Taco Bell pushed past Burger King in 2017 to become No. 4 restaurant chain in the U.S., with $9.8 billion in sales to BK's $9.3 billion. And with No. 3 Subway's sales sagging, Taco Bell could
jump into the top three in 2018, according to research firm Technomic. The rising popularity of Mexican-style cuisine, Taco Bell's low-priced offerings, and the misfortunes of Chipotle Mexican Grill
likely helped Taco Bell.
Ironically, BK was named "Creative Marketer of the Year in 2017 at Cannes, even though their sales per outlet are #9 in the industry and despite being well on its way to being displaced in the #4 position by Taco Bell.
It only shows how disconnected the Cannes juries are from commercial realities, as if creativity and marketing can be evaluated and rewarded without regard for actual sales and performance.cut
Small wonder that brands are not growing and marketing spend is being cut.
Michael Farmer
Author: Madison Avenue Manslaughter