Chili’s Grill & Bar named O’Keefe Reinhard and Paul as its agency of record. The agency’s work has helped spark improvements in the chain’s sales and traffic.
Chili’s began working with OKRP in 2017 on a project basis, including the “Chili’s is back, baby” work that debuted in the fall.
“Rarely do things work out this well in this business,” Chili’s Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Steve Provost tells Ad Age. “They make us feel like their only client, they’re fast and they’re just really creative.”
Chili’s is currently promoting a “3 for $10” deal with a starter, entree and soft drink as another way to entice diners as the overall casual-dining industry tries to rebound.
OKRP will now be its strategic partner on communication, brand strategy, category strategy and on how to maximize a message across various media, Provost says, adding that Chili’s is ready to “speak with one voice and a much louder voice.”
Provost joined Chili’s in March 2017 after serving as president of Maggiano’s, a smaller chain also owned by Chili’s parent company Brinker International. In September, Chili’s cut 40 percent of the items on its menu and added more meat to its burgers, ribs and fajitas. Ads from OKRP began airing in early October.
Chili’s continues to work with 360i as its media agency, Fact & Fiction as its social agency and Ansira on email and digital marketing, Provost says.
Read more at Ad Age: http://adage.com/article/agency-news/chili-s-picks-okrp-agency-record-project-work/313383/
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