How QSR Brands Can Use Reddit to Spark Conversations & Build Loyalty

Reddit has a bit of a reputation (and we mean that in the best way). It’s the internet’s favorite place for deep dives, unfiltered opinions, and spirited debates. But beyond the jokes and the AMAs with CEOs, Reddit has become one of the most trusted spaces online for real conversations and honest feedback.

And for QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) brands in 2025, that kind of community-driven honesty is pure gold. It’s where people share their favorite secret menu hacks, post photos of limited-time items, ask if your chicken sandwich really lives up to the hype, and, yes, voice their not-so-subtle opinions when it doesn’t.

Here, we’re sharing how QSR brands can tap into Reddit’s unique culture to build something deeper than one-off transactions: real brand affinity. With the right mix of organic participation and thoughtfully placed Reddit Ads, you can turn conversations into conversions and drive loyalty one upvote at a time.

Why Reddit Is a Hidden Gem for QSR Brands

When most QSR pros think about where to connect with hungry customers, their minds go straight to Instagram reels, TikTok trends, or maybe even Google search. Reddit? Not usually top of the list. But that’s exactly why it’s such a hidden gem.

Reddit’s user base is deeply engaged, fiercely opinionated, and (best of all) food-obsessed. Whether they’re reviewing your new limited-time menu item or ranking chicken nuggets by brand, Redditors don’t just consume food: they discuss it. At length. With passion.

What sets Reddit apart from other platforms is its less-polished, more conversational nature. You won’t find overly filtered photos or carefully choreographed ad campaigns dominating the feed. Instead, Reddit is about authenticity. Users come for the comments, the inside jokes, and the real talk. And they’ll call out anything that feels fake or forced in a heartbeat.

Here’s the kicker: Reddit users are more likely to trust brands that show up to engage, not just to advertise. They want to hear from the people behind the brand. They want answers, interaction, and accountability.

For restaurant brands that are willing to listen and participate, Reddit offers something most platforms can’t: the chance to build genuine, long-term loyalty in a community that cares.

The Power of Reddit Ads (When Done Right)

Reddit Ads in 2025 aren’t what they used to be, and that’s a good thing. The platform has leveled up, offering targeting capabilities that rival the big players, with options to reach users by interest, subreddit, device, location, and even trending conversations.

That means your ad isn’t just tossed into the internet void but placed in front of people who are already talking about food, industry, or brand.

Here are a few Reddit ad formats QSR marketers should have on their radar:

Promoted Posts

Perfect for spotlighting limited-time offers (LTOs), new menu items, or showing off your brand’s personality with clever copy. These blend in with organic posts. If done right, they look and feel like content users actually want to engage with.

Conversation Ads

Spark genuine discussions by inviting users to share their takes. Ask a question like, “What’s your favorite late-night order?” and get the community talking, while subtly putting your brand at the center.

Carousel & Video Ads

Have something drool-worthy to show off? These formats are ideal for visual storytelling, from sizzling cheese pulls to behind-the-scenes kitchen shots. They grab attention and bring your food to life in a scroll-stopping way.

Sponsored AMAs (Ask Me Anything)

One of the most unique Reddit offerings, sponsored AMAs are a brilliant blend of paid and organic. Host an AMA with your executive chef, product developer, or even your social team to connect with Redditors in a real, human way.

And the benefits? Plenty:

• Hyper-relevant placements in foodie or location-based subreddits.
• Cost-effective reach with strong engagement potential.
• A built-in feedback loop. Redditors will tell you what they like, what they don’t, and what they wish you’d serve next.

When used thoughtfully, Reddit Ads are conversation starters, giving QSR brands a front-row seat to customer insights and loyalty-building moments.

Where QSR Brands Can Show Up on Reddit

So, you’re sold on Reddit’s potential, but where exactly should your brand show up? The beauty of Reddit is its structure: a massive collection of communities (aka subreddits), each focused on specific interests, conversations, or cravings. For QSR brands, that opens up some pretty tasty opportunities.

Here are a few go-to spots where QSRs can make a splash:

r/fastfood

This is Reddit’s unofficial town square for QSR chatter. It’s where users rave (or rant) about new releases, secret menu items, and fast food favorites. It’s a goldmine for feedback and trendspotting.

r/food

A broader food-loving community, great for content that leans more visual, educational, or behind-the-scenes. It’s a smart spot for AMAs or anything that shows off your culinary creativity.

r/AskReddit

Not food-specific, but full of viral potential. Ask the right question: “What’s your go-to comfort food after a long day?” and watch the comments roll in. Use this format to spark fun, casual brand visibility.

Local subreddits (e.g., r/ChicagoFood, r/LosAngeles, r/Austin)

These communities are perfect for location-based promotions, store openings, or geo-targeted Reddit Ads. People use them to find new places to eat, so it’s a great way to show up at the right time, in the right neighborhood.

Brand-specific threads and AMAs

If your QSR brand already has some name recognition, chances are it’s been mentioned in Reddit threads. You can chime in genuinely (no sales pitch, please) or host a sponsored AMA to connect directly with curious customers.

The key here is timing and tone.

Strategies to Spark Engagement (Without Getting Roasted)

Reddit can be an incredible place to build community, but it’s also famously not afraid to call you out if you come across as tone-deaf. So if you're a QSR brand looking to jump in, you’ve got to play by the rules of the Reddit universe (hint: authenticity always wins).

Here’s how to engage without ending up in the downvote dungeon:

Speak like an actual human

Reddit users can spot corporate speak from a mile away. Your copy should feel like it was written by a real human, not a committee. Be conversational, a little playful, and above all, honest.

Ask more, sell less

The best way to get people talking? Ask them something! Try running a Reddit Ad that sparks discussion instead of shouting a promotion. Think:

• “Which discontinued fast food item do you miss the most?”
• “Rate our new sandwich: hot take or hard pass?”
• “What would you name our next milkshake flavor?”

Reddit loves polls and opportunities to weigh in, so let the community help shape the convo.

Show up where you're invited

Not every subreddit is the right place for your brand. Make sure your posts and ads appear in relevant communities where your content actually makes sense. Promoting a new burger in a general food subreddit? Maybe. Promoting it in r/fastfood or r/ChicagoFood? Definitely.

React fast and keep it real

If you’re lucky enough to spark a thread, don’t ghost the comments. Be ready to jump in, answer questions, thank users, and (if needed) take feedback on the chin. Bonus points for humility and being able to laugh at yourself if things get spicy.

Double down on what's working

Post something organically that’s gaining traction? Turn it into a promoted post. Ride the wave of momentum while it’s hot. It’s a great way to amplify content that already resonates with the community.

Redditors are passionate, vocal, and engaged, which makes them ideal for building brand loyalty. Just remember: You’re there to contribute, not crash the party.

Reddit Ads + Organic Strategy = Loyalty Engine

Here’s the magic formula: use Reddit Ads to get noticed, and organic engagement to stay memorable.

When QSR brands combine paid and organic strategies on Reddit, they have a much easier time building community. Ads are great for getting your foot in the door, but it’s the follow-through that turns casual curiosity into long-term loyalty.

Bonus: Reddit doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Conversations that start on Reddit often make their way to Twitter, TikTok, and even real-life group chats. A well-placed comment or memorable ad can get screenshot, reposted, and talked about well beyond the subreddit where it started.

This is how you go from being a brand that advertises on Reddit to a brand Reddit roots for. And in today’s ultra-competitive QSR space, brand fans are worth way more than one-time customers.

Jump In, But Don't Wing It

Reddit is a wild and wonderful mix of community, creativity, and unfiltered critique, which is exactly what makes it such a goldmine for QSR brands.

Whether you're dipping your toes in with your first Reddit Ad or planning a full-on AMA with your CMO and culinary team, the secret sauce is simple:

• Be real.
• Be responsive.
• Respect the community.

Not sure where to start or worried about getting downvoted into oblivion? We’ve got you. At BFO, we help QSR brands craft Reddit strategies that make sense, sound human, and actually connect with the people who matter most.

Reach out to us today to start gathering those upvotes!