A Festive Look at Franchises Embracing the Reason for the Season
Charitable fast-food franchises serve up more than festive flavors and gift-worthy winter swag during the holiday season. And their impact doesn’t end when the decorations come down. By teaming up with local and national charities, these brands have the opportunity to give back in meaningful ways, helping feed, clothe and provide toys in underserved communities.
A YouGov survey across 17 international markets shows that more than two in five consumers are more likely to support charitable brands. But giving back goes beyond boosting sales — it’s about building trust and lasting relationships within franchisees’ communities and encouraging altruism among their teams.
The following fast-food franchisors went above and beyond this holiday season to give back to the communities they serve. Read on for some holiday cheer!
Fast-Food Franchisors Give Back for the Holidays
Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is awarding more than $10 million in grants through the end of this year to nonprofit organizations working to make a positive difference in the lives of children battling illness or hunger. “Our goal is simple: Ensure that every grant we award creates a meaningful and lasting impact for children in the communities we serve,” foundation Director Mollie Collum said. “The scale of this year’s giving reflects both the growing need and the extraordinary commitment of the entire Dunkin’ system.”
Money for the annual effort is raised by Dunkin’ franchisees, crew members and their communities through initiatives such as Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, which generated $2 million in just one day this year; the Dunkin’ x BARK dog toy partnership, available at participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide and online; and additional in-store giving programs.
Funds are distributed through the foundation’s Community Impact Grants, which benefit organizations helping children and families experiencing food insecurity, and Signature Impact Programs aimed at delivering joy to pediatric patients. Signature Impact Programs, open to formed select restaurants into holiday-themed spaces with seasonal décor, special events and a limited-time holiday menu featuring limited-time cocktails, seasonal food items and shareable treats. hospitals and community health centers, including Dogs for Joy, Dunkin’ Connecting Joy, Dunkin’ Prom and Dunkin’ Joyful Spaces.
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $70 million to local and national organizations since its inception in 2006.
Fast-Food Franchises Partner with No Kid Hungry
Hunger and food insecurity are especially acute for struggling families during the holiday season. To help ensure children and their families have access to meals, several fast-food franchises have partnered with the nonprofit No Kid Hungry.
Brands including Arby’s, Chipotle, Denny’s, Habit Burger & Grill and Tropical Smoothie Cafe encouraged customers to support programs feeding children in need by rounding up their purchases or making full donations. The Arby’s Foundation doubled guests’ donations up to $200,000. Denny’s pledged to donate at least $500,000 to No Kid Hungry. Habit Burger & Grill also gave guests a free Double Charburger with their $1 donation and minimum $5 purchase. Tropical Smoothie Café also donates $1 to No Kid Hungry from every Sunshine Smoothie sold throughout the year.
“Hunger doesn’t take a holiday, and the need is more urgent than ever,” said Allison Shuffield, managing director of corporate partnerships at Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry.
Pop’s Beef Makes the Season ‘Beefy and Bright’
Pop’s Beef joined the Marine Corps Reserve’s annual Toys for Tots drive, encouraging guests to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids in need. The franchise, which specializes in Italian beef and sausage, burgers, hot dogs, salads and more, also commemorated Small Business Saturday by giving festive holiday ornaments to the first 100 customers at each location who whispered, “beefy & bright.”
TGI Fridays Teams with Toys for Tots
TGI Fridays ramped up its holiday celebration by teaming with Toys for Tots to solicit guests’ toy donations benefiting local children’s hospitals and charities.
