Case Studies ❯ Boston Pizza X Nintendo
Boston Pizza
X Nintendo
Leveling Up Family Dining
Every great gaming adventure starts with a little excitement – and sometimes, a slice of pizza! Boston Pizza International were ready to up their game with a nostalgia filled program that felt like stepping into the Mushroom Kingdom.
Introduction
The Goal
Boston Pizza has always been a go-to spot for families, but they wanted to make dining out as fun and engaging as a family game night. By partnering with Nintendo and Kidzsmart, they saw an opportunity to create a hands-on experience that spanned generations – bringing iconic characters, creative challenges, and interactive storytelling straight to the table.
The Challenge
How do you make a restaurant visit feel like stepping into the world of Super Mario? Boston Pizza needed a way to seamlessly integrate Nintendo’s magic into a dining setting without relying solely on screens. The challenge was to design an experience that was immersive, educational, and inclusive, capturing the attention of kids while encouraging connection among families too.
The Solution
Game-Inspired Play: Guests could dive into next-level gameplay with four classic Nintendo Switch™ titles: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Party Superstars, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. This was a thoughtfully designed experience that encouraged learning through play across generations.
STEAM & Early Childhood Education (ECE) Learning: Using ECE and STEAM learning principles, Kidzsmart designed activity packs featuring the beloved Super Mario characters. These packs introduced educational concepts like basic algebra, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking through engaging challenges that blended brand affinity with learning.
Accessible Play: Kidzsmart ensured the program was welcoming to all cognitive levels, with a special focus on neurodivergent accessibility. The experience featured adaptable difficulty levels and sensory-friendly design, making it more inclusive for kids.
Exclusive Rewards & Competition: Families could enter a competition to win a Nintendo Switch™, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. This element encouraged kids to engage on a deeper level.
Kidzsmart developed an interactive, play-driven program that brought Nintendo’s most beloved franchises to life.
The Results
The Boston Pizza & Nintendo partnership certainly entertained kids, but it also created a new reason for families to choose Boston Pizza as their go-to dining destination.
Longer & More Engaged Visits: Kids were fully immersed in the experience, making family meals more enjoyable – and giving parents a well-earned break!
A Shareable Experience: Families couldn’t stop talking about the Nintendo-themed activities, leading to word-of-mouth buzz and excitement across social media.
Stronger Brand Loyalty: By blending connection and nostalgia with STEAM learning, Boston Pizza showed that they were a place where great meals, great memories, and important learning happens.
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