Chick-fil-A Kicks Off 2026 with 'Newstalgia' Campaign: Permanent Menu Additions and Sweepstakes

Chick-fil-A has officially commenced its 2026 operational year with the launch of a year-long "Newstalgia" campaign. Celebrating the brand's 80-year heritage, the initiative combines a significant permanent menu expansion with a gamified packaging promotion designed to drive footfall and check size.

Starting 5 January, the chain is introducing a new beverage platform nationwide alongside a high-value sweepstakes offering "Free Chick-fil-A for a Year."

Menu Innovation: Frosted Sodas & Floats

In a move to capture the afternoon snacking and treat occasion, Chick-fil-A has permanently added two new beverage categories inspired by nostalgic soda fountain favourites. These items leverage the brand's proprietary "Icedream" dessert to create a new texture experience for the soda portfolio.

The New Permanent Lineup:

🍦🥤 Frosted Sodas: A hand-spun blend of Icedream and the guest's choice of fountain beverage, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

🍨 Floats: A classic layered presentation of soda and Icedream, offering a fizzy and foamy texture profile.

Core Flavour Options: The platform is compatible with the chain's full fountain suite, including core partners Coca-Cola®, Dr Pepper®, and Sprite®, as well as Barq's® Root Beer, Fanta®, Powerade®, and Hi-C®.

Marketing Activation: The Golden Fan Cup

To drive engagement, the chain has introduced a "blind box" style packaging promotion. Guests can purchase Classic Cups ($3.99), which feature four retro-inspired designs celebrating the brand's visual history.

Hidden within the supply chain are 3,000 "Golden Fan Cups." The cups are wrapped to conceal their design; customers who unbox a Golden Fan design can redeem a prize of free Chick-fil-A for a year (defined as 52 entrées).

Packaging Refresh: Coinciding with the cup promotion, the flagship Original Chicken Sandwich Meal will be served in limited-time retro packaging featuring vintage-style graphics from the company archives.

Khalilah Cooper, Vice President of Brand Strategy, Advertising & Media, framed the campaign as a balance between legacy and innovation:

"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. 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."

The US-focused campaign launches as Chick-fil-A accelerates its international expansion. The company recently entered the UK market in early 2025 with plans for five locations within two years, and is preparing for its entry into Asia with a Singapore debut scheduled for late 2025.