- Top restaurant influencers to partner with
- Published 21/06/2024
- 11 min Read
- Written by Julia Shandrokha
Table of contents
There is no doubt social media influencers have already revolutionized the restaurant industry. No longer are restaurant recommendations confined to traditional food critics and word-of-mouth; now, influencers with large, dedicated followings shape dining trends and drive consumer decisions. These influencers, ranging from globally recognized chefs to local food enthusiasts, have the power to significantly boost your restaurant’s visibility and reputation. By sharing authentic, engaging content, they attract new customers, foster loyalty, and create buzz around dining establishments.
Partnering with restaurant influencers offers numerous benefits. Restaurants can leverage influencers’ ability to reach targeted demographics, generate high-quality content, and create authentic engagement with potential customers. Influencers provide fresh perspectives on menu design, innovative plating techniques, and unique dining experiences, all while fostering a genuine connection with their followers. This kind of targeted and relatable marketing can lead to increased foot traffic, higher engagement rates, and ultimately, enhanced profitability for restaurants.
In this article, the Famesters food influencer marketing agency experts provide a curated list of top 10 restaurant influencers that can elevate your restaurant’s marketing strategy. By partnering with these influencers, restaurant owners can tap into a wellspring of creative inspiration and innovative ideas, ensuring their establishment stands out in the competitive culinary landscape. Whether you’re looking to attract a younger audience, showcase gourmet offerings, or highlight hidden dining gems, these influencers have the expertise and reach to help your restaurant thrive.
The rise of restaurant influencers
The advent of social media has transformed how we discover and engage with the dining scene. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become powerful tools for sharing culinary experiences, shifting the dynamics of restaurant marketing from traditional food reviews to influencer-driven content. In the past, diners relied heavily on food critics, print advertisements, and word-of-mouth recommendations to learn about new dining spots. Today, however, social media influencers are at the forefront, offering immediate, visually appealing, and highly interactive content that resonates with modern audiences.
This evolution has democratized food criticism, allowing anyone with a smartphone and a passion for food to influence dining trends. Influencers, with their ability to showcase real-time experiences, provide followers with a more relatable and authentic glimpse into the culinary world. This shift has led to a more dynamic and engaging way of discovering new restaurants, as influencers often highlight not just the food, but also the ambiance, service, and overall dining experience.
Influencers have become trusted voices in the restaurant industry due to their ability to build genuine connections with their audience. They engage followers through authentic storytelling, high-quality visuals, and consistent interaction. Unlike traditional advertising, influencer marketing feels more personal and trustworthy, as influencers often share their honest opinions and experiences. Actually, according to the Famesters research (you can download the report for free), 69% of consumers trust influencers rather than brands themselves. This level of trust and engagement is crucial for influencing consumer behavior and driving restaurant traffic.
Statistics highlight the effectiveness of influencer marketing in the restaurant industry. According to a study by Influencer Marketing Hub, businesses earn an average of $5.78 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing, demonstrating a substantial return on investment. Additionally, according to Digital Marketing Institute, 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations for their dining decisions.
These statistics underscore the power of influencers in shaping dining preferences and boosting restaurant visibility. By leveraging the influence and reach of social media personalities, restaurants can tap into new audiences, enhance their brand image, and ultimately drive more customers through their doors.
Benefits of partnering with restaurant influencers
Increased visibility
Partnering with restaurant influencers significantly enhances a restaurant’s online presence. Influencers have established, engaged followings that trust their recommendations, which can translate into increased exposure for the restaurant. When influencers share their dining experiences through captivating photos, videos, and stories, their followers are introduced to new eateries, often resulting in a surge of interest and foot traffic. This organic reach can be particularly beneficial for restaurants looking to expand their audience beyond traditional marketing channels. By leveraging the influencer’s platform, restaurants can attract new customers who might not have discovered them otherwise.
Creative content
One of the most significant advantages of working with influencers is the high-quality, engaging content they produce. Influencers are adept at creating visually appealing and creative posts that highlight the best aspects of a restaurant’s offerings. This content often includes beautifully styled food photographs, engaging videos, and compelling narratives that capture the essence of the dining experience. This not only makes the restaurant’s offerings more appealing but also provides the restaurant with a library of professional-grade content that can be repurposed for their marketing efforts. The fresh, innovative content generated by influencers can help maintain a restaurant’s relevance and keep their social media feeds vibrant and enticing.
Targeted marketing
Influencers excel at targeted marketing, allowing restaurants to reach specific demographics and niches effectively. Each influencer has a unique audience with particular interests and preferences. By selecting influencers whose followers align with the restaurant’s target market, restaurants can tailor their marketing efforts more precisely. For instance, a health-focused restaurant might partner with influencers who specialize in wellness and nutrition, while a trendy urban eatery might collaborate with influencers known for exploring city hotspots. This targeted approach ensures that marketing efforts resonate with the intended audience, increasing the likelihood of attracting customers who are genuinely interested in the restaurant’s offerings.
Authentic engagement
The most compelling benefit of influencer partnerships is the authentic engagement they foster. Influencers build trust with their audience through consistent, genuine interactions. When they share their personal dining experiences, it feels more like a recommendation from a friend than a traditional advertisement. This authenticity is crucial in today’s market, where consumers are increasingly skeptical of overt marketing tactics. Influencers provide a relatable and trustworthy voice that can significantly enhance a restaurant’s credibility and appeal. By engaging with customers on a personal level, influencers help create a loyal customer base and encourage repeat visits, fostering long-term relationships with the restaurant.
How to choose the right restaurant influencer for your campaign
Relevance
When selecting an influencer to partner with, relevance is paramount. It is crucial to ensure that the influencer’s content aligns with your restaurant’s brand and target audience. An influencer whose culinary preferences and style match your restaurant’s offerings will naturally create content that resonates with their followers and reflects positively on your brand. For instance, a high-end dining establishment would benefit more from an influencer known for gourmet food experiences rather than one focused on fast food or casual dining. Similarly, a vegan restaurant should seek influencers who specialize in plant-based cuisine. Ensuring this alignment helps create a seamless and authentic promotional campaign that speaks directly to potential customers.
Engagement
While the number of followers an influencer has is important, the engagement rate is a more telling metric of their influence. Engagement rates indicate how actively the influencer’s audience interacts with their content through likes, comments, shares, and saves. An influencer with a smaller but highly engaged following can be more valuable than one with a large, passive audience. High engagement rates suggest that the influencer’s followers trust their recommendations and are more likely to act on them. When evaluating potential influencers, look for those with a strong track record of engaging their audience, as this will likely translate to better results for your marketing campaign.
Content quality
The quality of content an influencer produces is another critical factor to consider. High-quality visuals and compelling storytelling are essential for capturing the attention of potential customers and showcasing your restaurant in the best light. Evaluate the influencer’s posts to ensure they meet a professional standard that aligns with your brand’s image. Look for clear, well-composed photos, engaging videos, and thoughtful captions that provide context and enhance the visual appeal. Influencers who consistently produce high-quality content will be able to create impactful and aesthetically pleasing promotions that can elevate your restaurant’s online presence.
Authenticity
Authenticity is key in influencer marketing. Restaurant influencers who genuinely connect with their audience and maintain transparency in their partnerships are more likely to earn the trust of their followers. This trust is crucial for effective marketing, as consumers are more likely to visit a restaurant based on a sincere recommendation. Look for influencers who disclose their partnerships openly and who have a history of honest, relatable content. Authentic influencers will present your restaurant in a believable and trustworthy manner, which can significantly enhance the credibility and effectiveness of your campaign. By choosing restaurant influencers who prioritize authenticity, you ensure that your marketing efforts come across as genuine endorsements rather than paid advertisements.
Top restaurant influencers to partner with
Greg and Rebecca (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
Greg and Rebecca, the dynamic duo behind @devourpower, capture the essence of New York City’s vibrant food scene through their visually stunning and appetizing photographs. Their content ranges from high-end dining experiences to hidden street food gems, catering to a diverse audience that appreciates culinary adventures. They have a significant following of food enthusiasts who are keen to discover new dining spots and get inspired by unique food presentations.
Greg and Rebecca have successfully partnered with several NYC restaurants, driving increased foot traffic and online engagement. Their collaboration with popular eateries like Katz’s Delicatessen and Momofuku has resulted in significant boosts in reservations and customer inquiries, demonstrating their influence and reach within the city’s food scene.
@devourpower WALLY’S FAMOUS KNISHWICH from @Lido Kosher Deli in Long Beach, NY on Long Island! 🔥🔥🤤🤤 #DEVOURPOWER #fyp #foryou #foodtiktok #knish #jewishfood #pastrami #lidokosherdeli #kosher #kosherfood #longisland #longislandny #newyork #nyfood #foodblog ♬ Xxplosive – Instrumental – Dr. Dre
Poppy O’Toole (Instagram, TikTok)
Poppy O’Toole, known as @poppycooks, brings a Michelin-trained perspective to her content, showcasing innovative cooking techniques and gourmet dishes. Her focus on transforming everyday ingredients into culinary masterpieces resonates with a broad audience, from amateur home cooks to professional chefs.
Poppy’s content is perfect for restaurants that want to highlight their gourmet and innovative menu items. Her expertise and creative approach can elevate a restaurant’s image and attract diners looking for high-quality, unique dining experiences.
@poppycooks Sun, sea and DELICIOUS FOOD at Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica 🇯🇲🤤 #ad #gifted #sandals #sandalsdunnsriver #jamaica ♬ ALMOST HOME – Mad Adix, Marc Steinmeier
David Chang (Instagram, TikTok)
David Chang is a culinary powerhouse, best known for founding the Momofuku restaurant group. His influence extends beyond his restaurants, as he shares deep insights into the food industry, sustainability, and innovative cooking on his Instagram account.
Restaurants that offer high-end, cutting-edge dining experiences will benefit greatly from partnering with David Chang. His endorsement can lend credibility and attract a discerning audience that values quality and innovation.
@davidchang #duet with @vegasknowitall #oysterbar ♬ They Reminisce over You (T.R.O.Y.) [Instrumental Version] – Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
Andrew Rea (YouTube, Instagram)
Andrew Rea, the creator behind @bingingwithbabish, combines his love for food with pop culture by recreating iconic dishes from movies and TV shows. His engaging and educational content has garnered a wide following, making him a favorite among younger, entertainment-focused audiences.
Restaurants aiming to appeal to a younger demographic will find great value in partnering with Andrew Rea. His fun, relatable content can draw in crowds who are eager to try out dishes they’ve seen on screen.
Emily Jane Johnston (Instagram, TikTok)
Emily Jane Johnston is known for her luxurious dining experiences and high-end lifestyle content. Her Instagram feed showcases meals from some of the world’s most exquisite restaurants, along with insights into luxury events and exclusive tips.
Upscale restaurants and fine dining establishments will benefit from Emily’s sophisticated content. Her recommendations can attract a clientele that appreciates elegance and exclusivity in their dining choices.
@emily_jane_johnston This is the most luxurious Sunday roast in London I’ve ever had. Come with me to the Lanesborough Grill on Hyde Park Corner to try a Sunday lunch that has decadence written all over it. The luxury experience begins the moment you enter the ornately decorated dining room complete with a domed glass roof and magnificent chandeliers. There’s also a live pianist providing background music for your dining experience. We start with fresh out of the oven bread, and bubbles are served table side. Our first courses arrive and my oysters are a feast for every single one of my senses and my companion ordered the risotto. Then the real show begins. The trolley is rolled out and the most beautiful Sunday roast is served, cut fresh for the moment. A warm plate with the appropriate sides is served, a perfect wine matched by the very handsome sommelier and gravy installed. Horseradish is spooned and I take a moment to admire my companion’s beautifully presented chicken. But the magic doesn’t end there. A third course of cheese is presented for choosing, a large bottle of port is poured and desert for the cheese lovers of the world is served in the most beautiful fashion. Petit fours for the road and our luxury lunch has come to an end! Would you try it? {press invite for review} #sundayroast #sundaylunch #london #londonfood #londontiktok #lanesborough #londonautumn ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design
Caitlin Greene (Instagram, TikTok)
Caitlin Greene, known as @starinfinitefood, focuses on creating visually stunning dishes that cater to various dietary needs such as paleo, vegan, and keto. Her content emphasizes healthy, innovative eating without compromising on taste or presentation.
Health-focused restaurants will find an ideal partner in Caitlin Greene. Her ability to present nutritious meals in an appealing way can attract health-conscious diners and those seeking creative dietary options.
Nguyen Yeats-Brown (Instagram, TikTok)
Nguyen Yeats-Brown, the creator behind @gnochgnoch, combines humor with culinary creativity. Her content includes quirky recipes and entertaining cooking challenges that engage her audience.
Casual dining spots and experimental food venues can benefit from Nguyen’s inventive style. Her engaging and fun content can attract a diverse crowd looking for unique and enjoyable dining experiences.
@itsgnochgnoch probably my first & last fancy meal in Hammersmith 😭 if you’re looking for some good seafood sharing plates in West London, Faber it is! 🐠🦐🦞🦀 For the quality of produce, tasty food & attentive service, it’s great value for money! My fave dishes were the mackerel on toast, smoked haddock croquettes, clams with cocoa beans, trout tartare, crab potato terrine & of course the buttery lemon sole 😮💨 Not a lot of places get so many dishes right so if you order these when you go, I can guarantee you’ll leave with the happiest belly x x #seafood #seafoodlondon #londonrestaurants #restaurantreview #whatiate #foodreview #londonfood ♬ original sound – Nguyen | GNOCHGNOCH
Bev, known for her account @knivestomeetyou, specializes in uncovering London’s hidden culinary treasures. Her detailed reviews and captivating photos highlight the best of the city’s food scene, from street vendors to upscale eateries.
Restaurants in London, whether targeting locals or tourists, will find Bev’s expertise invaluable. Her recommendations can drive traffic to lesser-known spots and enhance their reputation within the city.
Morgan Raum (Instagram)
Morgan Raum’s @tooomuchfood is a go-to source for New York City’s eclectic dining scene. Her feed features detailed reviews and personal anecdotes that bring each culinary experience to life, making her a trusted guide for NYC food enthusiasts.
Urban restaurants, particularly in New York City, can benefit from Morgan’s in-depth reviews and vibrant content. Her detailed and engaging posts can attract a wide audience, eager to explore the city’s diverse food offerings.
Nico Norena (Instagram, TikTok, )
Nico Norena, the mind behind @succulentbite, has a strong following due to his ability to showcase delicious food in an enticing manner. His content ranges from mouth-watering food photography to engaging videos that highlight his culinary adventures.
Restaurants aiming to enhance their visual appeal and reach a broader audience will find Nico’s expertise beneficial. His visually stunning and well-crafted content can captivate potential customers and drive significant engagement.
@succulentbite FROZEN SMORES 😍 From Glace in NYC #food #dessert #chocolate #foryou ♬ New York, New York – Frank Sinatra (Tribute) – Studio Sunset
In conclusion
Working with top restaurant influencers can give your eatery a significant boost. These influencers bring their unique flair and loyal followers to the table, helping you attract more diners and create buzz around your dishes. Whether you’re looking to highlight gourmet creations, introduce exciting food trends, or simply get more people talking about your place, these top picks have the skills and audience to make it happen. Embrace the creativity and reach of these food enthusiasts and see how they can spice up your restaurant’s presence and popularity.
Interested in partnering with restaurant influencers or other relevant content creators for your next influencer marketing campaign? Contact the Famesters agency via [email protected] and get a team of dedicated influencer marketing experts with 7+ years of experience to work for you! We are here to help you not only launch campaigns, but also scale them and actually grow your business.
TAGS :
