Skip to content

615-294-1886

d@clairemontcommunications.com

Clairemont Communications

Clairemont Communications

  • About Us
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Our Work
  • Services
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Our Work
  • Services
  • Contact Us

Tag: food PR in Raleigh

NC Sweeps 2019 James Beard Nominations

NC Sweeps 2019 James Beard Nominations

February 27, 2019January 31, 2023 Clairemont InternBlog, In Our Community, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRawards, communication trends, food PR in Raleigh, james beard awards, James Beard Foundation, restaurant marketing, Restaurant PR

On February 27, 2019, the James Beard Foundation announced its coveted list of Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for 2019. 

…and boy, did North Carolina talent make an appearance!

Occasionally dubbed the “Oscars” of the culinary realm, the James Beard Award program recognizes the outstanding achievements of food and beverage professionals throughout the United States. The awards present a cornerstone in the foundation’s mission to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.”

Here in North Carolina, we’re privileged, thrilled, jazzed, pumped, sha-zammed (you name it!) to enjoy a rich culinary scene — from fine dining to craft breweries to original concepts that blend ethnic fusions.

So we want to give a huge shout out to the shining list of North Carolina food and beverage stars who were named 2019 James Beard semifinalists!

Best Chef: Southeast

  • Katie Button, Cúrate, Asheville, NC
  • Gregory Collier, Loft & Cellar, Charlotte, NC
  • Steven Devereaux Greene, Herons, Cary, NC
  • Oscar Diaz, Cortez, Raleigh, NC
  • Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani, Asheville, NC
  • Joe Kindred, Kindred, Davidson, NC
  • Cheetie Kumar, Garland, Raleigh, NC
  • Dean Neff, PinPoint, Wilmington, NC

Best New Restaurant

  • The Stanley, Charlotte, NC

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer

  • Sean Lilly Wilson, Fullsteam Brewery, Durham, NC

Outstanding Pastry Chef

  • Ashley Capps, Buxton Hall, Asheville, NC

From beer to BBQ, from fine dining to fish and seafood, the powerhouses run the gamut of mouthwatering cuisine. Congratulations to all of you! (And we’re already planning our next trips to your establishments!)

Written by Clairemont Intern Ru Wolle, a senior at NCSU. 
Photos from Canva.

Read More
How to Engage Millennial Diners

How to Engage Millennial Diners

November 25, 2015January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRchef PR, food marketing, food pr, food PR in Raleigh, foodie marketing, marketing to millennials, millennial marketing, Restaurant PR, restaurant PR in raleigh

As consumers, millennials pack a punch.

Not only is this burgeoning demographic considered the nation’s trendsetter, it’s also projected to spend a whoppin’ $200 billion annually starting in 2017.  Exploratory and brand-loyal millennials foster repeat business; nearly 70 percent say they will return to a favorite brand. Once you have their attention, you have it for life.

Armed with social influence and financial means, millennials have the power to put an eatery on the map and keep it there. But the traditional staples of business — good product + good service — don’t translate anymore.

What strategies do we need to win the hearts (and wallets and tweets) of these thought leaders?

Create an old-fashioned social.

millennials diners being social
Stacey Sprenz Photography

For a generation who is always connected to social media, it may seem counterintuitive, but millennial diners prize relationships over products. Restaurants can create an appeal by crafting open, social spaces, such as a chef’s table that fosters cross-group conversation. Large, hefty meals are a thing of the past. Research shows that millennials prefer several smaller, sharable plates and snack-style options that can be passed among friends. Think tasting party, not formal feast.

Highlight the exotic.

Ditch good ‘ole vanilla—unless it’s paired with something like sriracha. The adventurous millennial palate prefers exotic flavors, extreme textures, dramatic flairs or unexpected twists in dishes. This is the perfect opportunity for chefs to showcase house specialties, rare ingredients, new prep methods and one-of-a-kind creations. Highlight options that may not be found in other restaurants, such as Clairemont client Il Palio’s unexpected sweet corn gelato, a surprisingly delicious combination of veggies and dessert.

Show, don’t tell.

Chef Teddy Diggs in kitchen at Il Palio
Courtesy of Jill Warren Lucas

As a generation that seeks authenticity, millennials want to see “what’s going on back there.” They’re deeply invested in the story of a business — ingredients, sourcing, preparation — and above all, they crave an experience rather than a product. So ditch corporate, packaged messaging and roll out the red carpet! Provide a sneak peek of new dishes, invite them for an exclusive tour of the kitchen or invite them to meet the chef (and his family, if he’s willing!).

Invite co-creation.

Millennials don’t consider themselves to be consumers; they see themselves as partners in creating the product. This demographic demands a hands-on, customizable experience that allows them to personalize, tweak and have input on the output. Explore creative strategies to invite millennials to craft a dish or experience, weigh in on menu options and provide feedback—whether via clever social media strategies or simple face-to-face conversation.

Keep talking.

Millennials not only talk to brands on social media, they expect for brands to talk back–regularly. Invest time and energy in your social media and online conversations.

restaurant social mediaAs Forbes aptly points out, “62 percent of millennials say that if a brand engages with them on social networks, they are more likely to become a loyal customer.” Don’t be afraid to be authentic online with millennial diners by including emotions, using trending hashtags and even tagging other fans. Proactively connect with customers by checking in on past Twitter conversations, updating diners on feedback or soliciting ideas for dishes. Keep in touch with these new friends of yours!

Want the next step? Find out how to engage with them at food festivals, too.

Read More

Categories

  • APR
  • Awards
  • Blog
  • Case Studies
  • Clairemont Client News
  • Copy Cat
  • Counselors Academy
  • Entry-Level PR Job
  • Fashion
  • Free Advice
  • Furniture PR
  • Hiring a PR Firm
  • In Our Community
  • Inspirational
  • Internal Communications
  • Marketing
  • Oh Momma Monday
  • On the Record
  • Our Work
  • Owning a Business
  • Photo of the Week
  • PR People
  • Professional Development
  • Public Relations
  • Raleigh PR Agency
  • Real Estate PR
  • Restaurant PR + Hospitality PR
  • Social Media + Influencer Engagement
  • Starting a business
  • Sustainability
  • The Clairemont Team
  • Travel
  • Trends
  • Wonderfully Random
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: realy-store by inverstheme.