Giveaways can help franchises

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Stacey Fousse

One of the best ways for franchises to raise their level of exposure is by cross-promoting with popular films. By linking two brands together, franchisees will be able to take advantage of the buzz surrounding a big-budget film. With that in mind, one of leading fast food franchises is giving movie fans the chance to win a souped-up car from a soon-to-be released blockbuster movie.

CKE restaurants, parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, announced that it was launching the "Key to Black Beauty" sweepstakes, which will give fans the chance to win the car from Sony Pictures' the Green Hornet and other prizes. The leadership at CKE said that fans visiting the franchises would not only get to experience the high-quality food, but also get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"The Green Hornet sweepstakes at all Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants offers a grand prize that is truly one-of-a-kind," said Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for CKE Restaurants. "The Black Beauty car is really one of the stars of the film, and now one lucky guest will be its owner."

CKE restaurants made other headlines recently after it gave away a major cash prize in celebration of Hardee's 50th birthday. Sandra Elliott won $10,000 after successfully spinning the Wheel of Awesome on the franchise's Facebook page.