TL;DR Here’s the perfect marketing checklist for any restaurant. Steal it. Use it. Watch your revenue grow.
Being in the restaurant business is always tough. Costs rise. Competition grows. Guests evolve. It’s never been easy—and it never will be.
You’re either built for this... or you’re not.
But let’s get real: Being “built for it” isn’t genetics. It’s a decision.
The most successful hospitality brands I know all have one thing in common: They’re led by people obsessed with service—people who care.
If your restaurant is struggling right now, ask yourself: Are you showing that passion in your food? Your space? Your guest experience? Your branding and marketing?
If the answer is yes—then your issue isn’t passion. It’s probably your marketing system. Or you’re fighting tough market conditions.
I’ve spent a lot of time in my own restaurant. I’ve learned from operators with way more experience than me. I’ve helped hundreds of restaurants with their marketing.
Here’s one truth I can guarantee: Even the best marketing cannot save bad operations.
But let’s say you’ve got it all dialed in - Craveable food. Guests who rave. Operational excellence.
Now what?
You need a system—a marketing engine that supports every single touchpoint a guest has with your brand.
Without that? Posting to social isn’t marketing. Getting lucky with a viral video won’t save you. Or hoping one of the Kardashians walks in and puts your restaurant on their social media? That’s not a strategy—it’s a fantasy.
Why? Because your bucket is leaking.
If you’re not collecting guest contact info… If you’re not using email, SMS, loyalty, and ads to bring them back… You’re leaving money on the table every single day.
Trust me—I’ve seen it happen over and over.
“OK Rev, stop preaching. What do we do?” Glad you asked.
Good news. This isn’t a pitch for my services or anyone else’s. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for.
I just dropped a new e-book: The Restaurant Marketing System.
It’s the exact checklist of foundational marketing channels that work for every type of restaurant, in every market, with any service model.
I also share some tactics of what to do in each channel so you can at least get started. Don’t worry about being perfect in each channel. Just be consistent. You’ll improve with time.
Get the book. Check the list. Run the system.
Here's a sneak peak:
At the very least, you’ll find one thing you’re not doing (or not doing well) that you can improve today.
This is the playbook I wish every restaurant had. And now it’s yours.
PS Want to level up even faster?
Come find me at these events.
I’ll be speaking, podcasting, and helping operators like you dial in your marketing.
- Marketing Executive Group (MEG) – May 14–16 (Chicago, IL)
- National Restaurant Show – May 17–20 (Chicago, IL)
- Restaurant Marketing Workshop – June 2–3 (Indianapolis, IN)
- QSR Summit – June 17-18 (Chicago, IL)
Need help? Got questions? Email me: rev@brandedstrategic.net
- Rev Ciancio
WHAT DOES REV DO?
*I help restaurants to build guest marketing programs.
*I help hospitality tech companies with lead generation and content marketing.