Shaq and Charles Barkley’s Mishap Sparks Viral Brand Response From El Pollo Loco

In the fast-paced world of sports entertainment, few moments capture attention quite like the antics of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. Their latest escapade on TNT’s Inside the NBA has not only entertained fans but also caught the eye of the $500 million international Mexican restaurant chain, El Pollo Loco. The unexpected twist? The brand’s response to a hilarious language blunder has turned into a viral sensation.

Last week, during the tip-off segment of Inside the NBA, the beloved crew, known for their humor, found themselves in the spotlight for their playful jabs at ESPN Deportes. ESPN will take over broadcasting rights after this year.  The guys decided to brush up their Spanish skills, leading to a series of humorous mispronunciations. Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, in particular, gave fans a reason to laugh and scratch their heads.

Shaq’s attempt to call Barkley “ugly” in Spanish resulted in a comedic misfire, while Barkley’s craving for chicken led to an amusing exchange. As the segment unfolded, O’Neal, in an attempt to retaliate, asked how to say “fat a–” in Spanish, only to end up calling Barkley “El Pollo Loco.” The pronunciation was off, but the laughter it sparked was on point. This moment quickly went viral, with fans teasing the duo about their potential future on ESPN Deportes.

Enter El Pollo Loco, the Mexican restaurant chain, which saw the humor in the situation and decided to join the fun and capitalize on the (free) marketing opportunity.  So many other highly paid marketing executives would have had, lets say a different less impactful response.

El Pollo Loco’s Response to TNT Inside The NBA Spanish Blunder

A week after the broadcast, El Pollo Loco took to social media with an “official statement” addressing the incident. Instead of expressing outrage, the brand chose to embrace the humor and extend a generous gesture. They announced the donation of 100 El Pollo Loco meals to the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved youth. The statement read:

“It has come to our attention that on a recent episode of NBA Tip-Off on TNT, Shaquille O’Neal incorrectly translated our name. While we don’t condone the language, we couldn’t stay mad at The Diesel. To show there are no hard feelings, we’re donating 100 El Pollo Loco meals to the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which works to create pathways for underserved youth to help them achieve their full potential.”

This act of goodwill not only showcased El Pollo Loco’s sense of humor but also highlighted their commitment to community support. The brand’s lighthearted and generous response resonated with fans, further cementing their reputation as a beloved restaurant chain.  A brilliant move by their marketing and senior management team.  Too many brands are hunkered down in boardrooms looking at marketing data and trends and miss opportunities like this.  Congrats to the team at El Pollo Loco!

But there is more …

Meanwhile, Charles Barkley’s comments about El Pollo Loco’s menu added layer of humor to the situation. During the segment, Barkley praised the restaurant, saying, “El Pollo Loco, that’s a good restaurant,” and mentioned his love for “good fat chicken noodle soup.” This left fans and El Pollo Loco puzzled, as the chain is known for its chicken tortilla soup, not chicken noodle soup.  In response, El Pollo Loco’s statement humorously clarified:

“Our legal team has also asked us to clarify that while we’re thrilled to hear Sir Charles Barkley is a fan of our soup, we don’t serve chicken noodle. We think he meant chicken tortilla soup. We’ll get some bowls of that over to you ASAP, Chuck.”

This playful exchange between the TNT crew and El Pollo Loco has not only entertained audiences but also demonstrated the power of humor and goodwill in brand interactions. The incident has sparked conversations online, with fans eagerly sharing their thoughts on social media.

In the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment, moments like these remind us of the joy and laughter that come from unexpected interactions. El Pollo Loco’s response to Shaq and Barkley’s Spanish mishap has not only elevated their brand visibility but also reinforced the importance of community engagement and a sense of humor in positioning your brand.  Flawless response from the smart folks at El Pollo Loco.

As “Inside the NBA” continues its journey on ESPN, fans can look forward to more memorable moments from Shaq, Barkley, and the rest of the crew. And who knows? Perhaps the next season will kick off with an El Pollo Loco special, celebrating the unique bond between the show and the beloved restaurant chain.

Summary

In conclusion, the story of Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and El Pollo Loco serves as a testament to the power of humor, generosity, and community engagement. By embracing the unexpected and turning a simple language blunder into a viral sensation, El Pollo Loco has not only captured the hearts of fans but also set a shining example of how brands can connect with their audience in meaningful ways.

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