The Local Marketing Lab

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Avi Goren, co-founder and CEO of Marqii, shares insights from analyzing over 200,000 customer reviews across multiple restaurant brands. With experience spanning from local pizzerias to enterprise-level restaurant tech, Avi reveals how the right review response strategy can transform customer feedback into a powerful marketing asset.Topics discussed in this episode: 1️⃣ Leverage menu data for improved local SEO performance2️⃣ Scaling digital presence across multiple locations3️⃣ Review response management and automation4️⃣ Use review responses as a marketing and SEO tool5️⃣ Techniques for turning negative reviews into business opportunitiesResourcesConnect with Avi Goren on LinkedIn.Learn more about Marqii.Other shout-outsGregorys Coffee (Featured success story, grew from 20 to 50+ locations)Breads Bakery (Example of category ownership)DIG (Growing brand, now 50+ locations)Polvos (Austin Tex-Mex spot)Levain Bakery (Mentioned for their customer support strategy)

In today's digital age, are you maximizing every channel to drive local business growth? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Sai Alluri, co-founder and CEO of Momos, shares insights on multi-channel local marketing gained from his extensive experience in the restaurant tech space. Drawing from his work with over 5,000 restaurants across 10 countries, Sai reveals how businesses can create a powerful digital presence that converts online engagement into real-world revenue.Topics discussed in this episode: 1️⃣ Optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum visibility2️⃣ Leveraging social media platforms effectively for local business discovery3️⃣ The modern customer journey from digital discovery to in-store visits4️⃣ Measuring marketing ROI at the local level5️⃣ Using customer feedback and surveys to drive business improvementsResourcesConnect with Sai Alluri on LinkedIn.Learn more about Momos.Other shout-outsHopdoddy Burger BarBaskin Robbins

Ever wondered how local businesses thrive in a world of big brands? The secret lies in community-driven marketing. In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Christin Marvin, a seasoned restaurant executive coach with nearly two decades of hospitality experience, shares invaluable insights on leveraging local connections for business growth. From fine dining to food halls, Christin unpacks strategies that turn community engagement into a powerful marketing tool.Topics discussed in this episode: 1️⃣ Community partnerships for effective local marketing2️⃣ Strategies for successful co-marketing3️⃣ Aligning marketing content with the actual customer experience4️⃣ Engaging customers at local events5️⃣ Segmenting your audience for more targeted marketingResourcesConnect with Christin Marvin on LinkedIn.Check out Christin’s website to learn more about her solutions.Listen to an episode of the No Hesitations Restaurant Leadership Podcast.Listen to Eric Knott’s episode on the Local Marketing Lab podcast about being the mayor.Other shout-outsSnooze AM EateryPolidori SausageFirst WatchBetter Than ProvisionsOlivia (restaurant in Denver)Danny MeyerGolden MillEatDenver

Can a simple photo of your meal help feed those in need and boost your restaurant’s bottom line? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Andrew Glantz, founder and CEO of GiftAMeal, reveals how restaurants can achieve growth with social responsibility. Andrew shares innovative strategies that not only give back to the community but also drive customer loyalty and increase revenue.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around increasing restaurant growth with social responsibility:How to implement a giving-back program in restaurantsImpact of social responsibility on customer behavior and loyaltyIntegrating social impact initiatives with existing marketing effortsCommunicate your brand’s social impact to customersAuthenticity in corporate social responsibility effortsResourcesConnect with Andrew Glantz on LinkedIn.Learn more about GiftAMeal.Other shout-outsBrands working with GiftAMeal: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Pizza Factory, Gong Cha bubble tea, Groucho’s Deli, HopCat, Sal’s Pizza, Starbird Chicken, Fuzzy’s, Taco Shop, Jimmy John’s, TGI Fridays, Andy’s Frozen Custard, and Scooters CoffeeIntegrations with GiftAMeal: Olo, Thanx, Lunchbox, Ovation, and Tattle

Are you ready to take your local marketing strategy to the next level? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, restaurant executive coach and author Monte Silva shares his powerful “create connect collaborate” approach to business growth. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Monte unveils marketing tactics that have helped countless businesses thrive in the new economy.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around “create connect collaborate”:Effective guerrilla marketing techniques for local businessesImportance of community engagement in marketingBalancing virtual and in-person marketing strategiesLeverage personal branding to boost business successProduct quality before heavy marketing investmentResourcesConnect with Monte Silva on LinkedIn.Learn more about Monte Silva’s coaching services.Check out Monte’s book “Shift Happens: 7 Proven Strategies to Help Your Restaurant Crush the New Economy“.Listen to an episode of the Restaurant Success Club podcast.Other shout-outsShawn Walchef: Follow for great examples on how to tell your brand’s story.Christian Fischer: Helped Monte publish his book. Follow Christian to learn more about how he helps people write their own book!Maverick Theory: Consulting talent agency for restaurants.Josh Ashton: Canada’s Restaurant Guy, helped Monte launch his podcast.

In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we explore a crucial question: How can businesses stay top of mind in local markets? Erin Levzow, a marketing veteran with over 20 years of experience across brands like Museum of Ice Cream, Freebirds, and Wingstop, shares her insights. From digital strategies to community partnerships, Erin unpacks the essential tactics for dominating your local market and driving growth.Key topics discussed in the episode:Effectively use digital marketing channels for local businessesUnderstanding your local audience and marketEngaging content that resonates with local customersLeveraging partnerships with local organizationsData integration in enhancing customer communicationResourcesConnect with Erin Levzow on LinkedIn.Learn more about Museum of Ice Cream.Follow Rev Ciancio for other content around restaurant marketing.Other shout-outsKendra Scott for a great partnership with Museum of Ice Cream.Book It program with Pizza Hut — excellent example of local marketing.Raising Canes for their field and local marketing team.

Are you leaving money on the table by overlooking catering opportunities? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Kelly Grogan, co-founder of Crumbs, shares invaluable local catering strategies to grow your restaurant. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Kelly unveils how catering can be a game-changer for local businesses, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and personalized marketing approaches.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around local catering strategies:Create an effective catering menu that’s distinct from your regular offeringsPackaging and presenting catering orders to maximize impactLeveraging existing customers to grow your catering businessBuilding personal relationships with potential catering clientsUse your restaurant’s physical space to promote catering servicesResourcesConnect with Kelly Grogan on LinkedIn.Learn more about Crumbs.Other shout-outsGeoff Alexander and Gregg Majewski for examples on how to do catering right.McAllister’s Deli for their catering services and packaging.Sabrina Jenkins at PDQ Chicken for their catering services.Troy Hooper for hosting a pickleball tournament at Restaurant Leadership Conference.

Are you ready to become the “mayor of the mile” in your local market? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Sam Stanovich, Senior VP of Development and Alliances at Big Chicken, shares his recipe for dominating your local market. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Sam dishes out practical strategies to transform your business into a community cornerstone.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around being the mayor of the mile:Effective community engagementHow to collaborate with local businesses for mutual benefitLeveraging chamber of commerce membershipsThe value of supporting local causes and charitiesCreate impactful content without a big budgetResourcesConnect with Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn.Find a Big Chicken location near you.Learn more about the ServSafe Alchohol program.Watch Tim Sweetman’s episode on the Local Marketing Lab.Check out RIP Medical Debt.Other shout-outsCJ from Dog Haus for fun competition of hot dogs vs chicken.Firehouse Subs for their great involvement in the community.Jeff Mauro, the Sandwich King, for advice on persistence when it comes to video content.Zack Oates from Ovation for sponsoring the dog vs chicken showdown.Shawn Walchef for encouraging video content on social.

How can local businesses effectively manage their online and offline reputation? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Shereen Qumsieh, co-founder and CEO of Akira, shares her insights on mastering reputation management for local businesses. With over 20 years of experience in the tech space, Shereen dives into the critical aspects of turning data into actionable insights, responding to customer feedback, and maintaining accurate business listings.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around mastering your online and offline reputation:Present data as actionable insights rather than overwhelming numbersResponding to both positive and negative online reviewsSoliciting direct customer feedback before it becomes an online reviewThe “Goldilocks zone” for Google reviews and why it mattersAccurate business listings in online reputationResourcesConnect with Shereen Qumsieh on LinkedIn.Learn more about Akira.Other shout-outsMichael Beck from Popcorn GTM.

What makes a restaurant (or business) unforgettable? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Christian Fischer, a seasoned chef and hospitality expert with over 35 years of experience, shares insights on how to improve customer experience with authentic hospitality. From his journey as a French-trained chef to becoming a consultant and author, Christian unveils the secrets behind creating memorable dining experiences that keep customers coming back.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around how to improve customer experience with authentic hospitality:Create authentic dining experiences that resonate with customersImportance of specialization in menu design and restaurant conceptTurning culinary skills into diverse business opportunitiesThe value of staying true to your roots and background in businessAdapt to changing customer expectations in the hospitality industryResourcesConnect with Christian Fischer on LinkedIn or on his website.Check out the Disruptive Chef Entrepreneur Podcast.Listen to the episode with Chef Adam Lamb.Learn more about the Culinary Executive Mastermind.If you want to write a book, take Christian’s course.Other shout-outsJason Berkowitz for hilarious and amazing stories.