Taco Bell tries to juice app downloads with free chalupa deal

Fast-food chains pitch mobile apps as way to limit contact between employees and customers

Taco Bell is trying to boost its mobile app subscriptions by enticing customers with a free Chalupa Cravings Box.

For one day only, customers who register on the Taco Bell app will be able to pick up their free offering, consisting of a 5-Layer Burrito, taco, cinnamon twists, and drink.

Customers must sign up by Tuesday, June 30 to redeem their offer at participating drive-thrus.

Fast-food chains are leaning on their mobile apps to help them through the coronavirus pandemic, pitching them as a way to limit contact between employees and customers by eliminating the need to pay on-premise.

ARIZONA SHUTS BARS, GYMS AGAIN TO CURB SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS

A Taco Bell fast food restaurant in Hickory, North Carolina on Oct. 16, 2018 (iStock)

Data shows that fast-food restaurants — well equipped for drive-thru and takeout service — have fared better than sit-down restaurants as the virus gripped the U.S. For the week ending May 10, full-service restaurant transactions were down 58 percent, while fast-food sales were down 21 percent by comparison.

TRADER JOE'S 'KAREN' SAYS SHE RECEIVED PERMISSION TO SHOP WITHOUT MASK

Like Taco Bell, owned by YUM Brands, its competitors have also stepped up free offerings in order to lure in customers.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
YUM YUM! BRANDS INC. 138.94 -0.39 -0.28%

Last week, Panera announced it would be offering customers free drinks through Labor Day after signing up for its coffee subscription, My Panera Coffee.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Following the offer, the company garnered over 50,000 new subscriptions, according to Panera.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS