The Local Marketing Lab

Want to know the perfect recipe for business growth in today’s digital age? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we dive deep with the SVP of Marketing at Emmy Squared Pizza, Sergio Pérez, who brings over 20 years of experience working with major restaurant brands like Church’s Chicken, Johnny Rockets, and Bojangles. This episode reveals how combining digital innovation with local marketing creates the perfect recipe for business growth across multiple locations.Here are some topics discussed in the episode:Digital transformation strategies for multi-location businessesLeveraging technology to scale local marketing effortsEffective university and local partnershipsBalancing national brand identity with local relevanceDesigning location-specific digital content strategiesResourcesConnect with Sergio Pérez on LinkedIn.Find an Emmy Squared location near you.Or, order an Emmy Squared pizza from Gold Belly to have it shipped to you!Other shout-outsBojangles for their local marketing efforts and local charity work.

Can giving back to your community really drive explosive business growth? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, Carl Comeaux, CEO of Crust Pizza, reveals how his company grew from a few locations to 30 stores—with 15 more opening this year—by making community engagement their top priority.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around putting your community first:Effective local marketing playbook for business growthBuilding lasting relationships with schools, churches, and local organizationsLeveraging crisis situations to demonstrate community supportImplementing systematic community outreach programsDeveloping franchise support systems for local marketingResourcesConnect with Carl Comeaux on LinkedIn.Find a Crust Pizza near you.Other shout-outsTexas Roadhouse and Chick-fil-A for their amazing involvement in the community.

2025 is bringing major changes to lead generation compliance — are you ready? In this episode of the Local Marketing Lab, we sit down with Donnie Kenneth, VP of Marketing at Total Expert, who brings over 20 years of marketing experience across various industries. Donnie shares critical insights about the future of compliant lead generation, automation strategies that enhance rather than replace human connections, and how businesses can build lasting customer relationships while staying within regulatory boundaries.Here are some topics discussed in the episode around compliant led generation:Automate marketing without losing authenticityUnderstanding and preparing for 2025 FCC compliance changesEffective customer journeys across multiple channelsStrategies for long-term customer relationship buildingThe importance of education in the customer journeyResourcesConnect with Donnie Kenneth on LinkedIn.Learn more about Total Expert.Check out the new Evocalize integration with Total Expert and rebel iQ.Other shout-outsDart Bank — Small local bank doing an amazing job generating leads.

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.