During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand experiences, brand messaging, brand storytelling, email marketing, logo design, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, and more.
MESSAGES BEHIND NPR'S NEW LOGOS
For the first time in its 56-year history, National Public Radio (NPR) has altered its logo. The news source explained on its website on March 2nd, "NPR is standing up for the public's right to ask hard questions in a national campaign dubbed "For your right to be curious." At NPR's headquarters, on billboards in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and across social media, NPR's three iconic letters transform into "how," "who," and "why" — a bold declaration of its commitment to fight for Americans' right to ask questions both big and small. The campaign brings forward questions — many from listeners – and connects directly to the NPR programs that answer them. The questions are real and urgent to the moment we're in, from "How does AI affect my electric bill?" to "Why are groceries still so expensive?" to "How is my farm going to survive?"
The campaign follows a year of sustained political attacks against NPR, including Congress' rescission of $1 billion in funding for public media. The questions serve as a rallying cry to solidify the permanence of NPR's mission of providing trustworthy, reliable journalism that helps us understand our world — and show that curiosity can't be silenced. More than 240 NPR Member stations foster curiosity in communities in every corner of America. Backed by a 46 million weekly audience, the NPR Network is committed to rigorous, independent journalism and to creating a more informed public."
According to Mishka Pitter-Armand, chief marketing officer at NPR, "Curiosity is the fuel of a functioning democracy. NPR is essential civic infrastructure built to protect the right to inquiry. As a cornerstone of American life for over 50 years, this work is our pledge to the public: we will continue to provide the trusted context you need to explore the world, encouraging every American to keep listening and asking the hard questions."
Greg Hahn, co-founder and chief creative officer with Mischief, the agency that worked in partnership with NPR to create the campaign, explained, "NPR's power lies in the questions that come from our curiosity and the interesting, unexpected ways journalists help answer them. With a simple reframe, we sought to link the iconic NPR brand with the words so often at the initial spark of curiosity." Mischief explains its mission as follows: "Mischief creates work that makes a stir, because the riskiest thing a brand can do is be ignorable."
STARBUCKS WELCOMES NEW GREEN VELVET CHAIRS
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's mission to entice customers to linger in cafés instead of just grabbing mobile orders and leaving takes another step forward with the introduction of new plush chairs and ceramic mugs. These updates aim to rekindle the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that once defined Starbucks' in-store experience. The new green velvet Starbucks chair — set to debut in select renovated and newly opened locations by the end of the year — is a nod to the overstuffed purple armchair that Starbucks cafés were known for throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s before disappearing in 2008." In addition, new ceramic mugs will also be unveiled and tested at select Los Angeles and New York City coffeehouses, with a broader North American rollout planned for later in the year, and global availability beginning in 2027.
NEW US POSTAGE STAMP
ABC News reported that an upcoming US postage stamp would feature a compilation of modern and historic bison from Yellowstone National Park. Photographer Tom Murphy has been capturing Yellowstone wildlife for 45 years and was contacted to submit photos for the new stamp. According to the US Postal Service (USPS), bison, also commonly called buffalo "are uniquely tied to American history." While millions of bison decreased to nearly becoming extinct, efforts to replenish herds at Yellowstone and other refuges have restored wild herds. In 2024, the population estimate was 5,400 in 2024, according to the National Park Service.
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND'S SPOKESPERSON AND FAMOUS TAGLINE
March 3rd was "World Wildlife Day," and on that date, I received an email from actor William Shatner. While known for many roles, without a doubt, he is best known as "Captain Kirk" from the 1960's television show and cult classic "Star Trek." As a result, his participation in this awareness and fundraising campaign was not a surprise.
The email read: "Hi! You may know me from my portrayl of Captain Kirk, the "Star Trek" character who explored the universe and made connections with diverse life forms and cultures. In 2021, I had the opportunity to actually travel into space, and it changed the way I see our planet. I saw its vibrant beauty and fragility in contrast to the endless darkness of space. After that experience, I dedicated myself to protecting nature for future generations. Today is World Wildlife Day, the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth and make a promise to protect it...Together, we'll protect the Earth so that wildlife and people can live long and prosper." In case you don't remember, that ending was a famous line from "Star Trek."
GRAETER'S ICE CREAM BRAND REFRESH
QSR Magazine reported, "Graeter's Ice Cream is stepping into a new era with an updated look. The brand celebrated its 155th birthday last year with a refreshed design that honors its legacy while highlighting the premium, flavor-forward ice cream that has sustained it for more than a century and a half. The story begins in 1870, when Louis Charles Graeter arrived in Cincinnati seeking opportunity and found it in ice cream. At the time, there was no mechanical refrigeration. Freezing meant muscle, patience, and a careful balance of ice, salt, and water. Louis sold his ice cream at a street market, eventually opening a storefront after earning a loyal following.
The brand's first big turning point came after his death when his wife, Regina, took the helm, says Richard Graeter, the fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's Ice Cream. Assuming leadership was an uncommon move for a woman at the time, but Regina made a pivotal choice during her tenure. She expanded the business, opening new stores while steering it through the Spanish flu, the Great Depression, and World War II. At the same time, she resisted industry shifts that would have fundamentally altered the product.
Graeter's footprint has stayed in the middle of the country, where the company has concentrated growth and preserved quality control. After building up excess manufacturing capacity in the late 2000s with the new facility, the brand expanded into grocery stores, starting with Kroger in Cincinnati. Over subsequent years, it added distribution in Columbus, Louisville, and Indianapolis. Around 70 percent of the business comes through the physical ice cream shops, with a quarter from grocery and the remainder from direct-to-consumer shipping. Both the restaurant and CPG footprint remain regional, with national DTC shipping supplementing fans beyond the distribution radius.
Graeter's runs a robust "bonus flavor" program, releasing new flavors every three weeks during the summer. Many are playful, hyper-local, or tied to cultural moments, such as the Cincinnati Zoo's Fiona the Hippo, the Flying Pig Marathon, or Kings Island's Beast roller coaster. Some become cult favorites, others disappear by design. Limited runs allow experimentation without diluting the core lineup, anchored by Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, which still accounts for roughly 20 percent of sales. Specialty flavors collectively represent Graeter's second-largest segment.
Collaborations further extend that philosophy. Graeter's has partnered with local universities, charities, breweries, and even Skyline Chili, producing a chili-spiced ice cream reflecting Cincinnati pride. Bourbon-inspired flavors, made with family-selected barrels, reinforce a sense of craftsmanship. And the insistence on premium inputs—real vanilla beans, high-end cocoa, and oversized chocolate chunks—supports a higher price point without feeling inaccessible.
The branding update was never about a wholesale reinvention. The goal was to better communicate the product's quality, especially in retail settings. The process was cautious: food brands carry deep emotional ties, and Graeter's was determined not to disrupt recognition or trust. The refresh retains Graeter's iconic script logo while refining it for modern use. The brand returned to its signature maroon, introduced elegant patterns, and added a crown icon referencing both Cincinnati's "Queen City" nickname and Graeter's place in ice cream royalty. The tagline, "Taste the Graetest," reinforces the emphasis on craftsmanship and flavor."
According to Richard Graeter, the fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's Ice Cream, "In our family, the one thing that is sacrosanct is the product. You cannot compromise the product, because life is just too short to eat shitty ice cream."
WAHLBURGERS ANNOUNCES "BROTHERS' COMBO"
FSR reported, "Three brothers, three personalities, and one legendary combo delivering big flavor and exceptional value for guests and fans alike. Wahlburgers, the iconic burger brand founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Chef Paul Wahlberg, has launched the limited-time "Brothers' Combo," bringing together the brothers' signature burgers with fries and a drink at an accessible bundled price designed to give guests more of what they love for less. Inspired by the flavors they grew up with and their shared passion for comfort food done right, each gourmet burger delivers a taste of family, nostalgia and friendly competition, all made with 100 percent Certified Angus Beef on a toasted brioche bun. Guests can choose from one of three signature burgers, each selected by one of the brothers, served with fries and a soda or a housemade shake, starting at $12."
Chef Paul's Choice: The Our Burger, the Wahlburgers' signature burger, includes a Certified Angus Beef patty, government cheese (American cheese given this nostalgic nickname as a nod to the brothers' humble upbringing), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Chef Paul's signature Wahl Sauce.
Donnie's Choice: BBQ Bacon Burger, Donnie calls his favorite burger a "bacon lover’s dream." The BBQ Bacon Burger features crispy bacon, fresh jalapeños, housemade BBQ sauce, white cheddar cheese, and avocado on a Certified Angus Beef patty.
Mark's Choice: Mark's burger pays homage to the brothers' hometown of Dorchester. The O.F.D. (Originally From "Dorchestah") is a throwback to nights around mother Alma's dinner table, and features Swiss cheese, bacon, saut̩ed mushrooms, and tomato jam on two Certified Angus Beef patties Рor mix it up and get it Mark's way with nostalgic government cheese.
Chef Paul Wahlberg said, "Every bite tells a story. We grew up as a family of nine, raised by our mother, Alma. You can literally taste the flavors we grew up with that have inspired us throughout our lives. It's another way to showcase the deep pride we have for our hometown. Every burger is incredible...but of course, mine is the best."
NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY AT IHOP
International House of Pancakes (IHOP) designated the first Tuesday of March as its annual National Pancake Day. This meant that on March 3rd from 7am until 8pm, guests received a free Short Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes when they dined at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide. In addition, every $1 donated in IHOP restaurants on March 3rd went to local Feeding America partner food banks. As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,793 IHOP restaurants around the world, including restaurants in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and 13 countries outside the United States.
DENNY'S CELEBRATES DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
FSR reported, "On Sunday, March 8, we spring forward for Daylight Savings Time and lose an hour of precious time. Denny's is going to make that lost hour a win with FREE coffee. While most will receive a coupon for one free coffee, one lucky guest will receive FREE coffee for a whole year! Here are the details: On Sunday, March 8th from 2AM to 3:15AM local time, Denny's Rewards members are invited to visit Dennys.com/LoseHourGainCoffee to submit their email address and receive a coupon for a free cup of coffee AND a chance to win free coffee for a year. This offer is available for just 15 minutes. Not a Rewards member yet? Sign up asap at www.dennys.com/reward. Download the Denny’s app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to get in on the action."
SUBWAY CELEBRATES NATIONAL MEATBALL DAY
Restaurant News reported, "On March 9, join the world's first Million Meatball Monday and make any six-inch Sub of the Day or Meal of the Day a footlong for free. Subway Seeks to Serve 1 Million Meatballs on National Meatball Day with Free Footlong Upgrades. This year, the stars – and the meatballs – have aligned and Subway's popular "Meatball Monday" deal just got a whole lot meatballier. On March 9, National Meatball Day, Subway is allowing in-the-know consumers to upgrade every six-inch Sub of the Day and Meal of the Day to a footlong for free as it endeavors to sell 1 million meatballs in a single day."
Dave Skena, Subway's Chief Marketing Officer, North America, said, "With the calendar coincidence of National Meatball Day falling on Meatball Monday this year, Subway is rolling out the red sauce for meatball lovers with a one-day-only deal that’s bound to make history. But we need your help to make March 9 the world's first Million Meatball Monday, and to sell more meatballs than every Scandinavian furniture company combined."
Hey IKEA, are you listening, and how will you respond?
WENDY'S HIRES "CHIEF TASTING OFFICER"
Will this new role be added to the C-Suite? Forbes reported, "Wendy's is hiring a "Chief Tasting Officer" to eat fast food on their couch and make video reviews with no experience or qualifications required, offering $100,000 for the position as it capitalizes on the rivalry between burger chains. The job listing, which was posted on a dedicated website outside Wendy's corporate domain, is authentic, a representative for the firm confirmed to Forbes. The only requirements being: "A human mouth. A pulse. Opinions. Creativity. Taste." The position is mostly remote, with light travel to local Wendy's locations required, and candidates must be willing to start ASAP. Candidates must be comfortable being on camera, but no formal experience is required. Candidates must simply submit a creative video to apply. And according to a company statement, the job is aimed at one lucky fan who cares more about burgers than climbing the corporate ladder."
APPLE LAUNCHES IPHONE 17E
On March 2nd, Apple announced a lower-priced version of the iPhone 17, expanding its smartphone lineup. According to CNN, "Launching on March 11th and starting at $599 (which is $200 less than the iPhone 17), the iPhone 17e is a pared-back version of the pricier iPhone 17. The phone has the same processor but a slightly smaller screen. It also has one camera instead of two and lacks the Dynamic Island bar for showing information from apps. The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white and pink, and includes more storage space than its predecessor. It also includes a new version of Apple's cellular modem, which it says is twice as fast as the one in the iPhone 16e."
TARGET'S TURNAROUND STRATEGY
CNN reported, "Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke, who began his career at Target as an intern in 2003 and rose up the company's ranks, said that Target will improve its products and redesign stores. Unlike Walmart, which is known for the best prices, or Amazon, which has stood out with convenience, Target wants to create a fun, treasure hunt atmosphere in stores where shoppers come in to find what's new. The company plans to expand into new items in food, beauty, apparel, and home furnishings. These categories are critical to Target both as money makers and to help the company stand out from competitors. Target also plans to launch partnerships with niche vendors. In Target's beauty section, for example, the company is putting the trendy Supergoop sunscreen brand on shelves for the first time. And it's also adding more sports and games merchandise for kids."
DUCHESS OF SUSSEX PARTS WITH NETFLIX
CNN reported, "Meghan Markle and Netflix are ending their partnership on her lifestyle brand. The Duchess of Sussex developed her As Ever brand with the streaming giant, launching last year with her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan." The brand has grown to include household items such as jams, teas, wine, and honey and is expected to continue beyond the partnership."
A spokesperson for As ever said in a statement, "As ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can't wait to share more."
Netflix shared its own statement, "As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world."
Time will tell how/if the break-up will impact Meghan's personal and professional brands.
TGI FRIDAYS IN KENYA
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "TGI Fridays continues its focus on international growth as the casual-dining company announced its first foray into sub-Saharan Africa. Fridays has a new development agreement with PrideIn Hotels and Resorts in Kenya, with a plan to open 10 new restaurants in the market. This is part of a larger strategy for the company, which declared bankruptcy two years ago and closed more than half of its U.S. restaurants, to grow to 1,000+ restaurants globally. The brand has also signed development agreements to expand in Peru, Mexico, India, and the Maldives."
Hasnain Noorani, Group Managing Director of PrideInn Hotels and Resorts, said, "This is more than a restaurant launch. It is about creating new lifestyle experiences and reinforcing Kenya's position as a destination ready for global hospitality brands."
CRAZY MOUNTAIN BEER
Drinks Intel reported on March 9th, "The trio behind the Casamigos tequila brand, George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, have teamed up again, this time with a non-alcoholic beer heading to the US. Crazy Mountain, which has gone on sale this week, is being positioned as a "premium non-alc lager-style brew." Available online for domestic delivery, the new-to-market brand consists of two SKUs: Original and Lime, both of which prominently state that they are "Made in America," although more specific details about the source brewery were not disclosed. A 12-pack of 35.5cl cans carries a price point of US$27.98. The three friends, who created Casamigos in 2013, sold the higher-end tequila to Diageo four years later for an initial $700m, rising to $1bn based on a performance-linked earn-out over ten years."
FEE INCREASE AT LA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)
NBC Los Angeles reported on March 9th, "Traveling to or from LAX using a ride-hailing or limousine service could be getting more expensive, with city leaders set tomorrow to consider a hike in fees such companies pay for airport access. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting on March 10th to consider the increases, which are ultimately aimed at decreasing traffic in the LAX central terminal area and eventually encouraging use of a people-mover system when it opens later this year or in 2027."
According to a Los Angeles World Airports report to the commission, "The fees Los Angeles World Airports charges to FHVs (for-hire vehicles) have not changed in 10 years and no longer reflect the value of the airport market, especially given the multibillion-dollar investments in LAX landside access, terminals, and other facilities and amenities. LAX is the busiest origin-and-destination airport in the world, but its fees are significantly lower than those of its domestic peers like San Francisco International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and others. In addition, the current fee structure needs to be adjusted in order to ensure that some providers not currently paying any drop-off fees begin to do so."
UPDATE: On March 10th, ABC7 reported, "Using Uber or Lyft to get to or from the Los Angeles International Airport is going to cost more. On Tuesday, March 10th, the Board of Airport Commissioners approved hiking fees for all rideshare services. Under the increase, pickup and drop-off fees at LAX for taxis, limousines, and rideshare vehicles such as Uber and Lyft would go from $4 to $6 at the rideshare lot and from $5 to $12 at the main terminal. Officials say this move is aimed at reducing traffic in the airport's central terminal and that the long-term goal is to encourage travelers to use the SkyLink trains, or people mover, once it opens."
Uber criticized the proposed increases, saying the changes amount to a 140 percent hike, "Raising the LAX rideshare fee from $5 to $12 at the curb would punish travelers, working families, and seniors who depend on affordable, reliable transportation. Uber supports improving LAX, but not on the backs of the people who keep it running."
WHITE HOUSE GIFT: FLORSHEIM SHOES
The Independent reported, "Donald Trump is reportedly handing out his favorite brand of affordable dress shoes to all his courtiers — and many are "afraid" not to wear them in front of him. The Wall Street Journal reported on March 9th that the fashion-conscious president has been foisting Florsheim leather oxfords on aides, officials, and visiting VIPs after taking a shine to the Wisconsin-based shoemaker. Recipients have reportedly made sure to wear them when Trump is near, apparently sometimes reluctantly. At around $145, they aren't exactly haute couture...Thomas Florsheim Jr, the CEO of Florsheim's parent company, said he was not aware of Trump's preferences and declined to comment further."
ICONIC "BRADY BUNCH" HOUSE
The Smithsonian Magazine reported, "It's an unassuming mid-century house in Los Angeles featuring tan siding, stonework, and blue double doors. But for fans of "The Brady Bunch" TV show, it's an icon. The home's exterior was frequently featured on the family sitcom, which aired from 1969 to 1974. Now, the house is an official Los Angeles landmark. On March 4th, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to add the house to the city's list of Historic-Cultural Monuments. Located on Dilling Street in L.A.’s Studio City neighborhood, the house was designed by architect Harry M. Londelius and built in 1959. And in 2018, HGTV purchased the house for $3.5 million and performed a massive renovation. The network produced a four-part miniseries called "A Very Brady Renovation." It featured grown-up "Brady Bunch" cast members demolishing the home's interior, which Drew and Jonathan Scott, the hosts of "Property Brothers," then helped refurbish. By the show’s conclusion, the structure matched the home seen on television - inside and out."
COVID ANNIVERSARY
This month six years ago, the world changed. Our lives revolved around new terminology: "covid pandemic," "corona virus," and simply "the pandemic." Face masks, hand sanitizer, and stocking up on toilet paper become the new normal.
TESLA SUES CALIFORNIA DMV
In January, Car & Driver reported that after the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) threatened to strip automaker Tesla of its dealer license, the automaker changed the way it markets its drive assistance features. California had previously ruled that the "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" names misrepresented the systems' capabilities, violating state law. So now, "Full Self-Driving" will carry the suffix ("Supervised") in all marketing material, while "Autopilot" has been renamed "Traffic Aware Cruise Control."
However, in early March, CreativeBloq reported, "Now, in an unexpected twist, Tesla is suing the DMV, calling the ruling "factually wrong, legally flawed, and unconstitutional." In a new legal complaint, Tesla suggests the DMV "wrongfully and baselessly labels Tesla a false advertiser for marketing its industry-leading advanced driver-assistance systems("ADAS") under the brand names "Autopilot" and "Full-Self Driving Capability." In response to the legal challenge, the DMV told CNBC, "An Administrative Law Judge found that Tesla broke state law by misleading consumers with the term "autopilot." Tesla agreed to stop this practice, and now they're challenging it anyway. DMV is committed to protecting the traveling public and will defend the Administrative Law Judge's findings and decision in court."
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: NPR, USPS, and Denny's.
Read about IKEA's meatballs:
https://www.ikea.com/global/en/stories/our-roots/meatball-40-years-251024/
