QSR Launches Remembered Best in '09

With so much happening in the world, Americans had a very tough time picking out new product launches from a list of 50 in 2009. But they remembered their fast food.

The survey's most memorable launch began with near disaster, after KFC locations couldn't keep up with demand after Oprah offered free coupons to viewers of her eponymous show. That free publicity jump-started a massive campaign using traditional media, promotions and social initiatives on Twitter and MySpace. "Oprah was catalytic. But what made this launch different was that it was just one part of a fully integrated campaign," said Javier Benito, evp, marketing and food innovation, KFC. "The other part of it is that QSRs have a hard time in finding a product that is healthy and tastes great. With KFC Grilled Chicken, we hit the sweet spot." - AdWeek

According to a recent survey by Schneider Associates, IRI and Sentient Decision Science, QSR fast-food launches accounted for a whopping five of the top 10.

1. KFC's Grilled Chicken

2. McDonald's McCafe

6. Quizno's Torpedo

7. McDonald's Angus Deluxe

8. Taco Bell Volcano Nachos