Star Wars merchandising has proven to be a juggernaut money maker for the sci-fi sage, taking in over $30 BILLION in revenue.
When thinking of Star Wars merchandise, toys and action figures are first to come in mind but there is so much more involved. Many companies were quick to realize the marketing power of George Lucas’ space drama and used the images and characters from Star Wars to promote their own products. One such group were those in the food and restaurant industry.
Since the release of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, the food industry was quick to use the films for their promotions.
Here is a list of some of my favorite classic Star Wars themed food commercials.
Burger Chef
By now, every Star Wars fan is aware that the fast food franchise, Burger Chef, was among the first to take advantage of the Star Wars craze! The promotion was a great success for the chain which later went on to by purchased by the Hardee’s company. The food chain closed in 1996.
Burger King
The 1980’s seen the very successful trend of fast food “glass ware” promotions. As a kid growing up in the 80’s, I would get so excited at the year’s latest glasses from the various fast food chains. I would beg my parents relentlessly to get them all! Among my favorites, were the Star Wars themed. Burger King had a great promotion for all three original trilogy films.
A New Hope:
Empire Strikes Back:
Return of the Jedi:
McDonald’s
No restaurant franchise is as successful as the marketing giants at McDonald’s. Their commercials, fun characters and Happy Meal revolutionized the way fast food companies market their products. Love them or hate them, they are the best at what they do.
Star Wars Tuna
Star Wars was not only a success domestically but was an international success at the box office. Fans all over the world couldn’t get enough Star Wars in their lives…this apparently included “seafood”. Here is an interesting Star Wars themed promotion out of 1978 Japan selling…TUNA!
Kellogg’s C-3PO’s
No breakfast was complete without this Star Wars themed cereal…well, according to Kellogg’s. I remember starting my day with a nice sugary bowl of these delicious “O’s”, while wearing my Luke Skywalker cut-out mask from the back of the box!
