by Dick Chodkowski – @GagsterChod
In 1973, Burger Chef Restaurants decided to direct a campaign aimed at kids with the purpose of getting children to influence the family decision on where to go for lunch. With that in mind, the Funburger evolved into the Funmeal.
A Funburger would come with fries, a drink and a surprise toy in the tradition of Cracker Jacks. And it would be assembled in a colorful tray filled with jokes, games, riddles and cut-outs.
To keep the concept fresh, the trays were updated on a regular basis, which meant the creation of a slew of cartoon characters. These characters appeared in various tray themes, as well as in animated TV commercials and print ads on the promotional material.
A total of 36 different trays were done in a period of about 3 years. Many of these are lost in the dust bin of merchandising history. Here’s a look at several from the vault of yours truly, creator, writer and art director.
About Dick Chodkowski
