Hotline

Office Depot Ponders Its Advertising Future
ATLANTA–Officials with Office Depot, Delray Beach, Fla., said last week they were having “informal” discussions with “a handful” of agencies about the future of their estimated $35 million broadcast account. In the interim, the client is working with Miami’s Gold Coast Advertising, the agency it was with until March 1996, when the business went to J. Walter Thompson. A client representative would not say if Gold Coast is involved in those talks, or when Office Depot hopes to make a final decision.

Miami Subs ‘Not Limited’ to Tinsley’s New Work
ATLANTA–As it competes more aggressively with fast-food chains, Miami Subs Corp. this week launches a print and radio campaign featuring the new slogan, “Real food at fast-food prices.” Tinsley Advertising, Miami, which handled Miami Sub’s account from 1991-94, created the ads on a project basis. Since fall 1995, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based client has used The Meka Group in Miami for creative work. Tinsley’s effort represents “a major relaunch of the company,” said client executive vice president Don Perlyn. As for signing an agency of record, Perlyn said, “I’m not limited . . . We’ll have some serious conversations [with Tinsley], but I’ve made no commitments.”

The Ad’s Not Over Till the Big-Haired Lady Sings
ATLANTA–Despite the fact LongHorn Steakhouse here introduced a new TV campaign last spring–by Miami’s Crispin Porter & Bogusky–the restaurant chain has brought its “Big-Haired Lady” spokeswoman out of retirement, at least in the Atlanta market. Why? “Popular demand,” said Rob Crews, who is LongHorn’s interim head of marketing following the recent departure of marketing vice president Lane Schmiesing. Sources said another reason may be to boost business: per published reports, LongHorn’s second-quarter, same-store sales rose only .6 percent.

National Guard Questionnaires Due Sept. 15
ATLANTA–The National Guard issued requests for proposals for its $10-13 million ad account earlier this month as expected [Adweek, Aug. 4]–one year after the Falls Church, Va.-based client intended to release the forms. Last week, the National Guard reported yet another delay: the target date for a final decision was moved from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. A pre-bid meeting is slated for Sept. 2, and proposals are due Sept. 15. Incumbent Laughlin, Marinaccio & Owens in Arlington, Va., will defend the business.

Delta Signs Utility Executive as President, CEO
ATLANTA–Delta Air Lines here has appointed Leo Mullin president and chief executive officer. Mullin, 54, was previously vice chairman of Chicago’s Unicom Corp. and Commonwealth Edison. He replaces Ronald Allen, the carrier’s longtime chairman, chief executive and president, who was forced out by Delta’s board of directors in May.