Author Archives: Mariah Hurst

Starbucks ‘Rewards’ Leave Bitter Taste

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Mariah Hurst

Despite the trendy shift to locally-sourced products and independent establishments, coffee giant Starbucks is still wildly successful. Price increases, business model changes and negative media have yet to slow down their rapid growth. But Starbucks’ most recent change could end that impressive streak. … Continue reading →

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Buzz Bigger Than Oscars

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Mariah Hurst

Look no further than the 2016 Oscars for examples of how to create “buzz,” a valuable commodity in the age of social media and endless entertainment. The event provided a feast of content for media outlets among the fashion, awards, … Continue reading →

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Costly Corporate Faux Pas

Posted on November 15, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

More than ever before, companies must figuratively walk on eggshells to avoid immediate scrutiny from millions of users on hundreds of platforms. The broad reach of media highlights any potentially offensive corporate slip-up. The holiday season seems to make the … Continue reading →

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Chipotle Closings: Safe or Sorry?

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

Let’s face it. Many have have an intense loyalty to Chipotle and their overstuffed burritos, fresh guacamole and tortilla chips with the perfect touch of lime. Their following seems unshakable, but the international chain has faced a crisis in the … Continue reading →

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Tesco’s Viral Prank

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

Tesco, the United Kingdom-based grocery chain, isn’t messing around this Halloween. They got in the spirit by pranking customers at one of their stores and catching the entire act on video. Tesco seems to be following the “formula” for creating … Continue reading →

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Chicken’s Tweets a Treat

Posted on October 25, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

Australian fast-food chain Chicken Treat has added an unlikely member to their social media team. “Betty” has no prior social media experience, but Chicken Treat believes she brings something valuable to the table. Who is Betty? Believe it or not, … Continue reading →

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Cheerios Recall Follows Complaints

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

Food manufacturer General Mills announced on Monday that it will recall an estimated 1.8 million boxes of its Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios after finding out that that the gluten-free labeled products contained wheat. Jim Murphy, president of General Mill’s … Continue reading →

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McDonald’s All-Day Breakfast Adds $$$ to Menu

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

The wait is finally over. After years of reaching out, America’s breakfast prayers have been answered. On Oct 6, McDonald’s will introduce all-day breakfast nationwide. After plenty of rumors and buzz, McDonald’s finally made the announcement in a press release … Continue reading →

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Starbucks Spicing Up Fall with PSL

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Mariah Hurst

Let’s face it, we all get excited when the Pumpkin Spice Latte returns every year. But what makes this seasonal drink so popular? Is it that it’s exclusively available September through December? Or possibly because it reminds us of our favorite holidays … Continue reading →

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