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# Horror-Inspired QSR Ads
A&W Restaurants Debuted a Halloween Campaign Called 'The Onion Ring'

By Riley von Niessen | Published 2020-10-29 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw-restaurants
References: [restaurantnews](http://www.restaurantnews.com/aw-restaurants-gets-creepy-with-cursed-prank-video-the-onion-ring-102820/) & [theonionringcurse](http://theonionringcurse.com)

In celebration of this year's [Halloween festivities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creepy-and-kooky-meal), [A&W Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-combos) unveiled a new advertising campaign that plays on the [classic horror movie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popeyes-freddy-fazbear-crunch-menu), '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

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.3/10
- Popularity: 53% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **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.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md)
- [Halloween-Celebrating QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-monster-menu.md)
- [Horror-Themed QSR Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-in-the-box-feeding-time.md)
- [Movie-Inspired Halloween Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/addams-family.md)
- [App-Only QSR Halloween Deals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/app-deals.md)
- [Trick-or-Treating QSR Offers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-pack.md)
- [Halloween-Honoring QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boo-bag.md)
- [After-Dark Pizza Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/market-street-halloween-pizza.md)
- [Show-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-meals-campaign.md)