McDonald’s made its biggest commitment yet to Detroit with the return of 313 Day, an annual celebration of the city’s culture, pride, and community. Launched in 2024, the activation was an instant hit—merch sold out in minutes, drive-thrus were packed, and the city fully embraced the collaboration.
This year, McDonald’s expanded the celebration, bringing Detroit flavor, local design, and community partnerships to the forefront. At the heart of the campaign was the exclusive 313 Day Meal, available for one day only on March 13 at 36 participating McDonald’s locations in and around Detroit. The meal featured:
- Double Filet-O-Fish
- Four-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Boston Cooler – a Detroit staple made with Vernors Ginger Ale and vanilla ice cream
With each meal purchase, customers received a limited-edition 313 Day tee designed by Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC) student Ameera Haynes. The artwork reflected Detroit’s bold artistic identity, reinforcing McDonald’s commitment to uplifting local talent.
More Than a Meal – A Movement
313 Day wasn’t just about food—it was about investing in Detroit. Alongside local marketing agency Doner, McDonald’s partnered with Vernors, PLC, and key community leaders to make this year’s celebration even bigger.
The campaign included:
- Radio collaborations with 97.9 FM
- Social content across Facebook & Instagram
- A live press conference featuring Mayor Mike Duggan, James Nice (Keurig Dr Pepper), and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards (President of PLC Detroit)
McDonald’s Michigan Lead Briana Wright, who spearheaded the campaign, emphasized its deeper purpose, “This wasn’t just about driving traffic—it was about embedding McDonald’s into a moment that truly mattered to Detroit.”
Why It Mattered
313 Day proved that national brands can connect with local communities in meaningful ways. The overwhelming demand from last year’s event showed that Detroiters wanted to see their culture celebrated, their businesses supported, and their city spotlighted.
“Vernors has been a part of Detroit’s culture for generations,” said James Nice of Keurig Dr Pepper. “Bringing back the Boston Cooler with McDonald’s was a perfect way to honor those traditions.”
For Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, PLC’s involvement brought the campaign full circle, “As a former McDonald’s employee, it was surreal to provide our students the opportunity to design for such an iconic brand while celebrating Detroit’s rich history.”
Detroit Showed Up for 313 Day
The campaign once again exceeded expectations, with long lines, sell-out merchandise, and an outpouring of support from the local community. With Detroit flavor, hometown pride, and a nod to the city’s deep heritage, 313 Day proved to be more than just a promotion—it was a love letter to the city.
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