LeBron James and Taco Bell rally against “Taco Tuesday” trademark

Welcome to Memorial Day weekend. Well, almost-Memorial Day weekend—only one more day. Let’s see what’s new with the brands.

Free the Taco (Tuesday)™

The trademark on the phrase “Taco Tuesday” is really burning Taco Bell and LeBron James’ burritos. Now, the two have joined forces to combat the interdict on use of the moniker in marketing material. In a new ad, LeBron James laments being bleeped in a candid vertical video where he shouts, “It’s Taco Tuesday!” as he continues to be bleeped throughout the ad—but he’s grateful Taco Bell is doing something about it.

DoorDash Needs More Dashers

To prepare for summer, DoorDash is spending money on out-of-home advertising (OOH), hoping to increase the number of DoorDashers, independent contractors who deliver the food, in low-participation cities. DoorDash is using large-format and place-based advertising, such as “billboards, urban panels, airports, bus shelters, train stations, gyms, colleges and universities, and gas stations” to show these consumers DoorDash can be used as a supplementary form of income.

Google’s AI Search Engine Will Have Ads

Google plans to use generative AI to improve its search, but that doesn’t mean ads won’t be served. Unwilling to give up its spot as top dog when it comes to the ads space, Google will have sponsored content “above or below” the generative text produced by the AI search and the type of ads served will depend on the user’s search query.

Meta Employees Blame Staff Cuts for Ad Buying Issues

If you’ve noticed issues with ad buying on Meta platforms, you’re not alone. And Meta employees are pointing to staff cuts as the culprit. It appears Meta’s “Year of Efficiency” is efficiently killing Facebook and Instagram ad spend.

Around the Web

• The most trusted brand in the U.S.? Band-Aid.

• Want to build a UGC pipeline and creative testing framework?—Enter Insense the all-in-one platform to source a lot of raw assets + edited content, find the perfect UGC creators in minutes, and run influencer ads.*

• McDonald’s donates to Black Girls Surf for The Little Mermaid tie-in.

• Peloton rebrands amid a 22% revenue drop.

• Target pulls some LGBTQ+ merchandise after “violent confrontations.”

*This is sponsored advertising content.

Just Can’t Get Enough

Lana Del Rey’s “nepo daddy.” After all, why should kids have all the fun?

• Lana Del Rey’s father, Rob Grant, loves the title.

• He’s released his own album (not titled Nepo Daddy)…

• …but has official Nepo Daddy merch (including a crop top).

Have any Memorial Day plans? Will you be sporting a Nepo Daddy crop top or DoorDashing Taco Bell to the beach? How is your brand celebrating the weekend? Reply and let us know, even if it’s just to say, “We’re taking a deserved BBQ break!”

Thanks for joining us, and we’ll see you Tuesday!