What do Dunkin Donuts, Papa John's and Culver's ButterBurger have in common?

They've each hosted contests to let their own customers come up with menu ideas. It's another example of how operators can help build a community of engaged, loyal patrons.

In the case of ButterBurger, the contests asks customers to come up with new sandwich ideas based on the chain's signature hamburgers. "The winner will be flown on a private jet to Culver’s test kitchen to help refine the menu item with Culver and Doak. The winner also will be taken on a visit to the first Culver’s in Sauk City, Wis., where his or her creation will be served to restaurant guests," says an article in Nation's Restaurant News.

In the case of Dunkin', the "Create Dunkin's Next Donut" contest is being held for the second time, and the winning entry will be offered  as a limited-time offer this fall.

The Papa’s Specialty Pizza Challenge, a contest by Papa John’s Pizza, asks customers to create and name the chain’s next specialty pizza, which would join the ranks of the chain’s Tuscan Six Cheese, BBQ Chicken & Bacon and Spinach Alfredo pizzas.

Read more at Nation's Restaurant News