Brands Encourage Consumers to Think Spring

Despite several bouts with polar vortexes, record-low temperatures across the nation and impromptu Olympic-style performances on black ice, you made it. You survived the winter. As of March 20, 2014, spring has officially sprung. For most of the country, the vernal equinox tends to be, at best, a superficial milestone (e.g. Chicago even saw snow yesterday — and certainly not for the last time this season either). Even so, many businesses and consumers alike have learned to celebrate the change of season for all that it promises — flourishing flora, waning winter weather and surplus sun. In fact, many brands — including Pita Pit, Forever Yogurt, Checkers* and Rally’s — are getting into the springtime spirit with special promotions and limited-time offers (LTOs) that will help their customers spring forward. These warmer-weather specials may help consumers beat the last vestiges of winter — at least, until it gets cold again. Pita Pit Originally founded in Ontario, Canada, Pita Pit has since made a name for itself in the U.S. for its healthier alternatives to fast food. For spring the brand is encouraging customers to go green with the option to add avocados on their order, whether to their pita, salad or—for the more adventurous consumer—their smoothie. Praised for being a “healthy fat,” the avocado option may help Pita Pit customers get their beach body in shape, just in time for summer. Forever Yogurt This spring, the Chicago-based frozen yogurt brand will debut a festive new flavor called the Circus Swirl: a specialty combination of salted caramel and cotton candy yogurts that will have consumers’ taste buds feeling like they’re at Carnivale. The LTO may be gone before summer comes, but Forever Yogurt is toying with keeping the two yogurt flavors under their big-top tent of customizable options. Checkers and Rally’s The iconic drive-thru chain is similarly getting into the springtime spirit with a promotion running from late March through mid-May. For $2, Checkers and Rally’s are offering the Shrimp and Fries Box, either in classic breaded or buffalo style. With the recent addition of the classic fair-fare, funnel cakes, Checkers and Rally’s will have their guests on a roller coaster of flavor.