Fast Food Ideas: 9+ Menu & Marketing Innovations For 2024

The fast food industry has grown more than 3% on average each year over the last five years according to IBIS World. 

However, with a growing market rising to nearly $403 billion in projected revenue for 2024, IBIS notes, “Fast food giants must invest in R&D to keep pace with today's customers. Continuous innovative efforts are essential to satisfying evolving consumer expectations and staving off competition in the ever-changing market landscape.”

In this article, we’ll explore the best fast food ideas, from new menu items to effective marketing strategies, to help you stand out from your competitors and achieve success.

Key takeaways

• The best fast food ideas rely on both a high-quality product and effective marketing campaigns.

• Some of the top ways for innovating new fast food menu ideas include considering plant-based and global cuisine options, offering customizable bowls, and implementing seasonal and limited-time-only offers.

• To make the most of your fast food marketing strategy, consider ideas like gamifying your loyalty program, improving your social media campaigns, promoting sustainability initiatives, and collaborations.

• Study classic examples of successful fast food menu items and marketing ideas and implement the lessons you learn into your own menu.

5 innovative fast food menu ideas

By offering fresh, creative menu options that cater to evolving customer preferences, you can stay ahead in a competitive market. With that in mind, here are five innovative fast food ideas that can help elevate your menu, attract new customers, and keep loyal diners coming back for more.

1. Plant-based options

The rise of plant-based diets has created an amazing opportunity for fast food chains to expand their menu offerings. By introducing more vegetarian and vegan options, you can cater to a growing demographic of health- and eco-conscious customers. 

A few ideas for incorporating plant-based options into your fast food menu include:

• Plant-Based Burger Alternatives: Develop plant-based patties or partner with established brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods to offer meatless versions of classic burgers.

• Vegan Chicken Substitutes: Create crispy, breaded plant-based chicken alternatives for sandwiches, nuggets, and wraps.

• Dairy-Free Milkshakes: Introduce creamy, indulgent milkshakes made with almond, oat, or coconut milk to appeal to lactose-intolerant and vegan customers.

• Veggie-Centric Sides: Offer roasted vegetable medleys, cauliflower wings, or zucchini fries as healthier alternatives to traditional french fries.

2. Global fusion cuisine

Using international flavors in familiar fast food formats can attract adventurous eaters and provide a unique selling point for brands. Some examples could be:

• Korean-Inspired Burgers: Introduce bulgogi-seasoned patties topped with kimchi slaw and gochujang mayo.

• Indian-Spiced Chicken Sandwiches: Create a tandoori-style chicken filet with mint chutney and cucumber raita on naan bread.

• Mexican-Japanese Fusion Tacos: Offer sushi-grade tuna or tempura shrimp tacos with wasabi crema and pickled ginger.

• Mediterranean Pizza: Develop a thin-crust pizza topped with feta cheese, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and za'atar seasoning.

• International-Inspired Sauces: For a more low-key introduction, try offering sauces featuring international flavors, like teriyaki or curry.

3. Customizable bowls

You can also capitalize on the growing trend of customizable meals by offering build-your-own bowl options, such as:

• Protein Bower Bowls: Allow customers to choose a base (quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens), protein (grilled chicken, steak, tofu, or fish), and various toppings and sauces.

• Breakfast Grain Bowls: Offer customizable morning bowls with options like steel-cut oats, chia seeds, fresh fruits, nuts, and sweeteners.

• Poke-Inspired Bowls: Create a fast food version of the popular Hawaiian dish with options for raw fish, marinated tofu, and various mix-ins.

• Salad Bar Reinvented: Modernize the classic salad bar concept with premium ingredients and unique dressings.

4. Seasonal menu items

Introducing seasonal specials can create excitement and urgency among customers, encouraging repeat visits. Here are a few ideas for each season:

• Summer Fruit-Infused Items: Offer mango salsa-topped tacos, watermelon feta salads, or peach cobbler milkshakes during warmer months.

• Fall Harvest Specials: Create pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts, or roasted butternut squash soups for autumn.

• Winter Comfort Foods: Introduce peppermint mocha frappes or gingerbread-flavored desserts during colder seasons.

• Spring Refresh Options: Develop light and fresh menu items like lemon-herb grilled chicken sandwiches or strawberry spinach salads.

5. Day-of-the-week specials

Create rotating daily specials to encourage customer loyalty and increase foot traffic on slower days. Some examples include:

• Meatless Mondays: Offer discounts on vegetarian and vegan menu items to start the week.

• Taco Tuesdays: Introduce unique taco variations or discounted taco combos.

• Wing Wednesdays: Feature different wing flavors or sauces each week at special prices.

• Throwback Thursdays: Bring back discontinued menu items or offer retro-inspired specials.

5 classic examples of successful fast food menu ideas

Some menu items become iconic not just because of their taste, but due to the perfect combination of innovation, marketing, and customer appeal. These classic fast food successes offer inspiration for how the right product and strategy can create lasting demand.

1. McDonald's: Big Mac

The Big Mac’s signature combination of two beef patties, special sauce, and the middle bun created a memorable and unique flavor profile. Its size offered more than a standard burger but was still manageable to eat quickly, fitting perfectly into the fast food model. 

On the marketing side, McDonald's amplified its success with iconic campaigns like the jingle "Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” This made the Big Mac’s ingredients unforgettable.

2. KFC: Original Recipe Chicken

KFC’s Original Recipe Chicken is a prime example of how flavor innovation can lead to menu success. The secret blend of 11 herbs and spices gave KFC a signature product that was hard for competitors to replicate. 

KFC also leveraged the image of Colonel Sanders as a trustworthy, folksy figure, which helped build a sense of authenticity and tradition around the brand. 

The "Original Recipe" marketing created an air of exclusivity that enticed customers to choose KFC for its one-of-a-kind flavor. The combination of a proprietary product and the branding of heritage made this menu item a fast food staple.

3. Taco Bell: Crunchwrap Supreme

The Crunchwrap Supreme’s success stems from its product innovation and marketing aimed at convenience. 

By combining multiple textures (crispy tostada shell and soft tortilla) and flavors (seasoned beef, nacho cheese, sour cream) in a portable, handheld format, Taco Bell created a menu item that satisfies cravings while catering to busy, on-the-go customers. 

From a marketing perspective, Taco Bell’s "Live Más" campaign targeted a younger, adventurous demographic, showcasing the Crunchwrap as an exciting, convenient meal option. 

4. Subway: Footlong Sandwich

The Subway Footlong became an industry game-changer due to its focus on customization and perceived value. 

Customers could choose from a wide range of fresh ingredients, allowing them to create a sandwich exactly to their tastes, while the larger portion size appealed to those looking for more food at a reasonable price. 

The "Five Dollar Footlong" marketing campaign was incredibly successful in positioning the Footlong as both an affordable and generous option, attracting cost-conscious consumers. This combination of customization, portion size, and aggressive pricing made the Footlong a powerful fast food idea that drove Subway’s success for years.

5. Chick-fil-A: Original Chicken Sandwich

Chick-fil-A’s Original Chicken Sandwich exemplifies how focusing on quality and simplicity can lead to long-term success. 

The product itself—breaded chicken breast with pickles on a buttered bun—became the standard for fast food chicken sandwiches due to its consistent quality and taste.

Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A’s marketing reinforced this focus on quality through campaigns like "We Didn’t Invent the Chicken, Just the Chicken Sandwich," positioning the item as the gold standard. 

The "Eat Mor Chikin" campaign, featuring cows advocating for eating chicken instead of beef, added a layer of humor and memorability that helped distinguish the brand.

4 Innovative fast food marketing ideas

As we saw with many of the most classic fast food menu item ideas, the way you market and position your product can make a huge difference in its success. So, let’s explore some innovative fast food marketing ideas you can employ.

1. Gamification of loyalty programs

By incorporating game-like elements—such as challenges, levels, and rewards—into a loyalty program, you can engage customers on a deeper psychological level.

This can help them feel like they’re participating in an enjoyable game rather than a transactional process. Additionally, it provides a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing brand loyalty as customers aim to unlock new rewards and exclusive benefits.

For example, Starbucks has mastered this with its Starbucks Rewards program, where customers can earn stars that unlock different tiers of rewards. Seasonal challenges, like earning extra stars for purchasing certain items, create a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging customers to return frequently.

Fast food chains can take this a step further by integrating mobile apps that:

• Track progress

• Display leaderboards

• Offer personalized challenges based on a customer’s order history

• Introduce friendly competition

• Incorporate limited-time “missions” for extra points 

Ultimately, this strategy helps your fast food brand turn the mundane act of buying food into an interactive experience, driving repeat business and enhancing customer loyalty.

2. Social media-driven campaigns

Social media campaigns are a great way to generate buzz around your latest fast food menu items. By creating engaging, shareable content, you can encourage user-generated content (UGC) and drive brand visibility.

To make the most of your social media marketing, consider using these effective strategies:

• Branded Challenges: Encourage customers to participate in fun challenges that promote your products. For example, launching a unique eating challenge or a dance related to your fast food item can quickly go viral, especially on TikTok.

• Shareable Packaging: Visually-striking and eco-friendly packaging can become an extension of your marketing. Platforms like Instagram are ideal for showcasing limited-edition packaging, bold designs, and sustainability elements. You might also consider adding QR codes that unlock filters or special content.

• Customer Polls and Voting: Give customers a voice in your brand by allowing them to vote on upcoming menu items or flavor combinations. Letting customers participate in decision-making not only drives interaction but also builds excitement around new product launches.

• Event Promotion: Social media isn’t just for virtual engagement—it can also drive real-world foot traffic. Use platforms like Facebook to create and promote events such as limited-time menu launches, pop-up shops, or exclusive dining experiences.

• Influencer Partnerships: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for influencer marketing, where influencers can create authentic content around your menu items, share their dining experiences, or host giveaways.

3. Sustainability initiatives

Implementing environmentally-friendly practices not only reduces your impact, but also attracts a loyal, eco-minded customer base. 

This is especially important for younger consumers. First Insight reports 62% of Gen Z shoppers prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and 73% are willing to pay more for sustainable products.

Here some some sustainability initiatives you might consider implementing:

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Switch to compostable or biodegradable packaging. Highlight your use of sustainable materials on social media or packaging itself to showcase your commitment to reducing waste, as seen with brands like Chipotle.

• Waste Reduction Programs: Allow customers to use reusable cups like Starbucks.

• Local & Ethical Sourcing: Partner with local suppliers to cut down transportation emissions and support ethical practices. Share supplier stories on Instagram or your website to connect with customers and emphasize sustainability.

• Sustainable Menu Options: Add plant-based items with a lower carbon footprint, such as Burger King’s Impossible Whopper. Highlight the environmental benefits of these products in your marketing.

• Publish Sustainability Reports: Provide transparency around your sustainability targets and build trust with customers. Showcase energy-efficient equipment and sustainability goals, like carbon-neutral targets. 

4. Collaborations

Partnering with other brands, influencers, or creators can bring fresh energy to your fast food marketing strategy. Collaborations not only expand your audience, but also create buzz around your menu items by merging different fan bases. 

Let’s explore various types of collaborations you can use to drive engagement and brand visibility.

Limited-edition collaborations

Partner with popular brands, celebrities, or local businesses to create buzz-worthy, limited-time offerings:

• Celebrity Collaborations: Work with renowned chefs to develop gourmet fast food items, and collaborate with other celebrities to promote your offerings.

• Beverage Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with energy drink or soda companies to create exclusive flavored beverages or slushies.

• Snack Food Mashups: Team up with popular snack brands to create unique menu items, like Doritos-crusted chicken tenders or Oreo-topped milkshakes.

Cross-industry partnerships

Explore unexpected collaborations with brands outside the fast food industry to create unique experiences and products:

• Fashion Brand Merchandise: Partner with trendy clothing brands to create customer merchandise.

• Gaming Console Promotions: Partner with video game companies to offer exclusive in-game content with meal purchases.

• Streaming Service Tie-ins: Collaborate with popular streaming platforms to create meal deals inspired by hit shows or movies.

Community-focused initiatives

Develop collaborations that give back to local communities and enhance brand reputation:

• Job Skills Training: Collaborate with vocational schools or community colleges to offer internship or apprenticeship programs.

• Local Artist Showcases: Feature works by local artists on packaging or in-store displays, with a portion of proceeds benefiting arts education.

• Sports Team Sponsorships: Partner with local sports teams to create special menu items or meal deals tied to game days or victories.

Tech industry collaborations

Leverage emerging technologies to enhance the fast food experience through innovative partnerships:

For example, Subway launched a pilot offering EV charging at some of its stores. Abby Risner, an attorney working in both the energy and franchising industries, said, “Unlike when you pull up to a gas station, where it takes five minutes to fill up your tank, EV charging takes more time… It’s a great opportunity for restaurants in particular to integrate an additional offer for their customers.”

Other ideas for collaborating with the tech industry could involve:

• Drone Delivery Trials: Collaborate with drone companies to test food delivery by air in select markets.

• Augmented/Virtual Reality: Team up with developers to create immersive AR/VR experiences for customers.

• Smart Home Device Integration: Partner with smart home technology brands to enable voice-activated ordering through virtual assistants.

Innovate new fast food ideas to stay ahead of the competition

By embracing these fast food ideas and continuously innovating, you can ensure your brand’s relevance in an ever-changing market, attract new customers, and maintain the loyalty of existing ones. 

The future of fast food is exciting, and those who dare to think outside the box will reap the rewards of their creativity and adaptability.

Of course, there’s more to innovation than just menu items and marketing–it's also crucial that you have up-to-date technology. 

Fortunately, with a comprehensive POS system like Toast, you can easily streamline your key business operations, including inventory management, employee scheduling, and much more in one simple-to-use platform.

To discover all of the ways Toast can help you run a better fast food restaurant, be sure to check out all the awesome features!