Key Takeaways
– Jersey Mike’s Subs partnered with TikTok influencer Keith Lee for a promotion called the “SUB-perior Happy Hour.”
– The promotion offered $25 off DoorDash orders of at least $12 during specific hours on June 7 and 8.
– The promotion caused chaos for both DoorDash drivers and Jersey Mike’s workers.
– Some stores turned off orders minutes into the promotion, and the DoorDash app experienced technical issues.
– Workers were overwhelmed with orders, and some claimed they were not informed about the promotion in advance.
– Jersey Mike’s eventually canceled the second day of the promotion.
– Keith Lee deleted the announcement on TikTok and did not directly address the situation.
– Keith Lee expressed gratitude to the affected workers and prepared to give them $3,000 in cash.
The Chaos of the Promotion
The partnership between Jersey Mike’s Subs and TikTok influencer Keith Lee seemed like a match made in heaven. With nearly 13 million followers, Keith Lee had the potential to bring a significant amount of attention to the sandwich chain. The promotion, called the “SUB-perior Happy Hour,” offered a generous discount of $25 off DoorDash orders of at least $12 during specific hours on June 7 and 8. However, what seemed like a great marketing opportunity quickly turned into chaos.
Minutes into the promotion, some Jersey Mike’s stores were forced to turn off orders due to overwhelming demand. The DoorDash app also experienced technical issues, further exacerbating the situation. Customers were frustrated as they tried to place orders, only to be met with error messages or unavailable options. DoorDash drivers were also affected, as they struggled to keep up with the sudden influx of orders.
The strain of the promotion was felt most by the Jersey Mike’s workers. Many claimed they were not adequately informed about the promotion in advance, leaving them unprepared for the onslaught of orders. The sudden increase in demand overwhelmed the already busy workers, leading to long wait times and frustrated customers. Some workers even quit due to the overwhelming stress caused by the promotion.
Jersey Mike’s Response
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Jersey Mike’s made the difficult decision to cancel the second day of the promotion. This was a necessary step to alleviate the strain on their workers and ensure that they could provide quality service to their customers. While the cancellation may have disappointed some customers, it was a responsible move to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
Keith Lee, on the other hand, did not directly address the chaos caused by the promotion. He deleted the announcement on TikTok, leaving many of his followers confused about what had happened. However, he did post a video expressing gratitude to the affected workers and prepared to give them $3,000 in cash. While this gesture is appreciated, it does not fully address the issues caused by the promotion.
The Importance of Considering Downstream Implications
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the downstream implications when working with influencers on giveaways or promotions. While partnering with a popular influencer can bring attention and excitement to a brand, it is crucial to ensure that the infrastructure and resources are in place to handle the increased demand. In this case, the promotion overwhelmed both the DoorDash app and the Jersey Mike’s workers, leading to a negative experience for customers and employees alike.
The Need for Adequate Staffing and Communication
The chaos caused by the “SUB-perior Happy Hour” promotion also highlights the need for adequate staffing and communication within the food service industry. Workers at Jersey Mike’s claimed they were not adequately informed about the promotion, leaving them unprepared for the sudden influx of orders. This lack of communication not only put additional stress on the workers but also resulted in longer wait times and frustrated customers.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that their workers are well-informed about any promotions or events. Adequate staffing is also essential to handle increased demand effectively. By investing in proper communication and staffing, businesses can avoid the negative consequences that come with overwhelming their workers and disappointing their customers.
Conclusion
The partnership between Jersey Mike’s Subs and TikTok influencer Keith Lee for the “SUB-perior Happy Hour” promotion turned into chaos. The overwhelming demand caused stores to turn off orders, the DoorDash app to experience technical issues, and workers to be overwhelmed and unprepared. Jersey Mike’s made the responsible decision to cancel the second day of the promotion, prioritizing the well-being of their employees. Keith Lee, while not directly addressing the situation, expressed gratitude to the affected workers and prepared to give them $3,000 in cash. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of considering downstream implications when working with influencers and the need for adequate staffing and communication in the food service industry. Jersey Mike’s will have to work harder to repair the damage caused by the promotion, while Keith Lee will likely recover from this incident with his massive following.
