Picture Courtesy of DavidParody, Aug 27, 2019
The New York Times recently shared the story of Craig Barr, a Chattanooga Tennessee man, that filed a lawsuit against Popeyes chicken. Barr stated that he spent “countless time driving” between different Popeyes locations only to his disappointment that they were sold out. His sense of happiness could not be attained. Not only did he drive to multiple locations, but he was scammed by someone impersonating a restaurant employee, bent a rim & blew out a tire in transition, and humiliated by those who claimed to be his friends regarding the entire situation.
Barr claims that Popeyes used deceptive marketing strategies and intentionally supplied each location with minimal amounts of sandwiches. In his demand of $5,000 from the Popeyes corporation, he believes that “someone has to stand up to the big corporation.” This is all a result of a frenzy which initiated through social media claims that Popeyes had the best sandwich. Since those claims, countless meme’s, GIF’s, videos, and social media posts have been generated in response. It was estimated that the popular chain received approximately $23.5 million dollars in free advertisement.
The Popeyes chicken sandwich was introduced on August 12th, however, the supply that was anticipated to last until the end of September was depleted within two weeks. The demand far exceeded the supply. It was reported that a Chick-Fil-A employee, located across the street from a Popeyes, brought sandwiches to disappointed patrons that were in line. Many social media commentators drafted comparisons between Popeyes and Chick-Fil-A, one of their biggest competitors, in regard to the sandwich, customer service, employee treatment, restaurant ratings, and location conditions.
Whether your preference is the Chick-Fil-A or Popeyes fried chicken sandwich, you have to admit that the rivalry is entertaining. Both sandwiches include a crunchy fried chicken breast, pickles, a soft bun and your choice of condiment, but there is a stark difference to each consumer. What is it about a chicken sandwich that will cause someone to drive to numerous sold-out locations or wait hours in line for the chance of purchasing one? Is it really worth it all for a $4 sandwich? Is it really worth it to break out into physical confrontations or jeopardize your safety for a sandwich? A sandwich?!?
It all boils down to the experience. People are willing to delay gratification and be extremely inconvenienced for the experience of enjoying what others have determined to be phenomenal. Imagine a school or classroom environment where that same climate can be established! Not everyone gets excited to follow mandatory new teaching strategies or have raging passion for classroom projects or all content area lessons. The difference is the experience or expectations that have been established. Have you ever heard a student share something like “I never liked science, but I love it now because of how Mr. Manning teaches?” Or maybe something like “these Professional Developments are such a waste of time, but Dr. Frazier is always engaging when she presents.” Chick-Fil-A is credited, for example, with impeccable customer service, so many patrons value that with their meal decision-making. Social Media hype drove tens of thousands of people to their nearest Popeyes location to taste something, disregarding all difficulties.
The chicken clearly crossed the road to escape from being deep-friend, covered in pickles & mayonnaise, and slid between a brioche bun! The monumental success from both franchises is rooted in the experience. In addition to dynamic lesson plans, professional developments, or educational technology & resources, creating a dynamic experience is key. If student achievement is your genuine desired outcome, dedicate time to construct the best experience and school climate. Once that occurs, your staff, and/or students will endure almost any of life’s obstacles or challenges to accomplish what is set out before them. That’s Next Level!
- The Jeremy Anderson Group