To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Chick-fil-A is rolling out limited-edition retro packaging – and offering consumers the chance to win a year’s worth of free meals if they purchase one of 3,000 golden cups.
The new packaging falls under Chick-fil-A’s nationwide “Newstalgia” celebrations, which also include additions to the chain’s permanent menu and the rollout of exclusive in-store merchandise.
To enter the Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes, guests can opt to purchase a collectable, retro-inspired Classic Cup for $3.99. They will receive their cup in opaque packaging – described by Reddit user r/Dash795 as a “white plastic bag thing” – that keeps its appearance concealed.
Each of the four standard designs is inspired by ‘iconic looks’ from Chick-fil-A’s past and present, with one cup rolling out ‘every few weeks’. Alternatively, consumers might unwrap one of 3,000 specialty Golden Fan Cups, dispersed at random across stores in the United States.
These golden cups will contain a winning card with instructions and a QR code to claim the prize: 52 entrées at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants, including the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or Chick-fil-A Nuggets.
While the Sweepstakes and limited-edition designs have sparked excitement among some consumers, others have criticized the cups themselves – especially for their usability. Reddit user r/MrsHyperion explains that, while it is made of “sturdy plastic”, the cup cannot be refilled in-store; and user r/SweetieBakes adds that the outer wrapping specifies that the cups are not suitable for hot drinks.
“Any idea why they are not refillable at stores?” asks user r/TheBorgBsg. “I would think that’s part of the appeal.”
“It’s not fillable, lame,” adds r/Substantial_Cup_703.
User r/kdm31091 goes a step further, describing the cups as “just more consumerist FOMO product that will be forgotten in a week.”
Elsewhere on the menu, Chick-fil-A is also serving its Original Chicken Sandwich in new packaging, ‘inspired by Chick-fil-A’s earliest designs’ and decorated with ‘vintage-style graphics pulled from archives’.
“This year marks more than an anniversary – it’s a celebration of the memories, meals and meaningful moments that have brought people together at Chick-fil-A for generations,” said Khalilah Cooper, vice president of brand strategy, advertising & media.
“We have so much in store this year, delivering menu items and experiences that are fresh and exciting yet firmly rooted in Chick-fil-A’s renowned quality, care, generosity, and hospitality. We’re inviting Guests – old and new – to join us in celebrating our heritage, while looking ahead to the future with us.”
In another fast food campaign, McDonald’s and BBC Children in Need have joined forces to release blank Happy Meal boxes – encouraging children to express their emotions through art and start mental health conversations.
Old Bay has also announced that it will return to its original tin packaging. To mark the occasion, it ran a competition to win a limited-edition prize pack in a collectible tin, in collaboration with the Baltimore Ravens American football team.
Additionally, Candy Can and Ardagh Metal Packaging have commemorated Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary with 45 uniquely designed, special edition collectible cans printed with H!GHEND technology.
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