Latest news with #MarkieDevo
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Sprite's ‘off-putting' new mashup is finally for sale
Much like the highly competitive world of fast food, the beverage space is also overflowing with brands trying to figure out the answer to a key question: how to get you to spend money on its products, not just once, but time and time again. In the fast-food space, a common tactic is to constantly bombard customers with something new. Sometimes that looks like fancy collaborations with influential celebrities, such as Korean band BTS collaborating with McDonald's for a limited-edition meal or Charli XCX making her own signature drink for Dunkin' Donuts. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Other times, it just looks like debuting a new seasonal menu full of items that make people "ooh and ahh." Starbucks is the master of this tactic, which is so well-executed that fans wait with bated breath for each year's drop (especially every fall for the brand's legendary Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with whatever new flavors Starbucks has managed to dream up). While it's not quite as impressive as a whole new menu, beverage companies also try to move with the seasons, offering things like Coca-Cola's new Orange Cream flavor, which is now being sold in stores. And speaking of Coca-Cola, it's also testing out a new flavor for its lemon-lime classic Sprite, and it sounds like a pretty unusual mashup. Back in January, Coca-Cola announced a new flavor of Sprite that was inspired by a viral TikTok trend where people popped a tea bag into their soda and steeped it for 20 minutes to see how it changed the flavor. Simply called Sprite + Tea, the drink is now available on store shelves and comes in both regular and zero sugar options. The release was flagged by food blogger Markie Devo, who posted about it on his X account on May 19 with a note that the drink had been spotted early at Walmart stores. Redditors who had tried the new flavor took to the message board's soda subreddit to discuss their takes on it, which ranged from positive to less than impressed. Related: How one brand is transforming the THC soda industry "I like it a lot I'm not a tea lover but this was a great drink and will be in my summer rotation!!" wrote user Lou-Lineas69. "Torn on this one - flavor is not bad, but I can't get over carbonated iced tea, and I was not ready for how that hit," wrote user Nhblacklabs. However, user HighwayStar77 was less than impressed, saying, "It has a very off-putting artificial tea flavor. Somehow doesn't taste very sweet, even with something outrageous like 65 grams of sugar. Imagine a watered-down brisk mixed with a cheap club soda. Not a fan. I had the plastic bottle version so maybe the canned version will taste better." While the legacy soda company is not making huge gains right now, it's still in the green when it comes to profit. Coca-Cola reported a net revenue growth of 3 percent for 2024 and 6 percent for the year during its earnings call on February 11. That's great news, especially in an economic climate where people are pulling back on unnecessary spending in the shadow of President Trump's tariffs. And speaking of tariffs, it sounds like Cola-Cola may be one company that's very well-positioned to weather them. In a recent interview with CNBC, Cola-Cola CEO James Quincy said that the company is "a profoundly local business from an operational point of view," and that "drinks in the U.S. are made by American workers in American factories." Thanks to that, the iconic company is not feeling the pinch as much as other companies that rely heavily on imports. "Our exposure to import/export, on a global basis, on a trade basis, is actually relatively low," Quincy said. Related: Anheuser-Busch brings back cult favorite beer The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Regal, AMC make a genius move to get people to the theater
While going to the movies and sinking into one of those plush red velvet seats that lean all the way back is a unique kind of pleasure, one can't deny that the whole affair of taking in a film at the theater has gotten pretty expensive. First there's ticket cost, which is roughly $20.49 per ticket if you're going to see an evening show. And that's a solo cost, so if you're going with your partner or kids, you'll need to multiply that number. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Then there's concessions - no movie feels right without popcorn. And most people pair that with a soda or some candy (or maybe both), so you can expect to shell out another $20-$30 there if it's just you, or more if you're there with friends or family. Should it happen to be a dine-in theater, you'll save on concessions but spend even more when it comes to being served in your seat. It's not a surprise to be presented with a bill for $50 or more at the end of your theater experience - and that's only if you didn't get alcoholic beverages. Add those in, and that bill could go to $100 or more. Related: AMC announces generous offer to win back customers It all sounds a bit nauseating when you think about the numbers - and it also really makes a case for why people spend more time at home with Netflix or other streaming services. They get a lot more access to a variety of content for their monthly subscriber price, and they don't have to get off the couch. To combat this, theaters have had to come up with some truly unique reasons to get folks to feel like going to the movies is truly worth it. Now, a new release is coming that is getting very special fanfare, and both Regal and AMC (AMC) have created a pretty compelling reason to buy yourself a ticket. Image source: Disney On May 23, a new live-action version of Disney's 2002 animated classic "Lilo & Stitch" is coming to the big screen. Lilo & Stitch has been a popular IP for Disney since the launch of the original film, so it's no surprise that the live-action film is getting lots of promotion (not to mention Disney likely wants people to forget about the vast flop that was the live-action "Snow White"). In advance of the film's release, it looks as if both AMC and Regal Cinemas are planning to get in on the action with a tactic that's been popular for several years: themed popcorn buckets. Food blogger Markie Devo shared a tweet on X on May 13 showing off the new buckets, as well as a variety of other collectible Lilo & Stitch items that collectors will flip out over. Related: Netflix CEO shares a controversial take on movie theaters Regal's items include a Stitch-shaped popcorn bucket and several drink cup options, with one shaped like Stitch and the others with cute graphics of Stitch surfing. Regal is also offering wearable Stitch ears and a special edition Dippin' Dots flavor called Hawaiian Crumble. If you decide to take the movie in at AMC, you'll also get themed popcorn buckets and cups, wearable ears, and several collectible figures of the little blue alien. As for food and drink, you can also get Hawaiian Crumble there, but there's an exclusive Icee called Blue Raspberry Wave as well. Both theaters are offering special fan events for the film's opening night along with the exclusive merch. Seeing the movie in a Regal 4DX theater will get you a free Stitch phone buddy, which attaches by suction cup to your phone, while seeing it at AMC will get you free Stitch-themed slap bracelets. Cinemark is also hopping in on the action with free water-bottle stickers. In his post, Devo also mentioned the items are hitting locations early, but not how to obtain them. A few years ago, AMC didn't sell any merchandise. But after trying out the idea as a way to get people to come back to the theater post-pandemic, the company discovered it had stumbled on success. In 2024, it made $65 million in revenue from merchandise alone. The popcorn bucket it created for the promotion of "Dune 2" also inspired viral fame, as it was modeled after a creature from the film but often drew crude comparisons to adult pleasure products. Along with continuing to lean into the popcorn bucket trend, AMC is also offering a new discount for moviegoers who come to the theater on Wednesdays. Tickets for evening films will be 50% for all AMC Stubs members, which is a free loyalty program offered by the theater chain. Related: AMC announces generous offer to win back customers The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Arby's customers aren't impressed with its new menu item: 'I wouldn't even try it for free'
Some Arby's fans say they'd rather eat anything but the chain's new Steak Nuggets. The limited-release menu item has sparked chaos on social media, where longtime customers are roasting the nuggets with brutal reviews. Launched in select locations in April, the Steak Nuggets have now expanded nationwide — and not everyone is thrilled. 'I'd sooner cook an iguana than try Arby's steak nuggets,' an X user wrote. 'Lmao Arby's steak nuggets looking like Burnt Strawberries,' another person responded. Some critics went even further, joking in a Reddit post that the meat looked like it came from squirrels, raccoons, gorillas — or worse. Arby's, known for its roast beef sandwiches and operating over 3,400 restaurants, recently added burgers to its permanent menu. The chain has remained tight-lipped on its new steak nuggets despite the social media backlash. However, food blogger Markie Devo revealed they were available in a 5 or 9-piece bowl and part of a Steak Nugget Sandwich. The so-called unappetizing nuggets come with a side of hickory barbecue sauce. The bowls consist of the Steak Nuggets with white cheddar mac and cheese topped with onions. The sandwich comes with nuggets, Havarti cheese, onions, pickles, and Arby's signature Horsey Sauce. The food blogger noted that some of the stores offering the steak are in Oklahoma, Florida, and Michigan. Arby's has not revealed if it plans to expand its Steak Nugget offerings. However, if customers continue to give the new food horrible reviews, the change of a nationwide expansion will likely decline. Arby's is one of multiple restaurants that has or is testing new food in North America this year. Me eating the new steak nuggets from Arby's — Big Polo 🏇 🏁 (@IwentHollywood) May 4, 2025 Social media users were disgusted by the Steak Nuggets, some of which claimed they wouldn't eat for free One of its biggest competitors, McDonald's, made headlines for testing a McVeggie sandwich in Canada. Burger King also made headlines for testing Nacho Chicken Fries at restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this year. The fries received positive reviews from critics, but it's unclear if Burger King plans to offer it again. Chipotle's honey chicken is one of its recent success stories, which, after being tested in restaurants last year, became a limited-edition menu item. When Arby's is not competing with fast food empires or aiming to satisfy customers, it's working to resolve lawsuits filed by customers claiming the chain downsized meals without lowering prices or informing customers.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Cheez-It releases new product fans believe is a prank 'I hope this is real'
Fans are having a hard time believing Cheez-It's new pizza with cracker-flavored crust isn't a late April Fool's prank. The popular snack brand confirmed the release of three Original Cheez-It pizzas yesterday in an Instagram post. The pizza is available in pepperoni, Italian four cheese, and cheddar jack supreme. Shoppers say they have already spotted the pizza in stores, while others are still questioning the timing. 'I had to double check that it wasn't April 1st. Still not over that extra salty prank from a few years ago,' a commenter wrote. 'These releases are so crazy no wonder people think it's an April Fools joke,' another fan responded. Food blogger Markie Devo was the first to leak the food news on March 31 and claimed it wasn't a prank after receiving a string of April Fool's Day comments. Customers interested in trying the pizza can do so by purchasing it at a select retailer for prices ranging from $6.99 to $9.99. The frozen pizza features a Cheez-It flavored crust that described as a 'crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped' Cheez-It cracker The snack was created in collaboration with the frozen pizza giant Palermo Villa Inc. Palermo's chief innovation officer Nick Fallucca described the crust as a 'crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped' Cheez-It cracker with fan-favorite toppings that complement it. Chains offering the product now include Kroger, Wegmans, and Winn-Dixie. Other retailers will begin selling it after the brand issues a wider pizza product rollout this summer. Fans who believed the first-of-its-kind product is real couldn't help but notice the similarities between the pizza and Taco Bell's limited-time tostada, along with Pizza Hut's Stuffed Cheez-It Pizza. The similarities didn't stop them from admitting that the new frozen pizza felt like a 'dream come true.' 'This just confirms that I will eat cheez-its in all possible ways,' a person wrote, adding they thought the pizza looked 'very good.' 'Just when I thought cheez-it couldn't get any better,' another shopper wrote.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dunkin debuts new summer menu items
By Published: Updated: Food blogger Markie Devo previously announced the beverages' upcoming arrival in an Instagram post earlier this month, along with three other upcoming items: Orange N' Vanilla Classic Donut, Pride Donut, and Summer Munchkin Bucket. Although fans have not stopped raving about the pistachio beverage, Instagrammers insisted they would 'skip out' on purchasing the Pride Donut and slammed the chain for not introducing new coffee flavors. 'Now I can't even eat my favorite rainbow sprinkle donut bc they have to name that [expletive] "pride" seriously,' a customer wrote. 'This is so lame honestly. No new exciting coffee flavors,' another person commented. Several social media users admitted they were excited to try the new beverages coming to Dunkin'. Commenters talked about the pistachio latte the most, which is a combination of espresso and a pistachio-flavored swirl topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and waffle cone pieces that reminds them of the chain's Pistachio Coffee. This nutty-flavored beverage is also the only new offering that comes hot or iced. Starting tomorrow, medium-sized cups of the new Tropical Guyava Dunkin' Refresher will be available for $3 all day, every day. The tropical drink includes B vitamins, and is available with green tea, lemonade, or sparkling water. Fans looking for food instead of a beverage can try the Iced Strawberry Lemon Loaf, which is a lemon load with a strawberry cake swirl topped with strawberry-flavored icing. Besides new products, Dunkin' gave its fans a new commerical celebrating its $6 Meal Deal starring actors James Marsden , Charles Melton, Tramell Tillman, Gavin Casalegno, influencer Dylan Efron, and comedian Zarna Garg. Customers who take advantage of the $6 Meal Deal will receive a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich with hash browns and a medium hot or iced coffee. Dunkin' Rewards members can celebrate the month of May with all new exclusive offers. The chain is starting off with a $2 10-count of Munchkins available tomorrow until May 15. Members can also earn extra points when ordering a half dozen or a dozen donuts and 25 or 50-count munchkins from May 10 to 11 to celebrate Mother's Day. Dunkin' will move on from munchkins and donuts and offer its Rewards members $3 Pretzel Sliders with a purchase of any beverage anytime between May 16 and May 31. Besides these offers, members can score 100 bonus points every Monday in May when placing an order ahead of time on the Dunkin' app. The new deals also come after Dunkin' confirmed it would stop charging customers additional money for dairy alternatives. Although fans were 'ecstatic,' they believed the change was 'inevitable' after Starbucks removed the surcharge last year. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
