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Fortune
Fortune
Chris Morris

Some people are obsessed with Papa John's buttery garlic dipping sauce, so the chain is introducing a limited-edition bath bomb based on the condiment

(Credit: Courtesy of Papa Johns)
  • Papa John’s is introducing a garlic bath bomb, based on its dipping sauce. The move follows a growing number of odd promotions, from DunKings track suits to Pizza Hut wine.

Companies have been rolling out baffling promotional items for decades. There is perhaps no better way to turn people’s heads than with the unexpected. Papa John’s, however, might have claimed king-of-the-hill status with its most recent offering.

The pizza chain on Tuesday unveiled a limited-edition (natch) bath bomb that was inspired by its buttery garlic dipping sauce. And it went all out in introducing it, including a fake-influencer post on its Instagram feed that…well, needs to be seen to be believed.

The bath bomb idea was born from the insanity of social media, where people began floating the idea that bathing in Papa John's garlic sauce would be a good idea. We’re hoping these people are single and now understand why.

For those who are especially determined, however, Papa John’s is saying it will gift the bath bomb to “select super fans” who express their adoration for the condiment on social media. The chain did not make clear how many of the bath bombs it would be distributing.

The garlic dip bath bomb comes on the heels of an escalation in the odd promotion category. Domino’s began offering a co-branded wine with Yellowtail recently, but that paled in comparison to Pizza Hut’s Tomato Wine, which was actually made from tomatoes, infused with natural basil, and carrying a 12.7% ABV kick.

While not pizza-related, IHOP did offer a “pizza omelet” on its menu last year as part of a promotion. And Wendy’s, later this month, will offer a Frosty dessert inspired by the Girl Scout Thin Mints cookie. Ragu teamed up with YouTube sensation Hot Ones to release a trio of scorching pasta sauces. And Dunkin’ has been seeling DunKings merchandise for over a year now, which people continue to purchase for some reason.

Even tequila companies are getting in on the action, with 1800 Tequila offering its agave-based spirit in a sneaker-inspired decanter for $500.

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