Big-name brands have been known to throw punches at each other through clever new ad campaigns. Sometimes the effect is cringe; other times it’s straight-up genius.
Back in the 2010s, Samsung once poked fun at Apple Stores’ long lines, where iPhone users waited helplessly outside with hopes of getting their hands on the new model — while Samsung Galaxy users strolled by using their cool mobiles and making the Apple folks jealous.
Then there’s the world of fast food, where Carl’s Jr. recently changed how it cooks every burger as part of its all-new “Burger Revolution.”
The popular chain’s cooked-to-order initiative is “designed to deliver hotter, fresher and more consistently craveable burgers,” according to a news release. Rather than relying on traditional holding systems that can compromise temperature and flavor, Carl’s Jr. begins cooking burgers after a guest places an order and are served hot and fresh from the charbroiler.
Sure, this notion sounds like a no-brainer, but in the fast-food realm, knowing that another chain is now making the pledge is always a bit reassuring.
As part of its “revolution,” Carl’s Jr. recently called on customers to “hand over their crowns” as part of a limited-time promotion, whose messaging clearly took aim at Burger King (ouch).
Last month, Carl’s Jr.’s My Rewards loyalty members were able to submit a picture of a crown or a receipt from a disappointing competition burger via Instagram, and be rewarded with a promo code for a complimentary Angus Maximus.
For those not familiar, the menu option features two charbroiled, 100% Angus beef patties, melted American cheese, sliced onions, dill pickles and special sauce, all served on a buttery toasted brioche bun.
And when fast-food connoisseurs think “burger,” their minds might also veer to the Golden Arches. Carl’s Jr. hasn’t shied away from knocking the McDonald’s brand while promoting its cooked-to-order revolution. “Wonder what the clown thinks about this,” reads the caption of its recent Instagram post, for example. See below.