Hardee’s, just like it’s sister chain Carl’s Jr, is known around the world for it’s raunchy and sexual advertisements. Well, it’s also known for it’s burgers and milkshakes. But can a brand like Hardee’s maintain it’s brand identity in Pakistan where such blatant sexual references are taboo? Well, Hardee’s recently launched a new marketing campaign for their Angus Thickburgers and it looks like they have their answer.
There were many people who weren’t happy with Hardee’s for their cultural insensitivity.
When the restaurant name is #hardees you can expect this type of advertisement. #Karachi #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/MhF1L3zJji
— Waqas Pai (@waqaspai) July 21, 2015
Whoever is coming up with such ideas. S/he needs to get laid ASAP.. #Pakistan #Hardees #Nandos pic.twitter.com/3IwORgw7A5
— F.K (@fzaklm) July 20, 2015
'Ammi #Hardees chalein?' 'Okay.' *reaches restaurant entrance* *sees the new innuendo filled ads* *gets a chapair*
— Artrepreneur (@zain_qasmani) July 20, 2015
Dual meaning ads by #Hardees pic.twitter.com/OhNmr68PBH
— Farooq Tahir (@drmftahir) July 20, 2015
Hardee's marketing campaign is verging on creepy. #Islamabad pic.twitter.com/zyH6MfGXX2
— Faran Rafi (@faranrafi) July 16, 2015
I am #boycotting #Hardees. Yes I am a prude. This is plain #vulgar, extremely #disappointing. What an utter #shame! pic.twitter.com/EoYVRd0B9r
— Samarah Mufti (@samarah_mufti) July 20, 2015
But then, there were also some people who were entertained rather than outraged.
Marketing at its best … Bravo #Hardees #Karachi pic.twitter.com/S0tIm41UUt
— Fawwaz Siddiqui (@fawwaxs) July 19, 2015
Who want #Hardees k fresh buns as Eidi? ?? pic.twitter.com/TTxJgft01g
— FඹЯЯน㉿Ħ ŞĦඹΙ㉿Ħ (@farrukhshaikh) July 19, 2015
#TGIF #funny #Pakistan lol #hardees @Hardees pic.twitter.com/ncVM6ke8A8
— Sheraz Malik (@Shahkaal) July 18, 2015
Kardashian's buns ? #hardees #wtf pic.twitter.com/SK5E2bibpa
— Ali Khan (@being_alikhan) July 17, 2015
And after Ramadan…..shaitan was released. Well played #Hardees ? pic.twitter.com/d5ay5MdPZU
— Bilal Khan (@BilalKhan8) July 17, 2015
Its okay! I mean who wouldn't want to touch some fresh buns like that. I would! #Hardees pic.twitter.com/Y4IjezPldj
— U M E R (@Umerulaziz) July 17, 2015
Fresh buns across #Pakistan! #hardees #progressive #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/iRZT9BQHpy
— Sheharyar Khan (@khansheharyar) July 17, 2015
OMG, what a bum. Oopps BUN…. #Hardees pic.twitter.com/zSg8oUhf19
— Fahim Farooq (@fahim_parekh) July 17, 2015
Regardless of the mixed responses, Hardee’s has succeeded in making a viral campaign. Now there’s a bigger question you have to ask: will you boycott the Hardee’s or appreciate the (vulgar) marketing for its effectiveness? Let us know what you think.
