFC took things to a new level in 2020. They produced a Lifetime movie about their founder, Colonel Sanders, starring Saved by the Bell actor Mario Lopez. Though only 15 minutes long, it went beyond a typical brand promotion.
Surprisingly, it received a fresh rating of over 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. The short film, A Recipe For Seduction, provided more enjoyment for audiences than expected!
Yo Quiero Taco Hotel!
Taco Bell is a tasty and cost-effective fast food option. It has managed to stay edgy when it comes to Mexican-style cuisine. In 2019, Taco Bell introduced a pop-up hotel in Palm Springs, California, entirely themed around the restaurant chain.
It featured taco-shaped decor and Taco Bell-Hops. The resort’s 70 rooms were booked within two minutes. Guests enjoyed mini-fridges stocked with Taco Bell snacks and unique experiences like hair braiding with cinnamon twists, plus a swim-up bar for Baja Blast cocktails.
The food served was a gourmet spin on Taco Bell menu items. The pillowcases resembled giant hot sauce packets, adding to the quirky atmosphere. Taco Bell isn’t afraid to take risks and offer a unique experience to its fans!
Burger Morgue
The fast food industry has unexpectedly helped across America, including during times of crisis. In Miami during the 1980s, the city was in a violent drug war.
South Beach became known for violence, and the city saw a staggering number of murders. The Miami-Dade morgue was overwhelmed. To address the issue, the morgue turned to Burger King for help.
The fast food chain provided a refrigerated truck to store bodies, renting it for $800 per month. The truck was used until 1988, ensuring the city’s dead were properly handled and investigated.
Burger King’s willingness to assist Miami demonstrates the value of major fast food firms’ infrastructure. In crises, these assets can be repurposed to help those in need.
KFConsole
The PC gaming industry is a lucrative market. In 2020, KFC launched the KFConsole, a PC gaming system resembling a bucket of chicken that even doubled as a chicken warmer.
The KFConsole boasted an Intel Nuc 9 and an Asus-powered GPU, along with two Seagate BarraCuda 1TB SSDs. This made it highly capable for 4K gaming and warming chicken!
Though the price was not disclosed, its impressive tech features would cost a pretty penny. However, by 2023, it hadn’t hit the market yet, possibly just a marketing gimmick. The KFConsole quickly garnered attention in the gaming community.
Its unique design and technical capabilities are noteworthy, showing KFC isn’t afraid to think outside the bucket when promoting its brand.
Ronald McDonald, Consul General
With thousands of locations worldwide, McDonald’s is recognized globally. In Austria, starting in 2019, American citizens in need can visit the nearest McDonald’s for consular assistance. Yes, McDonald’s has become a consulate!
Instead of going to the U.S. embassy, Americans can request help from McDonald’s staff. Staff members are trained to assist Americans with contacting the embassy and obtaining aid, like reporting a lost or stolen passport or receiving travel assistance.
For serious concerns, staff coordinate with the embassy to address the issue. While McDonald’s offers consular assistance, the restaurants are still Austrian soil. You can’t seek refuge in the Playplace area to escape crimes. But if you need travel help, why not do it while eating a McChicken or Big Mac?
Chicken-Covered Potholes
Dealing with potholes on roads is frustrating. In 2009, Louisville, Kentucky, received a unique solution. KFC offered to fix 350 potholes in the city at $3,000 each. The only condition was that each pothole had to be branded with a chalk stencil that read “refreshed by KFC.”
The city chose to use the money to fix the potholes, adding the stencil as an in-kind payment. The partnership came together, the people got a problem addressed by their locally based company, and driving around town became smoother.
The branded potholes served as a clever marketing tactic for KFC, drawing attention to the company’s contribution to the community. It also gave drivers an easier ride!
Life-Saving Delivery
In 2015, Pizza Hut employees in Florida proved that fast food workers can be heroes. Cheryl Treadway, a regular customer, was being held hostage with her children by her boyfriend, Ethan Nickerson.
Nickerson threatened to kill them if they tried to leave. Treadway convinced Nickerson to let her use her phone to order food through the Pizza Hut app. In the comments, she asked the restaurant to call 911 and help her family.
The staff at Pizza Hut recognized Treadway and took her request seriously, contacting the local police. Cops arrived in time to arrest Nickerson and rescue Treadway and her children. Those observant Pizza Hut employees and Treadway’s quick thinking saved her family!
Fast food chains have gone to great lengths to stand out, from pizza-scented perfumes to fixing potholes. These crazy stunts show that they’re always looking for new ways to get your attention—and sometimes, even save the day. Who knew fast food could be so wild?
Which stunt surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
