Tampa-based PDQ, the award-winning national chicken QSR restaurant brand, has awarded creative and strategy to PPK, of Tampa, FL as the new agency of record. The agency begins research and strategy immediately, with new brand creative to launch in Q1 of 2020. Both companies were hatched in the Tampa Bay area.
“We’re excited to work with the team at PPK,” said Frank Rappa, Chief Marketing Officer for PDQ. “They bring a new level of creative and strategic thinking to the PDQ brand with a proven track record of award-winning creative, plus a history working in the food and beverage category that we believe will complement our direction.”
Founded in 2011, PDQ—short for “People Dedicated to Quality”—is beloved throughout the Southeast for their hand-breaded and never frozen chicken tenders, signature sauces and hand-crafted sandwiches. The menu also features made-to-order fresh salads and hand-spun milkshakes.
The organization is dedicated to creating deep roots in its local communities and has given nearly $6 million in dollars and in-kind donations to local charities, schools, and organizations since its inception. On October 30, 2011, the original PDQ restaurant opened its doors in Tampa (FL) and the concept now has locations throughout Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. For more information, visit www.eatPDQ.com.
“PDQ’s positive momentum is a great way to begin a relationship,” says Tom Kenney, Principal at PPK. “We are excited about growing a strong brand with smart insights and bold, attention-getting creative. Helping great brands stand out from their competitors is what we love to do, and working with a client like PDQ makes the process that much more exhilarating.”
PPK is one of the southeast’s most decorated advertising agencies, with a history of building brands with creative driven by research and strategy—particularly in the QSR space. The agency has previously handled creative services for Metro Diner, Big Boy Restaurants, Checkers & Rally’s, and Huddle House. Other major national and regional retail clients include Tires Plus, Pinch A Penny Pools, and The Florida Lottery. The agency is a Graphis Advertising Master, and has been recognized by the 4As with the prestigious Jay Chiat Award for Strategic Excellence.
Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and MVP Holdings CEO Nick Reader are the two principal owners of PDQ. Tom Kenney is the principal owner of PPK.
For further information, please contact Garrett Garcia at ggarcia@uniteppk.com or Jeff Kamis at jkamis@eatPDQ.com.