Arby’s is at it again. They will be selling venison at their locations across the country Saturday, October 21. Yes, venison, as in deer meat. You may recall they did this last year in only six states including Georgia. I think it’s a pretty neat idea as I like deer meat, but I realize it may not please every palate. The meat will be from free-range farms, as hunters cannot legally sell their kill. And, let’s face it, you couldn’t guarantee the supply, quality or safety if you did it that way. Of course, if they were allowed to accept road kill, there would be an endless supply. Remember, you can only hunt with a gun for just so many months of the year. However, you can take a deer with a Buick year round.
I’ve been thinking about the marketing for this menu item. I am not sure they have a name for their deer sandwich. Honestly, I’ve often wondered why you would name a sandwich in the first place. Can’t we just call them what they are? Although I will admit “Whopper” is a bit catchier than “dang big burger”. So if they are bent on giving their new creation a catchy name, I have some suggestions.
The “Bambi” is the obvious choice. Tell the kids not to think of it as a sandwich but rather as a souvenir from the movie. They could offer a rabbit salad on the side and call it the “Thumper”. I’m sure Disney would be all in on the concept.
For the guy who likes a big sandwich with a no-nonsense approach, there’s “Buck on a Bun”. Promotional contesting with this one would be easy. Be the first to find buckshot in your sandwich and your meal is free. I’m thinking that these will come in a couple of different sizes. There’s the half-pound version called the “8 Pointer”. For really big appetites, there’s the full-pound version called the “16 Pointer”. Don’t forget the “Doe Doughs”. They’re bite-sized venison nuggets tucked inside dough and baked to a golden brown. They’re perfect for the kids. Kids always like nuggets.
It’s a shame that McDonald’s didn’t come up with this idea. It’s much easier to name their sandwiches. They just put “Mc” in front of whatever it is and you have a memorable name. (i.e. McRib, McNugget, Mick Jagger) Perhaps they could make their McRib out of venison and call it “McRack”.
If this is successful, other chains will try to cash in as well. Of course, they’ll have to do it a little differently to set themselves apart. Since reindeer meat is also commercially available, I’m thinking other chains might latch on to that to separate themselves. It certainly brings plenty of marketing opportunities for the Christmas season.
KFC could offer fried reindeer nuggets. Who wouldn’t want to pick up a “Bucket ‘o Blitzen” on the way home from a busy day at the office? After that debacle with Jared, Subway could bounce back with “Rudolph on a Roll”. Of course, Pizza Hut would also have plenty of opportunities with such offerings as “12 Days of Christmas Pizza” featuring the Comet stuffed crust and topped with a dash of Dasher. It’s antlers above the rest.
Of course, you’ll want to leave out a plate of Antler Angles for Santa. Those are antlers dipped in a light batter, fried, and then sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Uh…on second thought, maybe not.
