Red Lobster Enters the Presidential Race With Cheddar Bay 2024

While most brands try to stay as far away from politics as possible, Red Lobster is embracing the moment in a new bite-partisan campaign led by BarkleyOKRP that launched September 9th, giving Americans a new reason to rally behind the beloved brand by throwing its biscuits into the 2024 campaign race.

The new initiative features two 15 second TV spots that aired during the Presidential Debate and digital videos that take a direct, tongue-in-cheek angle at the various forms of political commercials we all see today. One comes to life like an attack ad, calling out other “restaurant breads” and their stale policies. Another harps on a larger campaign promise that celebrates a thriving country inspired by the brand’s iconic, rising biscuits. And the third, a 30-second spot, takes an aspirational anthem angle that imagines an America under the leadership of Cheddar Bay Biscuits. 

“Over the last few months, our guests have shared countless reasons why they love Red Lobster and Cheddar Bay Biscuits always rise to the top,” said Jeff Matray, vice president of marketing, Red Lobster. “As election season heats up, there’s one thing we can all rally behind – a shared love for Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The truth is, Red Lobster food brings people together, and we’re excited to unite everyone, even if it’s just over lunch or dinner.”

Taking to social media, Red Lobster plans to tweet 100 U.S. Senators to see if they support this candidate – The Cheddar Bay Biscuit -- and more specifically where they stand on other restaurants' stale bread policies. But no successful campaign can get off the ground without grassroots support. The digital campaign headquarters, CheddarBay2024.com, gives supporters access to full campaign kits including yard signs and merch–available while supplies last.  

Berk Wasserman, EVP creative at BarkleyOKRP, said, “Casting a vote for Cheddar Bay this campaign season won’t just get you a delicious start to your seafood meal, it could win you a four-year term of free Red Lobster - exactly the kind of future America needs right now.“