The Licensing Letter

Restaurants

McDonald’s Brings The Elf on the Shelf To Happy Meals

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Lumistella Company, Rocket Licensing and McDonald’s are launching licensed The Elf on the Shelf Happy Meals in the UK and Ireland. The Elf on the Shelf Happy Meals will feature branded packaging, a choice of one of ten North Pole plush characters, or one of two Christmas-themed books. “This first-ever The Elf on the Shelf Happy … [Read more...] about McDonald’s Brings The Elf on the Shelf To Happy Meals

Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

NPD Report Says Wary Consumers to Reduce Holiday Spending By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The NPD Group predicts that Christmas stockings will be a little less full, and the stack of presents under the tree a touch smaller this year. The NPD's annual report on retail, 2022 US Holiday Purchase Intentions, says consumers generally plan to spend less this year than in … [Read more...] about Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

Kura Sushi Restaurants Offer Tetris-Inspired Take-Out Boxes

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Japanese restaurant chain Kura Sushi has released a clever and hilarious line of sushi boxes based on the instantly recognizable shapes from Tetris. It's another example of Tetris smartly using the shapes from the hit video game - called Tetriminos - in ways that resonate with its many fans. For example, TLL previously covered the … [Read more...] about Kura Sushi Restaurants Offer Tetris-Inspired Take-Out Boxes

Chanyo Launches the first Smiley Brand Tea House in Beijing

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe first-ever tea house based on the international SMILEY IP has opened in Beijing Chaoyang Joy City. The new SMILEY tea house is operated by the popular Chinese food and catering franchise, the Chanyo Cater Group. The Chanyo Cater Group currently operates more than 6,000 restaurants. The company has developed a tea menu based on original leaf … [Read more...] about Chanyo Launches the first Smiley Brand Tea House in Beijing

Food & Beverage: Evil Genius Toasts White Castle Centennial With New Beer

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Brandgenuity has brokered a licensing agreement between White Castle and Evil Genius for a limited-edition beer called It Hits Different. Founded in 2011, The Evil Genius Beer Company is a craft beverage producer that incorporates pop-culture references in its product names. Evil Genius currently distributes its products in 10 states and … [Read more...] about Food & Beverage: Evil Genius Toasts White Castle Centennial With New Beer

Hasbro Opens First Peppa Pig Play Café in China

Young fans in China can now visit the first ever Peppa Pig Play Cafe, thanks to a licensing deal between Hasbro and China Leisure Development Co. (CLDC). The global play and entertainment company has authorized CLDC to open the first Peppa Pig-themed café and play space on the 3rd floor of Hall B in Binjiang Yintai Shopping Center. On its grand opening day on Sept. 2, CLDC says … [Read more...] about Hasbro Opens First Peppa Pig Play Café in China

California Pizza Licenses Its Popular Salad Dressings to Litehouse

Fans of California Pizza Kitchen can finally get the signature taste of their salads at home, thanks to a licensing deal with Litehouse Inc. CPK has announced a major strategic retail partnership with Litehouse Inc., the leading refrigerated salad dressing brand in the U.S., in a deal brokered by Seltzer Licensing Group. The new partnership, designed to leverage growing … [Read more...] about California Pizza Licenses Its Popular Salad Dressings to Litehouse

Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber

The US restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A has launched a new literary partnership for its Kids Meal program to promote diversity and kindness. The company says Chick-Fil-A is partnering with author Diane Alber to include five bestselling titles from her Scribble book series for the 2022 Kids meal book promotion. Alber is a prolific picture book author and illustrator whose titles … [Read more...] about Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber

Earthbound Brokers Delicious Deal Between Girl Scouts and Jack In The Box

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Missing your Girl Scout Cookies already? The good news is the flavor of Girl Scout Cookies can now be found in a new milkshake at Jack in the Box, thanks to a deal brokered by Earthbound Brands. While you're waiting for the next Girl Scout cookie season, you can indulge in the brownie + caramel delight that is the Adventurefuls Shake, … [Read more...] about Earthbound Brokers Delicious Deal Between Girl Scouts and Jack In The Box

Available Licenses: Black Angus and Gel Blaster Partner With Evolution USA

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Evolution USA is looking for licensing partners for new clients Gel Blaster Inc. and Black Angus Steakhouse. Gel Blaster and Evolution just entered into a representation agreement where Evolution will assist in the acquisition of AAA intellectual property based on famous Hollywood studio and core video gaming brands. In what has been a … [Read more...] about Available Licenses: Black Angus and Gel Blaster Partner With Evolution USA