Coca-Cola Launches New Marketing Campaign to Boost Restaurant Sales

Coca-Cola has launched a new marketing campaign aimed at increasing soda sales at restaurants, responding to declining traffic and sluggish sales growth within the industry. This initiative marks the first time Coca-Cola has featured multiple restaurant partners in its advertisements. The campaign includes commercials showcasing consumers ordering meals at various chains, all concluding with the phrase, "And a Coke." Participating chains include Arby's, Culver's, Domino's Pizza, Five Guys, Jack in the Box, Jimmy John's, Panda Express, Popeyes, Sonic, Wendy's, Whataburger, White Castle, and Wingstop.

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The campaign comes at a time when U.S. restaurant traffic has decreased by 2% as of February 2026, with 38% of consumers reporting reduced spending at restaurants during the first quarter of the year, according to a survey by Revenue Management Solutions. As restaurants face razor-thin margins, beverages like Coca-Cola represent high-margin items that can significantly impact profitability. Coca-Cola has been proactive in assisting its restaurant partners to navigate these challenges, particularly during the ongoing "value wars" among fast-food chains that began in 2024.

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Coca-Cola's selection of restaurant partners for this campaign was based on the variety of cuisines and dining occasions they represent, such as late-night pickups and drive-thrus. Dagmar Boggs, Coca-Cola's North American president of foodservice and on-premise, emphasized the company's role as a "business partner" rather than merely a beverage supplier, providing marketing insights and support to chains like Burger King and Wendy's. The campaign will initially air in movie theaters, with plans to expand to linear TV, digital platforms, and third-party delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash by mid-April.

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While Coca-Cola does not disclose the exact percentage of its sales derived from restaurants, executives have indicated that approximately half of its overall sales come from away-from-home channels, which include movie theaters, airplanes, and amusement parks. The performance of Coca-Cola's food service business serves as an indicator of consumer sentiment. Boggs noted, "If food service catches a cold in the North America operating unit, North America will catch a cold," highlighting the interconnectedness of the beverage giant's success with that of its restaurant partners.

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Coca-Cola's North American organic sales rose by 4% in 2025, despite a 1% decline in domestic unit case volume, suggesting weaker demand for its products. The company is projecting modest sales growth for 2026, indicating that the success of this new marketing campaign could be crucial for both Coca-Cola and its restaurant partners as they navigate a challenging economic landscape.

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• “If food service catches a cold in the North America operating unit, North America will catch a cold,” — Dagmar Boggs, North American President of Foodservice and On-Premise, Coca-Cola.

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