Gabe's Downtown

The Challenge
Gabe’s Downtown began experiencing a dip in sales. The goal wasn’t just to increase awareness—but to turn existing interest into repeat visits, launch a new brunch successfully, and do it without a big ad budget.

The Strategy (Smart Systems > Big Spend)
We focused on organic visibility, guest follow-up, and community-driven storytelling.
1. Google Business as a Growth Engine (30-Day Sprint)
• Posted daily specials every day for 30 days on Google Business Profile
• Treated Google like social media—not a static listing
• Result: Boosted organic placement & discovery at zero cost
This alone shifted visibility and foot traffic—fast.

2. Automated Thank-You + Brunch Launch Loop
• Triggered thank-you emails after each guest visit
• Invited guests back for brunch (new launch)
• Included a trackable free appetizer code
Result:
➡️ 82% of guests used the code
➡️ Brunch awareness + immediate return visits

3. “Welcome Home” Campaign for Regulars (Email + SMS)
• Personalized messaging to existing regulars
• Made guests feel seen, not sold to
Result:
➡️ 20% increase in visits from existing regulars

4. Real Guest → Real Results (Paid Social)
• Ran a social ad using a guest’s Reel about her experience
• Budget: $300 total
Performance:
• 300,000 impressions
• 112 shares
• 25+ reservations directly attributed
• Noticeable lift in foot traffic during the campaign
This worked because it felt authentic, not promotional.

5. First-Time Guest Capture = Long-Term Value
• Servers asked one simple question:
“Is this your first time with us?”
• New guests were added to the database
• Follow-ups included:
o Thank-you messages
o Birthday dessert offers
o Return incentives
Result:
➡️ Influx of new guests
➡️ Growing owned audience
➡️ Built-in repeat traffic

The Outcome
• Increased organic visibility (free)
• Strong brunch launch
• Higher repeat visits
• New guest acquisition
• Long-term guest relationship system built
• All without discounting the brand

Why This Worked
✔ Follow-up was the real revenue driver
✔ Google Business was treated like a live channel
✔ Guests became marketers
✔ Systems replaced guesswork

The Big Takeaway
We take a little and make it a lot.
When visibility + follow-up + authentic storytelling work together, revenue follows.
And the best part?
The most impactful changes cost nothing—just intention and consistency.