Main Street Report

Tulsa Chick-fil-A Sets Guinness World Record For World's Largest Lemonade

In recognition of National Lemonade Day, which apparently was today (August 20th), Chick-fil-A restaurant operator Arthur Greeno and his Tulsa (Eastside Market), Oklahoma team created an 839 gallon cup of lemonade.  The monster drink, officially certified this morning by a Guinness Book of World Records rep, was mixed in a nearly 1,100-gallon fiberglass cup designed to resemble Chick-fil-A's signature foam cup and contained 1,050 lbs. (2,175 cups) of sugar, 580 gallons of water, 250 lbs. of ice and 11,730 Sunkist® lemons that yielded 145 gallons of lemon juice.

After official measurements were taken, the nearly bottomless cup of  lemonade supplied several "Sunkist Take a Stand" lemonade stands set up outside the restaurant as a way to collect donations to benefit Little Light House, a Tulsa-based developmental center serving young children with special needs.  Chick-fil-A says the fundraising goal of $10,000 was achieved on event day, with additional funds still coming in.

From the press release:

"When Arthur approached us with the idea to pursue the Guinness World Record for the largest glass of lemonade, we were quickly won over by his enthusiasm and commitment to achieving this ambitious goal," said Sunkist representative Sarah Matejowsky. "We quickly coordinated the delivery of 108 complimentary crates of lemons [approximately 12,400 lemons] and helped spearhead Arthur's charitable efforts as part of our 'Take a Stand' initiative. We couldn't be prouder to be part of such a fun and worthwhile endeavor."

Greeno and his restaurant team members are no strangers to larger-than-life exploits. Last year, Greeno and his team created a 130-gallon Hand-Spun Milkshake -- while the feat did not achieve a Guinness World Record, it certainly turned heads in Tulsa.

New From Domino's: Hot Oven-Baked Sandwiches, Delivered

If you're not in the mood for pizza, you can still give Domino's a call.  The pizza chain is claiming to be the first major quick-service restaurant chain in the country to offer oven-baked sandwiches, delivered hot to your door.  The sandwiches, priced at $4.99, come in four varieties:  Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Chicken Parm, and Italian.  From the press release:

"As of today, we are the largest sandwich delivery company in the nation," said Patrick Doyle, president of Domino's USA. "This launch springboards Domino's into the lunch business by providing a product that is high quality, priced right and aimed at convenience-minded people without a lot of time. Of course, sandwiches are also available any time our stores are open.

"Some of our sandwich competitors use units that look like microwaves or toaster ovens to try and warm a few of their subs. We have high-end ovens in our stores that cost $30,000 and bake our sandwiches at 450 degrees. It gives us a huge quality advantage they can't match," Doyle added. "People fed up with brown-bagging or driving to pick up something cold, can save some time and gas by ordering a hot Domino's sandwich for delivery to their home or office."

Since August 18th, the sandwiches have been available in approximately 4,000 U.S. stores, and will be available in all stores beginning Sept. 22.  Domino's plans to spotlight its new sandwich line with a multi-media marketing push over the next several weeks.

McDonald's Begins Rollout of New Specialty Coffee

McDonald's, hoping to encroach on Starbucks' turf, has launched its new specialty coffees in participating Central Ohio locations. McCafe Coffee follow the launch of the chain's Premium Roast in 2006 and Iced Lattes in 2007.  The new lineup includes Lattes, Mochas and Cappuccinos in a variety of options and flavors including Iced, Hazelnut, Caramel and Vanilla.  Additiaonal details via the press release.

A Bird's Eye View of Papa John's New Whole Wheat Pizza

Since late last week, passengers flying in and out of Denver International Airport have been greeted by a "crop circle" promoting Papa John's new whole wheat crust pizza. Papa John's says the six-acre field art, designed by artist Stan Herd, will remain visible until first snowfall, including the week of the Democratic National Convention. (press release here)

In May, Papa John’s became the first national pizza chain to offer a 100 percent whole-wheat crust to consumers.  It's been on my favorite list since I first tried it.  I also use Papa John's online ordering system, finding it fast, reliable, and a great way to avoid loud recorded phone promos and employees who may not have the best communication skills.

It's interesting to watch the major pizza chains try to one up each other.  As soon as one announces a new online ordering system, another follows suit with its own, souped up version so you can text message your order.  And following on the heels of Papa John's success with its whole wheat pie, Pizza Hut recently announced the Natural, which in addition to offering a multi grain crust, has organic sauce and other 'all natural' ingredients.  I'm waiting for Dominos to offer a fruit smoothie/pizza special next.

Starbucks Takes Afternoon Deal Nationwide

If a stop at Starbucks is part of your morning ritual, the coffee chain is hoping you'll add an afternoon visit to your daily routine as well.  Starbucks is taking a drink special nationwide, an offer that had been offered in just a handful of cities until today.  The skinny:  if you present a receipt from a morning visit after 2pm, you can get any iced grande beverage for $2, about half the normal price.  The deal will run through September 2nd.  Full story at CNN.com.

Watch Ruby Tuesday's 'Live Demolition' Today at 3PM ET

Hats off to Ruby Tuesday's for an interesting and quirky marketing move.  The casual dining chain is promoting the 'Live Demolition' of what it says is its only remaining 'old style' location that hasn't been completely remodeled.  You can watch what will apparently be a literal live demolition, online, at 3PM ET today at RubyTuesday.com. 

Ruby T says today's Big Bang will celebrate the "better, fresher Ruby Tuesday's in more than 900 locations across America."  When you go to RubyTuesday.com, check out the 'video preview' of today's fireworks.  It's short, and it's hilarious.