El Pollo Loco launched a mobile app that customers can use to place orders, and revamped its website to support online ordering. New York-based marketing technology firm Olo developed both features.
“Our guests are on-the-go, and by providing them … online and mobile ordering options, we are continuing to provide more personalized and convenient ways to enjoy our offerings and cater to their increasingly busy lifestyles,” said Steve Sather, chief executive of the Costa Mesa-based grilled chicken chain, in a statement. “Guests can expect to soon see future technology innovations, including additional payment options, loyalty program integration, delivery and more.”
One of the early adopters of mobile app technology was Taco Bell Corp. in Irvine, which two years ago famously blacked out its website and Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, posting only a link to its “order-and-pay” app.
Not everyone is on board just yet—fans of fast food giant McDonald’s Corp. won’t be able to order and pay for their food from their smartphones until sometime next year.
Transparent Tacos
Chronic Tacos Enterprises Inc.’s new “Nothing To Hide” campaign will emphasize “produce traceability, all-natural proteins and eco-friendly (packaging) products,” at its 45 restaurants in North America, the Aliso Viejo-based chain said.
“Our mission begins with knowing and trusting where our vegetables grow to the plate that the food is served on,” Chief Executive Michael Mohammed said in a statement. “This campaign really sought to emphasize our dedication to those qualities.”
The company, founded in 2002, plans to open eight franchise locations next year.
Power Deal
J.D. Power and Associates in Costa Mesa signed a multiyear deal with San Francisco-based Bank of the West to provide “real-time” insights about “the evolving needs of customers and how they want to engage across the bank’s digital and physical channels.”
J.D. Power, founded in 1968, conducts independent consumer surveys of product and service quality and customer satisfaction. It works in the automotive, financial services, healthcare, insurance, energy, telecommunications and other industries, and has become famous for its Power Circle Ratings.
Bank of the West, which has $82.6 billion in assets, selected J.D. Power for its “demonstrated understanding of the rapidly evolving financial services industry.”
Surf’s Back Up
Quiksilver Inc. and the family of Eddie Aikau, who was one of the best big-wave riders in the world, have “resolved their differences,” ensuring that the Huntington Beach-based footwear and apparel company continues as a sponsor of the 2016-2017 Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational.
Quiksilver in October said its “multiple offers of substantially increased monetary support for future events were declined by agents of the Aikau family over months of negotiations.”
The contest, held at Waimea Bay in Hawaii, requires 30-foot waves for an eight-hour period, and has been held only seven times. Surfers including Denton Miyamura, Kelly Slater, Bruce Irons, Greg Long and John John Florence have competed in it. The contest’s opening ceremony—which can be run through February, depending on surf conditions—was held on Dec. 1.
Bits & Pieces
Orange Label in Newport Beach hired Account Coordinator RyAnne Wallencheck and Social Media Coordinator Chelsea Ragland. … Irvine-based OSI Creative opened an office in Seattle that will serve its clients in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. … Irvine-based marketing and communications agency SmartBug Media hired Doreen Clark as director of public relations. … Carley Hummel left her position as senior account executive at Mazda North American Operations’ public relations agency Hill & Knowlton Strategies in Costa Mesa to join the Irvine-based automaker’s in-house communications team.
