(Milford, Conn.) May 2003 � Subway Restaurants and Cartoon Network are teaming up to introduce a collection of five fun new toys based on the hit original animated series, Courage the Cowardly Dog(TM), which airs weekday mornings (12 noon) and evenings (9:30 p.m.) on Cartoon Network. The toys will be available in Subway Kids' Pak meals beginning May 19 through July 6, 2003, at participating restaurants in the United States and Canada.
One of Cartoon Network's top-rated original series, Courage the Cowardly Dog chronicles the life of an incredibly timid, small spotted dog who spends his life on pins and needles, terrified and suspicious of anything out of the ordinary. Courage must regularly defend his owners, Eustace and Muriel, from the monsters, ghouls, ghosts and other paranormal elements that threaten their simple existence. When these supernatural forces rear their hideous heads, Courage sheds his nervous demeanor and exhibits fearless ingenuity to protect the ones he loves. His eye-popping, jaw-dropping, fear-induced hyperactivity allows Courage to overcome his adversaries so he can return, once more, to the warm and comforting lap of Muriel and the grump indifference of Eustace.
"We are thrilled to work with Cartoon Network to bring these toys to our Kids' Pak program," says Brad Saunders, marketing manager for the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT). "We've developed some wonderfully exciting toys that will surely be a hit with kids and parents."
"Through its wonderfully creative toy concepts and powerful in-store promotional campaigns, Subway proves over and over again to be a savvy marketer to kids and families," says Phyllis Ehrlich, senior vice president of promotions marketing, Cartoon Network Sales & Marketing. "Courage the Cowardly Dog is one of the network's most popular programs, so we expect kids all over the country will be very excited to collect each of the exclusive Subway Kids' Pak premiums."
The Kids' Pak meal consists of a deli-style sandwich, small drink and a cookie. Additionally, one of the following toys will be available in each meal:
Courage Chatterer � Courage is hiding from the cat-monster on TV. When you wind Courage by pushing down his ears, his teeth chatter and his ears perk up
Courage Couch Launcher � Courage is in his favorite spot, the couch, with Eustace standing behind him. When the moment is right, click the button to raise up Eustace's monster mask and Courage goes flying off.
Courage Scaredy Clock � Push Courage down to lock the spring mechanism. Then watch Courage jump up the clock to avoid the Eggplant monster, who's been hiding.
Scary Well Launcher � Push the button on the well and a creature appears from its depths. Courage launches off and runs to safety.
Hobby Cow � Courage just loves cows. This cute toy, designed for children 18 months and older, is a plastic Hobby Cow with Courage riding on top.
The promotion will be supported on the internet at www.subwaykids.com and through nationally produced point-of-purchase materials. Ryan Partnership, Westport, Conn., is the agency in charge of POP material, with b.little + Co., New York, NY, responsible for production.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 82.5 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Justice League, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, a late night block of animation for grownups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network's Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).
Subway Restaurants is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 18,500 locations in 71 countries. In 2002, the Subway chain surpassed McDonald's in the number of restaurants open in the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Milford, Conn., Subway Restaurants was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. That partnership marked the beginning of a remarkable journey�one that made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. Subway Restaurants was named the number one franchise opportunity in all categories by Entrepreneur magazine in its Annual Franchise 500 ranking for 2003�for the 11th time in 15 years!
For more information about the Subway restaurant chain, visit www.subway.com
Subway(R) and Kids' Pak(R) are registered trademarks of Doctor's Associates Inc.
