Branding

Spotlight on Successful Restaurant Rebrands: Lessons Learned

Take a culinary journey through our exploration of successful restaurant rebrands, savoring the lessons learned along the way. No golden arches or mermaids in sight!

Words
Diana Donaldson
Published
January 22, 2024
Photo Credits: Underconsideration LLC

If you thought rebranding was just for the tech titans and multinational conglomerates, allow us to introduce you to the world of restaurant rebrands — hold the fries and the frappuccinos, please!

Photo Credits: 1000LOGOS

The Savory Success of Pizza Hut

Our first stop on this flavor-filled journey is Pizza Hut. Back in 2014, the 'Hut' decided to swap their simple, reliable, 'pizza-is-our-middle-name' persona for a hip, artisanal vibe. Sourdough crusts, Peruvian cherry peppers, and balsamic drizzles entered the menu and the vernacular. The gamble paid off, with increased relevance among younger diners and a renewed sense of brand identity that screamed ‘Gourmet!’ louder than a food critic at a fast food joint.

The Spicy Saga of Chili's Grill & Bar

Next, let's spice things up with Chili's Grill & Bar. After a period of dwindling sales, they decided to cut their menu by 40% in 2017. They traded quantity for quality, focusing on burgers, ribs, and fajitas. The result? A compact, efficient menu that kept customers (and accountants) smiling. It's a classic case of 'less is more', or should we say, 'less is delicious'.

The Sweet Success of Dunkin' Donuts

Finally, let's end with a sweet note at Dunkin' Donuts. No, we're not talking about a new frosted delight but a name change to just Dunkin'. In 2018, they dropped the 'Donuts', emphasizing their broader range of offerings. It was as if they said, "We're more than just your sugar fix!" The reaction? A resounding thumbs up from customers who loved the simplicity and inclusivity.

The recipe for a successful restaurant rebrand seems to include a dash of daring, a sprinkle of simplicity, a dollop of differentiation, and a huge helping of humor. Whether it's Pizza Hut becoming a buzzworthy pizzeria, Chili's morphing into a trimmed-down Tex-Mex haven, or Dunkin' shedding its donut skin, these brands illustrate that change, though scary, can lead to sizzling success.

So, next time you're crafting a rebrand strategy, remember to think outside the take-out box. And if all else fails, just remember: a little humor and a lot of cheese can make everything better. Bon appétit!

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What’s a Rich Text element?

What’s a Rich Text element?

What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?

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The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

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