Why Some Brand Extensions are Brilliant and Others are Just Awkward

When done correctly, a brand extension can be a huge hit, with the only complaint among consumers amounting to Why didn’t they do that sooner? Sometimes, though, the launch of a new product featuring a well-known brand is such a mismatch the reaction is more like What were they thinking?

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Fast Casual Restaurants Get 'Crafty'

Photo Credit: aleheads.comHipsters and beer lovers, rejoice: Last week, we told you that Chipotle would begin selling craft beer in 15 of its Chicago locations.

It turns out that another fast casual restaurant chain, Smashburger, will also begin to pair its menu items with some unique ale offerings. They join the good company of Noodles & Co. and pizza chain Bertucci's, who have both unveiled their plans to rollout craft beer, as well.

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Chipotle To Serve Craft Beer In 15 Chicago Locations

Burrito chain Chipotle is about to earn even more indie cred as several locations begin adding craft beer to their drinks lineups.

The burrito chain has long offered Mexican and Latin American imports like Corona and Pacifico at select eateries, as well as American standards like Miller Lite, but now 15 of Chipotle's restaurants in Chicago will serve two beers by 5 Rabbit Cerveceria, a Chicago-area microbrewery. Read More

Chipotle Proposes Changes

 Healthy. Fresh. Sustainable. When one thinks of Chipotle, these three adjectives usually come to mind. So why is the fast-casual restaurant being compared to McDonald’s?

Trailing the recently, much hyped downturn of Chipotle’s stock, founder Steve Ells has proposed some new changes: more commercial ads, a potential breakfast menu, and the addition of drive-through windows. Many wonder whether it will tarnish Chipotle’s reputation, as the potential new model doesn’t exactly hold true to its existing brand. Read More

Turn & Burn - No Fear Chipotle

Some analysts have attributed Chipotle's previous downturn in stock to Taco Bell's new healthier choice menu rollout. However, as you will see in this episode of Turn & Burn - No Fear Chipotle, competition probably didn't have much to do with it. Chipotle's recent stock rise proves this to be true. Watch as we delve into Consumer Trends from our Mid-Year Social Report to find out which Fast Casual Restaurants are claiming the Top 5 spots in social and service, and what Millennials, Boomers and Gen X'ers value most in a Fast Casual chain.