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Domino's Brand Takes a Hit after YouTube "Prank" Video


Domino's Pizza Apologizes for Prank
Domino's apology video helps, but customers are still not convinced

Flemington, NJ, April 17, 2009 – A new national study among 243 Americans revealed that 65% of respondents who would previously visit or order Domino’s Pizza, were less likely to do so after viewing a “prank” video, which was posted on YouTube earlier this week.

The study was conducted by HCD Research, using its Media Curves website on April 16, to obtain Americans’ perceptions of a video, which had two Domino’s employees defacing food in a branch of the fast food chain. Participants were also asked to provide their perceptions of a video in which Domino’s President, Patrick Doyle, apologized for the actions of the employees.

After watching the YouTube “prank” video, 65% of respondents who initially would visit a Domino’s or order Domino’s for delivery, reported that they are less likely to visit a Domino’s chain or order. After respondents viewed the Domino’s apology video, their likelihood to visit and order from Domino’s increased slightly, but it was still a significant drop from the result prior to viewing the employee video.

Among the findings:

 “Which of the following actions are you likely to perform in the next three months?”

 

Before Viewing Prank Video

 

After Viewing Prank Video

 

After Viewing Apology Video

 

Total (n=243)

 

Total (n=243)

 

Total (n=243)

Go to a Domino’s

29%

 

10%

 

20%

Order Domino’s for delivery

46%

 

15%

 

24%

Visit Dominos’ web site

25%

 

14%

 

24%

Search for information on Domino’s

14%

 

10%

 

20%

Watch an advertisement/
commercial on Domino’s

61%

 

27%

 

42%

“Do you think the apology response video released by Domino’s USA President, Patrick Doyle, was effective in rectifying and restoring Domino’s image after this incident?”

 

Total
(n=243)

Yes

31%

Somewhat

60%

No

9%

While viewing the video, participants indicated their levels of believability by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also post-viewing questions.

The Media Curves website provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.

Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).