How Casey’s Made Its 40th Pizza Birthday a Midwest Celebration
Casey’s proved that athlete-driven content can cut through the noise and make a hometown story feel nationwide.
Food and beverage brands live in a world of routine. People grab their favorites without thinking twice, which makes it tough for brands to stand out. Athletes help change that. When they share the brands they trust, it feels authentic, and fans pay attention.
Casey’s is a perfect example. The brand has grown from a single store in Boone, Iowa to more than 2,900 locations across 19 states, serving millions every year. From pizza after practice to donuts before school, Casey’s has been part of daily routines for decades. Its 40th Pizza Birthday was a chance to celebrate that connection in a big way. Here’s how Casey’s brought the campaign to life.
How we helped Casey'sbring this to life:
Student-athletes
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Challenge
Casey’s pizza has become a Midwest staple, but its 40th birthday came with a unique challenge. With roots as a general store, Casey’s was competing for attention against food and beverage brands focused solely on dining. The campaign needed to show more than pizza. It needed to reflect Casey’s connection to the communities it serves.
Solution
Casey’s wanted its 40th Pizza Birthday to feel authentic, so the brand leaned on athletes who genuinely connected with it. Opendorse sourced those athletes, and their unscripted content highlighted Casey’s place in everyday life. The approach turned a brand milestone into a celebration that communities could share.
Outcome
Casey’s 40th Pizza Birthday showed how a general store can compete with national food and beverage brands. The athletes created authentic content that reached hundreds of thousands nationwide and encouraged fans to engage through the Casey’s Rewards app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why partner with student-athletes?
Athletes deliver 3.7x more engagement than traditional influencers, with unmatched authenticity, reach, and local impact. Opendorse connects you with 175K+ athletes nationwide.
How does it work?
Opendorse manages the entire campaign process, from pitching and securing athletes to handling payments, social support, and analysis, while keeping your team involved in approvals and briefs.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on athlete stature and deliverables. Opendorse customizes programs to fit your goals and budget, whether it’s one athlete or 100+.
Is it compliant and brand-safe?
Yes. All campaigns follow NCAA and legal guidelines, athletes are vetted, and we handle tax paperwork. Opendorse also offers background checks and content usage rights.