Burger King aired a minimalist yet powerful ad during Super Bowl LIII, featuring pop art icon Andy Warhol. The ad, created by agency David & MullenLowe, was a four-minute static shot of Warhol eating a Whopper, Burger King’s signature hamburger. The video was unedited and uncut, and it ended with the hashtag #EatLikeAndy.
This simple yet effective ad was an immediate success. It was praised for its originality, creativity, and its homage to Warhol. The video was also a commercial success, contributing to a 4.9% increase in Whopper sales at Burger King in the weeks following its airing.
The #EatLikeAndy ad is a striking example of how brands can use pop culture references to connect with consumers. By featuring Warhol, an iconic figure in American art, Burger King was able to associate itself with an image of creativity, rebellion, and edginess. This allowed the brand to appeal to a younger, more hipster demographic, and to reinforce its positioning as an unconventional and disruptive brand.
Beyond its commercial success, the #EatLikeAndy ad was also praised for its commentary on American society. The simple, unadorned video of Warhol eating a hamburger was interpreted as a reflection on American consumer culture and the role of food in our lives. Some critics also saw the ad as a tribute to the banality and beauty of everyday life.
Whether as a commercial success, social commentary, or artistic tribute, the #EatLikeAndy ad is undeniably a landmark in advertising history. It proved that even the simplest ideas can be powerful when executed with creativity and audacity.
BRAND : Burger King
YEAR : 2019
AGENCY : David & MullenLowe
SUPER BOWL : LIII
QUARTER AIRED : Q3
