Whether we’re talking about St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or Valentine’s, restaurant chains and other food companies will NEVER miss the chance to celebrate big holidays and events without at least trying to tantalize deals and new product launches.
This fast-approaching solar eclipse this month was, for many food chains, just another marketing opportunity. Whether you knew this or not, on April 8, a total solar eclipse will “darken” North America as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun for a while.
It’s quite a big deal, especially considering that the last solar eclipse in America was in August 2017, and there won’t be another one until August 2044 (at least not visible from America). Well, chain restaurants and food brands announced an interesting series of promotions, freebies, and limited-edition products and menu items.
They’re all meant to celebrate this rather historic event, and some of them will be exclusively offered on the day of the eclipse, but others are available later as well. Here are all the chains that prepared something for the solar eclipse:
Pizza Hut
If you get the chance to stop by the local Pizza Hut, you will be able to score a large pizza for only $12 as part of the chain’s new campaign called “Total Eclipse of the Hut.” Customers could take advantage of the offer when they order a “make-your-own” pizza with a maximum of ten toppings or even recipe pizzas like the Thin N’ Crispy, Hand Tossed Pizza, and Original Pan Pizza. The promotion is valid for dine-in and delivery orders as well as carryout orders.
SunChips
With such a name, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the staple snack brand has something quite significant lined up for this solar eclipse. On April 8, SunChips will finally drop a brand-new limited-edition flavor, known as SunChips Solar Eclipse Limited-Edition Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda. But anyone who’s interested in tasting this deluxe edition might have to be quick about it if they want to score a bag.
The brand is giving away the snack for free only during those four minutes and 27 seconds when the moon is expected to fully block out the sun in some parts of the world during the eclipse. The short window in which the chips will be available will commence at 1:33 p.m. CT on April 8.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King has a series of goodies lined up for fans as a way to celebrate the solar eclipse. From March 27 through April 8, the chain offers a new limited-edition Eclipse Berry Blitz at stores all over the country. It has bananas, wild blueberries, an apple, a blueberry juice blend, a white grape lemon juice blend, a protein blend, and blue spirulina.
Besides, anyone who visits a Smoothie King location that’s also on the path of the solar eclipse and buys an Eclipse Berry Blitz smoothie will also receive a free pair of eclipse glasses. Customers who are interested in scoring a pair should visit the local Smoothie King to confirm whether the glasses are available.
Tim Hortons
If you get the chance to stop by a Tim Hortons, you might find a limited-edition treat that pays homage to the solar eclipse. From April 1 through April 8, the chain will have a new Solar Eclipse Donut made of yeast dough filled with vanilla fluff and topped with vanilla fondant and cookie crumbs. To make things even more interesting, it’s in the shape of the crescent moon.
Raising Cane’s
For all Raising Cane’s fans out there, you will rejoice! The regional chicken chain will give away a free piece of its famous Texas toast with any combo purchased on April 8, but only in specific locations along the path of totality, meaning where the full eclipse can be seen.
A full list of participating locations can be easily found here. Raising Cane’s will also launch a contest that will award one lucky customer free food for 20 years as a celebration of the solar eclipse. Those who are interested in joining should consider visiting the chain’s website. Each and every entry will earn customers a specific mobile code for a free Texas toast they can easily redeem from April 8 through April 14.
Burger King
Burger King is also giving out free Whoppers to participants in its Royal Perks loyalty program as a celebration of the solar eclipse. Any members who are willing to text the word “ECLIPSE” to 251251 on April 8 will automatically receive a BOGO Whopper offer that you can use until April 15. The deal can only be redeemable through the Burger King app and website.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is constantly releasing exciting new limited-edition donuts that also happen to coincide with big holidays and events. As you can imagine, the solar eclipse is no exception. The chain will launch a new Total Solar Eclipse Donut on April 5 and offer it through April 8. It also features an Original Glazed Donut that’s dipped in black chocolate icing and then topped with silver sprinkles, a buttercream frosting made with Oreo pieces, and an entire Oreo cookie.
Sonic
Sonic was inspired by the temporary darkness caused by a solar eclipse when it made its eye-popping new Blackout Slush Float. The drink also features cotton candy and dragon fruit-flavored slush topped with vanilla soft serve and cute galaxy-themed sprinkles.
This offering started nationwide on March 25 and will continue to be available through May 5 while supplies still last. Any customers who decide to buy a Blackout Slush Float are also likely to receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses while supplies still last.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a brand known for its super-high-quality ingredients and tasty flavors, launched an entire line of ice cream flavors for this solar eclipse. The new Punk Stargonaut collection also includes four new options:
- Nebula Berry is a new ice cream that also features the flavors of blueberry, raspberry, and elderflower.
- Cosmic Bloom is a tasty, tropical new ice cream with the flavors of mandarin, kiwi, and passion fruit.
- Purple Star Born is the first-ever grape ice cream from the brand. It has the flavors of Concord grape and blackcurrants.
- Supermoon is a returning flavor that tastes just like candied violet and marshmallows, which is somewhat similar to marshmallow cereal milk.
Chili’s
If you feel you can’t get enough of Chili’s appetizers, you might find yourself making a beeline to the chain for the solar eclipse. Those who decide to order an adult entree on April 7 or 8 can also score a free appetizer when they decide to use the code “Appclipse.” The offer will be valid for all in-restaurant and to-go orders.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven customers who decide to subscribe to the chain’s subscription delivery service, 7NOW Gold Pass, will automatically get a pizza for only $3 all day on April 8. Even better, subscribers will be able to add a free pair of solar eclipse glasses to any given order between April 4 and April 8. The offer might be available while supplies still last.
Snapple
Right on time for the solar eclipse, Snapple expanded its drink selection with a brand new juice called “cosmic citrus fusion.” The new Snapple Elements Sun is a light, tasty beverage that features the flavors of starfruit, orange, and nectarine.
Those customers who are interested can easily use the Snapple website to check its availability for purchase in that specific area. The brand also hosts a Snapple Solar Speakeasy pop-up in New York City, where guests will be able to try a sample of a series of Snapple drinks within an immersive eclipse experience.
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