NFL trio Brock Purdy, Saquon Barkley, and Coach Campbell star in Applebee's campaign, fans score with 50-cent wings

[Serendipia]

Image: Applebee’s

 

As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, Applebee's is making a bold play by partnering with some of the league's brightest stars in an innovative new campaign. The casual dining chain, now proudly wearing the title of Official Grill + Bar Sponsor of the National Football League, has recruited San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell for a unique venture that brings their gridiron prowess to the restaurant floor.

 

 

In a clever twist, Applebee's new campaign, dubbed 'Pre-Seasoning – An Applebee's Training Camp,' puts these NFL luminaries through their paces as they learn the ins and outs of restaurant service. A series of ad spots and a docu-style social series capture the entertaining journey of Purdy, Barkley, and Campbell as they tackle the challenges of taking orders, serving dishes, and mastering the art of customer service.

 

The behind-the-scenes footage offers fans a delightful glimpse into the players' personalities off the field. Viewers are treated to humorous moments, such as Dan Campbell employing his notepad as a makeshift play-calling shield while taking orders, mirroring his sideline tactics. This approach not only showcases the stars' versatility but also adds a refreshing and relatable dimension to Applebee's marketing strategy.

 

Joel Yashinsky, Applebee's Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the natural synergy between NFL fans and Applebee's patrons, viewing this partnership as an opportunity to deepen engagement with both sports enthusiasts and casual diners. The campaign aims to create a perfect blend of athletic excitement and culinary enjoyment.

 

To commemorate the NFL season kickoff, Applebee's is also offering a range of tempting promotions. Fans can indulge in America's Favorite Boneless Wings for just 50 cents each, available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

 

The restaurant chain has also introduced $10 NFL Bucket Cocktails, ideal for game day celebrations. Moreover, patrons can win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX through the Club Applebee's Super Bowl Sweepstakes, running until January 5, 2025.

 

 

This campaign arrives at a critical juncture for Applebee's, as the restaurant industry navigates challenges posed by consumer inflation concerns. By aligning with the NFL and leveraging the star power of its players, Applebee's aims to enhance its brand visibility and drive foot traffic to its locations. The comprehensive advertising campaign is set to make its presence felt across national TV, digital platforms, and NFL programming.

 

Applebee's partnership with the NFL and its star players showcases its dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans. By seamlessly merging the excitement of football with the joy of dining, Applebee's is creating a unique and memorable game-day atmosphere.

 

What do you think about this fusion of sports and dining? Does seeing NFL stars like Brock Purdy and Saquon Barkley as Applebee's servers make you more likely to choose Applebee's for your game day dining?

 

• https://adage.com/creativity/work/applebees-trains-brock-purdy-saquon-barkley-and-dan-campbell-be-servers-nfl-campaign/2578156
• https://musebyclios.com/sports/nflers-brock-purdy-and-saquon-barkley-work-at-applebees-now/
• https://www.applebees.com/en/news/2024/applebees-kicks-off-the-2024-nfl-season-with-americas-favorite-boneless-wings-for-only-50-cents