Horror-Inspired QSR Ads

A&W Restaurants Debuted a Halloween Campaign Called 'The Onion Ring'

In celebration of this year's Halloween festivities, A&W Restaurants unveiled a new advertising campaign that plays on the classic horror movie, 'The Ring.'

With this theme in mind, ad parodies the name of the classic, showcasing a crispy onion ring that's given an eerie glow, which encases lettering that matches the film, which spells out 'The Onion Ring.' The campaign is paired with a dedicated website, which allows visitors to share a "cursed viral video" with their friends by texting them a URL. When opened, the link takes them to a black and white video that features the franchise's mascot, along with plenty of onion rings, and a creepy narration that highlights the deliciousness of the side.

Image Credit: A&W Restaurants

Horror-inspired Advertising
Exploring horror themes in advertising campaigns to capture attention and engage consumers in unique ways.
Interactive Marketing
Creating interactive experiences through dedicated websites and viral videos to generate intrigue and maximize consumer engagement.
Nostalgic Branding
Using references to classic horror films and iconic characters to evoke nostalgia and resonate with consumers.

Industries Being Reshaped

Fast Food Restaurant
Leveraging horror-inspired advertising campaigns to differentiate and attract customers in a competitive fast food industry.
Marketing and Advertising
Developing innovative and interactive marketing strategies that incorporate horror themes to create memorable brand experiences.
Film and Entertainment
Collaborating with brands to create horror-themed campaigns that promote movies and engage audiences in unique ways.
SCORE
4.3 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 53%
Activity 66%
Freshness 9%