Halloween may still be over a month away, but fast-food chains are already gearing up for the spooky season by rolling out limited-time menu items and collectibles to capture fans’ attention and get ahead of the competition.
Now, Burger King is stepping in with a seasonal promotion to rival one of McDonald’s most beloved Halloween traditions.
Restaurant Brands International’s (QSR) Burger King is partnering with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to bring Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. teammates to its Kids Jr. Meal for Halloween 2025.
The limited-time Burger King x Scooby-Doo Halloween lineup features six toys, inspired by characters from the iconic cartoon’s Halloween specials, each paired with a removable mask.
Burger King x Scooby-Doo Halloween 2025 toys:
- Scooby-Doo: Mummy mask
- Shaggy: Skull mask
- Velma: Witch mask
- Daphne: Cat mask
- Fred: Frankenstein mask
- Elwood Crane: Headless Horseman with ghost mask
The Burger King x Scooby-Doo Halloween toys are available nationwide and in select international markets with the purchase of a King Jr. Meal while supplies last.
The King Jr. Meal offers five entrée options. Each includes a choice of burger or chicken nuggets, applesauce, fries, onion rings, or Have-sies (half fries/half onion rings), a kids drink, and a collectible toy.
King Jr. Meal options:
- Double Cheeseburger King Jr. Meal
- Cheeseburger King Jr. Meal
- Hamburger King Jr. Meal
- Four-Piece Chicken Nuggets King Jr. Meal
- Six-Piece Chicken Nuggets King Jr. Meal
Burger King partners with Scooby-Doo to launch a new King Jr. Meal for Halloween 2025.
Image source: Shutterstock
McDonald’s brings back fan-favorite Boo Buckets
McDonald’s (MCD) is also leaning into the Halloween nostalgia by bringing back its beloved Boo Buckets, marking their return after a three-year hiatus.
Originally launched nationwide in 1986, Boo Buckets are collectible plastic buckets included with the purchase of a Happy Meal during the Halloween season. Fresh designs are introduced each year, and fans can expect new collectible versions to debut for 2025.
Related: Burger King makes major move fans will love after franchise bankruptcies
This year’s Boo Buckets will be available at participating McDonald’s locations nationwide starting in October while supplies last.
This latest move comes after several quarters of declining sales for McDonald’s. However, the fast-food giant has been undergoing a major turnaround, and its efforts seem to be paying off. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, U.S. comparable sales increased 2.5%.
Burger King develops a strategy to boost growth
Burger King has also faced multiple headwinds, prompting the launch of “Reclaim the Flame,” a multi-year turnaround plan that includes a $700 million investment through 2008 to revitalize the brand and drive long-term growth.
The fast-food chain’s efforts appear effective so far. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, U.S. comparable sales increased 1.5%.
A key driver of this momentum is Burger King’s focus on limited-time seasonal promotions. These exclusive offerings create a sense of urgency, encouraging repeat visits before the items vanish from the menu.
The latest Scooby-Doo Halloween collaboration takes this effort a step further by involving nostalgic marketing. This powerful tool creates emotional connection and fosters familiarity that can deepen customer loyalty.
McDonald’s is relying on a similar strategy by betting on its longstanding Halloween tradition, hoping the Boo Buckets will reignite fan enthusiasm and bring more traffic to its restaurants.
As Halloween approaches, Burger King and McDonald’s are doubling down on seasonal nostalgia and limited-time exclusives to capture consumer attention amid a restaurant-industry slowdown.
Related: Wendy’s makes bold Frosty move to rival McDonald’s this Halloween