We have two examples of how technology is being used to slow down fast food in the hopes it will bring more people into these restaurants and keep them there a bit longer. In both cases, music plays a large role in making these environments more appealing.
McDonald’s is offering tunes for download and Kentucky Fried Chicken has a free digital jukebox that offers music based on location—R&B in urban locations and Top 40 in suburban stores. Disclaimer: Kentucky Fried Chicken is a client of my employer.
Starbucks is playing out a similar strategy. And, similar to my Starbucks post, I will wonder aloud if Ronald McDonald or Colonel Sanders will be sporting white ear buds anytime soon.
Side note: Chris Pirillo sees a much more interesting connection between fast food and high technology.
You forgot all the beer companies offering free download contests: Budweiser and Coors spring to mind first, and I noticed the non-stop advertisements during the NBA playoffs.
Posted by: Jeremy Pepper | 05/31/2005 at 05:20 PM
One sad thing you forgot to mention. None of these promotions will work on the iPod because they aren't MP3 or AAC files.
Doh!
Posted by: Ben | 05/31/2005 at 08:41 PM
Music doesn't make MacDonald more appealing to me or the price of coffee at Starbuck less insufferable. I wish others saw it like I do and just boycotted these places! You know what they say, "Friends don't let friends go to Donald's".
Cordially,
Anne Laszlo-Howard
Rushprnews, press release services and distribution
Posted by: Anne Laszlo-Howard | 11/02/2005 at 01:08 PM