Allying with sports teams and arenas is a time-tested branding tactic. But in the case of Chef Merito's relationship with the L.A. Dodgers, the alliance included much more than logo swaps. The seasoning and sauce brand is literally baked into the Dodger experience. Think ballpark Carne Asada French Fries or Tacos. The team's official seasoning can not only been seen but tasted everywhere.

Every brand that spans multiple decades goes through the same marketing paradox. They see an opportunity. They build a great product. They launch, hyper-focused on filling this need. They thrive. The become ubiquitous with their category. But then, their core consumers age. Younger generations gain influence. Lifestyles change. And these once-dominate brands see sales slips. Market share drops. They're labeled as dusty, dated, or - gasp - something our parents would wear. And they're faced with two options: Evolve or die. Sadly, many perish, becoming those nostalgic brands we reminisce about fondly with friends. (I'm not the only one who …

In the world of quick service food, there are ubiquitous go-tos. There are emerging fan favorites. And then there are cults. Since its launch as a Portlandia hole in the wall filled with custard quirk, Voodoo Doughnut has been the very definition of a cult brand. Where else will you get a suggestively shaped chocolate frosted Cock and Balls dunker? A maple frosted pastry in the shape of a smoldering blunt? A cookie crumble topped Old Dirty Bastard? And of course the signature Voodoo Doll, with blood-like raspberry filling and a pretzel spike through its heart? And better, they are …