Today we’re going to talk about the connection between marketing and restaurants. Many think it’s just about “advertising,” but in reality, it’s about building a presence that speaks to the customer even before they taste a dish.
Opening a restaurant is a gamble. Every day brings a thousand decisions: shopping, staff, menu, online reviews. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that cooking well is no longer enough. If customers don’t know you exist—or worse, don’t understand why they should choose you—well, that’s a problem.
Summary:
Why has marketing become essential in the restaurant industry?
Remember how it was ten years ago? A good location, a few positive reviews, and some well-managed word of mouth were enough. Now, the customer decides before even stepping out—often by looking at photos, social media, Google Maps, or reading articles and reviews. Not being online means not existing.
- 91% of people look for a restaurant online before making a reservation.
- 68% rely on photos to decide whether to try a place.
- 52% book directly through Google or Instagram.
Numbers don’t lie. And they remind us how crucial it is to have a tailor-made strategy.
This is where Caro Collega comes in
Caro Collega isn’t a name I chose at random. I picked it because I’m speaking directly to you—the restaurant owner who speaks my language and faces the same challenges I faced when I was in your shoes, dreaming the same dreams.
This project was born to guide restaurateurs into the world of marketing—no frills, no pointless jargon, no unrealistic promises.
Just practical strategies, measurable results, and a language you understand instantly.
My method is based on three key pillars:
- Genuine analysis of your restaurant: location, clientele, menu, identity.
- Tailored restaurant marketing strategies: no prepackaged solutions, only plans made just for you.
- Training and advice: I explain everything, so we can improve your restaurant’s communication together.
Marketing and restaurants: two worlds that can coexist
Many fellow restaurateurs tell me: “But I want to be in the kitchen, not on Instagram!” And I say: “Perfect. Leave that part to me.”
That’s exactly why I created Caro Collega. Because I know you already have a thousand things on your plate.
Our job is to take a load off—not add more stress.
Most importantly, we help you focus on what matters: your kitchen, your core business.
Why we’re not just another agency
I know the marketing world is full of agencies that promise the moon. Some charge a fortune, others throw buzzwords around and deliver vague results.
I speak to you as a former restaurateur. I get it—period.
And you know what? Caro Collega isn’t just a catchy name. It’s a message. An invitation. A promise: “You’re not alone in this game.”
Web marketing for hotels? Don’t get it confused
A lot of people ask me: “Can I follow the same web marketing strategies used by hotels?” The answer is: sort of. Sure, there are shared tools (Google, social media, websites, reviews), but the logic is totally different.
Hotel guests look for comfort, services, extended stays.
Your restaurant guests look for emotion, flavor, and immediate impact.
That’s why strategies must be personalized. If you copy what hotels do, you risk sounding generic.
And in a saturated market like ours, being generic is the fastest way to disappear.
And the results? Let me tell you a story
Here’s a real-life example. A client of mine runs a countryside trattoria. Great menu, but few customers on weekdays. We worked on a locally optimized website, targeted Google Ads campaigns, and video content that told his story.
The result?
A significant increase in weekday bookings. And even better, a loyal community that comes back and spreads the word.
Investing in marketing and restaurants is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
You can have the best dish in town, but if no one sees it, it doesn’t exist.
Marketing isn’t a cost—it’s your restaurant’s voice. And trust me, when it starts speaking the right language, results follow.
Article written by Giancarlo De Leonardo, former restaurateur and hotelier, founder of Caro Collega.
