Menu Development

Like, Bite & Share

Shay MacDonald is the Chef Partner at HoM in Charleston, SC. HoM is a Burger boutique, ping pong lounge and neighborhood bar located right in the middle Charleston’s dining and shopping district, King Street. Shay is also the founder of the Flag Day Burger and Beer Festival, a celebration of local Chefs, restaurants and craft beer. The festival is a fundraiser for the Charleston Animal Society and last year raised more than $6,000 for the cause. Shay joins the podcast this week to share his knowledge on event planning and menu crafting.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Like Bite & Share is a podcast about marketing in the food business. Each episode includes an insightful interview with food marketing professionals.

SHOW NOTES

Key Takeaways:

• Getting press for an event doesn’t necessarily require a high-priced public relations firm. Creating positive relationships with other people in your industry and utilizing social media as a team is effective as well. Restaurants should reach out to other restaurants and involve them in food events, and ask them to help in publicizing the event.
• If you treat every item on your menu as though it was a filet mignon, and make sure you’re letting your customers know that that attention to detail and quality extends to your staff and service as well, it will set you apart from other restaurants in your market.
• Terms like “locally sourced” and “100% organic” have become marketing terms as much as they are descriptors of menu items. They can be used to convince a customer that a higher price is worth the cost. Bur if those terms are not on-message for your restaurant, people will see through them.
• Instagram can be an instant driver of customers for eye-catching or old-favorite menu items. Followers will see something interesting and come in to order it immediately.
• Going to local hotels and feeding the concierges and bellboys will help you develop your reputation.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Flag Day Burger & Beer Festival
• HoM Charleston
• HoM “Hurricane” Burger
• Parts Unknown, Charlotte
• Caitlyn the dog / Charleston Animal Society

Learn more about Shay MacDonald:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram