Orange County Register

Del Taco will debut next week a new “Feed the Beast” commercial, featuring a shrunken version of its hairy and often annoying Beast mascot. But, for those who can’t wait, I have obtained a copy of the 30-second spot, created by Tustin-based ad firm Brainsaw. (see exclusive video below)

A quick primer: A man and woman stand before the Del Taco menu board, ready to order a Chicken Quesadilla. Noting the hefty chicken portions, the girl asks her man to “split” the item. (Of course, she’s thin, and blond, but that’s beside the point.) The Beast suddenly appears atop her boyfriend’s shoulder, hopping up and down like a wild monkey.

“What? No splitting, no sharing!” he tells the boyfriend. The guy rejects her sharing request because he must “feed the beast.”

Remember, the Beast is supposed to represent a Del Taco customer’s “inner cravings,” I think.  I like the new Incredible Shrinking Beast, who as I’ve noted before, looks and acts a lot like a super hairy version of Michael Keaton’s 1988 Beetle Juice character. So, keeping him tiny is good.

But, just before publishing this item, I got a tip from a restaurant marketing insider that Del Taco’s new Beast campaign looks an awful lot like an Islands Burgers commercial circa 2006-07. After viewing the Islands ad, I have to agree. (Del Taco reps told me they are investigating.)

Regardless, it doesn’t really bother me because that ad agency probably borrowed that idea, too. So, go ahead and compare the two, and cast your vote below.

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Now, Look at The Islands Video:

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VOTE:

Other Fast-Food commercials:

• Del Taco’s ‘Annoying’ Beast ad
• Carl’s Jr. Chili Burger ad
  
• Carl’s Jr. expels gyrating flat buns teacher from commercial

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