Top 50 Restaurant Marketing Experts to Follow in 2023

There are many experts in the field of restaurant marketing who can help increase awareness and drive business to your restaurant. Finding a marketing specialist or a full-restaurant marketing agency with solid knowledge of the restaurant industry and the ability to personalize their approach is crucial.

Different Types of Restaurant Marketing Expertise

You can find a lot of professionals who specialize in restaurant marketing to assist you spread the word about your establishment and bring in more guests. The success of your business depends on finding a marketing professional who has experience in the hospitality industry and can adapt their strategy to fit your demands.

There is a wide range of niches to explore within the larger field of restaurant marketing. Here it is:

Digital Marketing: This includes marketing a restaurant online using tools like social media, email, and SEO to get the word out and bring in new customers.

Branding: This involves creating a consistent image and message for a restaurant, including its name, logo, and overall aesthetic.

Content Marketing: This involves creation of a content.

Influencer Marketing: This involves partnering with individuals with a large following on social media to promote a restaurant’s brand and increase visibility.

Event Planning: This includes planning and executing events such as wine tastings, cooking classes, or special dinners to attract customers and create a unique experience.

Customer Retention: This includes programs that reward repeat business like loyalty schemes, limited-time offers, and individualized attention.

Public Relations: This includes managing a restaurant’s reputation and relationships with the media, and getting positive coverage for the restaurant in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

Community Marketing: This includes participating in neighborhood activities, donating to local causes, and providing discounts to locals which are all great ways to start making friends and establishing a presence in the area.

Off-Premise Marketing: This includes strategies to increase sales through off-premise channels such as delivery, takeout, and catering.

It’s essential to find an expert who has experience in the area of restaurant marketing that you need help with and can tailor their strategies to your specific business.

How to Find Marketing Experts on Food and Restaurant Industry

Here are some broad pointers I can give you for locating such specialists:

Find consultants who have a history of accomplishment in the hospitality business.

Look for experts who have a strong understanding of the latest digital marketing trends and tools.

Seek out people who are thought leaders in your field and who are frequently called upon to share their knowledge by giving talks or writing for trade journals.

Get a feel for the firm’s effectiveness by requesting case studies and referrals from satisfied customers.

Consult online reviews and ratings by other professionals and clients.

Network with other restaurant professionals and ask for recommendations.

Consider the cost and services offered before making a decision.

Seek for professionals who have a deep familiarity with your intended audience.

Consider if their approach aligns with your restaurant’s overall strategy.

Remember that your individual demands and objectives will determine which professional is best suited to assist your business. Ask for their opinion first before making a decision.

Restaurant Digital Marketing Experts to Follow

Here is a list of professionals with extensive experience in digital marketing for restaurants, along with brief descriptions of their specializations and what sets them apart:

1. Andrew Gruel, CEO of Slapfish Restaurant Group – He is well-respected in the fields of restaurant branding and digital marketing, particularly for the innovative social media campaigns he has developed.
2. Aaron Allen, CEO of Aaron Allen & Associates – He is a global restaurant industry expert and speaker, also known for his expertise in restaurant marketing, strategy, and trends.
3. David Scott Peters, Founder of TheRestaurantExpert.com – He is an expert in the field of restaurant operations, specifically in the areas of systems and processes to improve efficiency and profitability.
4. Brian Wansink, Director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab – He is known for his research in consumer behavior and decision making, specifically related to food and restaurants.
5. Mike Neff, CEO of We Do Web Content – He’s an expert in content, SEO, and also in social media marketing.
6. Steve Zagor, Dean of the Institute of Culinary Education – He is an expert in food service management, culinary arts, as well as restaurant promotion.
7. Bonnie Riggs, Restaurant Industry Analyst at NPD Group – She specializes in restaurant trends and customer behavior as well as advises on the industry and its future.
8. Arlene Spiegel, President of Arlene Spiegel & Associates – She is an expert in the field of restaurant consulting, specifically in the areas of menu development, food service trends, and consumer behavior.
9. Chris Tripoli, President of Stir Advertising & Interactive – He is an expert in the field of advertising and digital marketing, specifically in the areas of strategy and branding for restaurants and food service companies.
10. Jared LeBlanc, Founder of ChefsRoll – He is an expert in the field of culinary industry, specifically in the areas of culinary education, mentorship, and digital marketing for chefs and restaurants.

It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples of digital marketing specialists for restaurants; there are likely many more who might offer more tailored advice for your establishment.

Restaurant Influencer Marketing Experts to Follow

Here is a list of restaurant marketing specialists, together with brief descriptions of their specialties and qualifications.

1. Maria Marlowe: The restaurants and food businesses that she has worked with as a health coach and wellness expert have benefited greatly from her ability to develop effective influencer marketing campaigns.

2. Joe Gagliese and Ed Keller: They are the co-founders of Influential, who together established the first full-service influencer marketing business focused on the fast-growing food and beverage sector.

3. Stefanie Flamm: She is the Founder of Savory Experiences, a food and travel influencer agency that specializes in creating influencer campaigns for restaurants as well as other food brands.

4. Kevin Curry: He is the founder of FitMenCook, a food and fitness influencer with a focus on healthy eating and cooking. He has also collaborated with numerous restaurants and food companies to develop healthy lifestyle influencer campaigns.

5. The Chunky Chef: She is a food blogger and influencer, known for her expertise in creating recipe content and food photography for restaurants and food brands.

6. Tieghan Gerard: She is the founder of Half Baked Harvest, a food influencer and recipe developer known for her expertise in creating visually stunning food photography and content for restaurants and food brands.

7. Christina Tosi: She is a James Beard award-winning chef, restaurateur and founder of Milk Bar, She is known for her expertise in creating influencer campaigns that focus on desserts and baked goods.

8. Gaby Dalkin: She is a food blogger and influencer, also known for her expertise in creating recipe content and food photography for restaurants and food brands.

9. Liren Baker: She is the founder of Kitchen Confidante, a food blogger as well as an influencer known for her expertise in creating recipe content and food photography for restaurants and food brands.

Keep in mind that these are just a few restaurant influencer marketing experts who may be able to aid your restaurant.

Restaurant Customer Retention Experts to Follow

I can provide you with a list of experts in the field of restaurant customer retention, their area of expertise, as well as a general idea of what makes them stand out:

1. Fred Reichheld: He is a business strategy consultant and the creator of the Net Promoter Score (NPS), a widely used customer loyalty metric. He is also an author and popular speaker on the issue of maintaining loyal customers.

2. Chip Conley: He is the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality and author of several books on hospitality and customer service, including “Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow” and “Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success”

3. Shep Hyken: He is a customer service expert and the New York Times bestselling author of “The Amazement Revolution: Seven Customer Service Strategies to Create an Amazing Customer (and Employee) Experience”

4. Jill Schiefelbein: She is the founder of The Dynamic Communicator, a communication consulting firm, and also the author of “The Dynamic Communicator: Proven Techniques for Effective Business Communication”

5. Bruce Temkin: Author of the book “Customer Experience Matters” and managing partner of the research and consulting firm Temkin Group focused on the customer experience.

6. Ken Blanchard: He is a co-author of two books on customer service and loyalty, “The One Minute Manager” and “Raving Fans,” respectively.

7. Kate Nasser: She is a customer service speaker as well as the author of “Leading With Kindness: How Good People Consistently Get Superior Results”

8. Ron Kaufman: He is a customer service speaker, trainer and also the author of “Uplifting Service: The Proven Path to Delighting Your Customers, Colleagues, and Everyone Else You Meet”

9. Jeff Toister: He wrote “The Service Culture Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Employees Obsessed with Customer Service” and started Toister Performance Solutions, Inc, a customer service training and consulting organization.

10. John DiJulius: He is the founder of The DiJulius Group, a customer service consulting firm, and the author of “The Customer Service Revolution: Overthrow Conventional Business, Inspire Employees, and Change the World”.

Remember that these are just a few of the many professionals who may be able to offer helpful insights and tactics for your restaurant to increase customer retention.

Top 30 Restaurant Marketing Experts in 2023

Here is a list of the top 30 restaurant marketing experts to follow in 2023 with a brief information about them and why you should follow them: 

1. Robin H. Fisher: Robin is a leading restaurant marketing expert with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She has also helped hundreds of eateries expand their businesses by using her knowledge of digital marketing. Follow Robin to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

2. Robert Walsh: Robert has been working as a consultant for restaurants for decades, making him an authority in the field. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Robert to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

3. Chris Muller: Chris is a leading restaurant industry consultant and professor of hospitality at Boston University. He is also an expert in restaurant marketing and operations and has helped many restaurants to improve their business. Follow Chris to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

4. Aaron Allen: Aaron is a professional restaurant consultant with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Aaron to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

5. Danny Meyer: Danny is a renowned restaurateur and the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Danny to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

6. Andrew Freeman: Andrew is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Freeman Culinary Solutions. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Andrew to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

7. Chris Ostrow: Chris has been in business for almost a decade. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Chris to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

8. Jim Laube: Jim is a renowned restaurateur and the founder of Laube Restaurant Group. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Jim to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

9. John Gordon: John has worked as a consultant for restaurants for over two decades. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow John to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

10. Mark Kelnhofer: Mark is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Restaurant Consulting Group. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Mark to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies

11. Stephen Zagor: Stephen is a 15-year restaurant consultant. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Stephen to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

12. Mary Chapman: Mary is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Chapman Foodservice Consulting. She is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Mary to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

13. Dennis Lombardi: Dennis is a professional restaurant consultant with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Dennis to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

14. David Scott Peters: David is a renowned restaurateur and the founder of The Restaurant Expert. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow David to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

15. Steve Dublanica: Steve is a professional restaurant consultant with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Steve to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

16. Adam Salgado: Adam is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Salgado Restaurant Consulting. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Adam to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

17. Jill Schiefelbein: Jill is a professional restaurant consultant with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Jill to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

18. Chris Hill: Chris is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Hill Restaurant Consulting. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Chris to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

19. Andrew Freeman: Andrew is a professional restaurant consultant with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Andrew to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

20. Bill Marvin: Bill is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Marvin Restaurant Consulting. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Bill to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies. 

21. John T. Edge: John has worked as a consultant for restaurants for over two decades. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow John to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

22. Robert B. Hand: Robert is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Hand Restaurant Group. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Robert to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

23. William F. McDonough: William is a professional restaurant consultant with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow William to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

24. Tom Plante: Tom is a renowned restaurant consultant and the founder of Plante Restaurant Consulting. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Tom to stay up to date on the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

25. Michael Whitacre: Michael is a professional restaurant consultant with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He is also an expert in restaurant operations and marketing and has helped many restaurants to optimize their business. Follow Michael to gain insights into the latest restaurant marketing trends and strategies.

How To Hire the Right Restaurant Marketing Expert

I can also recommend some general tips for finding and following restaurant marketing experts:

• Look for reputable restaurant marketing experts with a track record of success.

• Follow experts who are active on social media and regularly share useful and relevant information about restaurant marketing.

• Seek out experts who specialize in areas that are particularly relevant to your restaurant, such as local marketing, digital marketing, or menu development.

• Consider attending industry events or conferences where experts speak, as this can be a great way to learn from them as well as make connections in the industry.

• Look for restaurant marketing experts as well as thought leaders with unique ideas and innovative approaches.

By following these tips and doing your own research, you should be able to find a range of experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance on marketing your restaurant.

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