Veronica Cabrero-Frey

Gen Z's Favorite Brands: New research reveals a surprising list of the brands young consumers love best. The list shows how highly younger consumers prize value, convenience and entertainment. But it also reveals how much they want to hear from people, not brands. “Top brands have developed relatable, true to the Gen Z experience, personas that extend through multiple touchpoints and create authentic engagement,” the company notes in the report. Collage Group, #GenZ #experience #brand #brands #consumer

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"Sober Curious" Trend: Our resort, Mii amo, a destination spa, was included in this Rolling Stone article about bars and restaurants embracing "sober curious" menus designed remove the stigma of not drinking. One bar offers 12 drinks based on 12 core flavor profiles, each available as alcoholic and non-alcoholic iterations. https://lnkd.in/gAPJaUkK #foodandbeverage

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts absolutely nailed this (https://lnkd.in/emmnBQvU) start to finish. What a perfect balance of riding the wave, collaborating with your audience, and staying true to your brand, in everything from action to content to comments. And when Sr Director @MeganPage posted her take on it here, that was the truffle on the pasta. We are living in the participatory era and the best moments come from people—fans, creators, employees and leadership. Brands who give them the floor and join in on the ride are brands who win with social—and have us cheering for them every step of the way.   Something I’ve been thinking about: brands get countless tags from fans every day who hope to find themselves at the center of a moment like this (stays, swag, shout outs… it’s two-way currency). For brands, knowing not just how to act, but when—which moments to jump on—is critical. This is a conversation we often have at Edelman and with our brand partners and I believe the answer lies somewhere between threshold, timing, and people. Threshold is the first gate. If the internet isn’t responding to fan/creator content, it’s not your viral moment (yet). But when you’re at the center of a bubbling moment, you start to prepare. Timing is everything. Acting on the moment just as it has virality power, and before it's too late. We’ve got a whole team that studies the timing of trends. Finally, people. This kind of magic only happens with the right mix: brand teams willing to jump in, social and creative teams ready to make the most of it, and creators who resonate with us all. AI may be upon us, but people are still the heart of what moves us. Always will be. Kudos to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, WeAreSocial, @meganpage, @brittanynewsstead, and everyone else involved.

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Had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Rebhun, the Chief Experience Officer at CAVA! The goal of each episode is to to help listeners improve their guest experience, so I can't think of anyone better to have on than the CXO of one of the country's best restaurant brands. Here were some of his suggestions to other restaurants: 1. Consistency: Ensure that every interaction with the brand, whether in-person, online, or through catering, delivers a consistent experience. This consistency builds trust and reliability with guests. (Fun fact - Andy gave this same answer when he was on our podcast a long time ago - talk about consistency 😉) 2. Culture: Develop a strong, positive company culture that values employees and encourages them to provide excellent service. A supportive work environment translates to better guest experiences. 3. Customer Journey: Focus on the entire customer journey, from the initial search for the restaurant online to the dining experience and post-visit interactions. Each touchpoint should be designed to enhance the guest experience. 4. Brand Voice: Develop and maintain a consistent brand voice that reflects the restaurant's values and resonates with guests. Authenticity is key to building strong connections. 5. Testing and Feedback: Regularly test new ideas and solicit feedback from guests to understand what works and what doesn’t. Continuous improvement is essential. Andy also gave his Ovation to Hillstone Restaurant Group: "I just think their level of consistency across their portfolio is commendable. It's one of the reasons why I think I decided to go into the restaurant industry is I experienced that on special occasions as a kid." Give this one a listen here: https://lnkd.in/giHUh9Yv #restaurantpodcast #podcast #giveanovation

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I took a dive into some recent results from Culver's. Since 2019, the brand has opened 262 locations and should finish 2024 with just short of 1,000 restaurants. Meanwhile, stores are averaging nearly $3.5 million, which is significantly higher than pre-COVID, when the figure was $2.435 million. That $3.5M performance, going off last year's QSR 50, would trail only Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane's, Shake Shack, Whataburger, and McDonald's among the top 50 grossing quick-serves in America. And Culver's continues to do all of this without straying from its founder-led principles dating back to 1984—food made to order, hospitality first, and a commitment to employee care. Interesting how in this business, while never easy to execute at scale, brands often win by delivering on the ticks of hospitality guests have always cared about, no matter what crazy thing is going on in the world.

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CAVA Q1 status check, just announced: The brand grew its revenue 30.3 percent to $256.3 million, as compared to $196.8 million in the prior-year quarter. That was mostly driven by 86 net openings during or subsequent to Q1 2023. Net new openings of 14, bringing total store count to 323, a 22.8 percent increase in total CAVAs year-over-year (the Zoes conversion process is now behind the company). Same-store sales growth of 2.3 percent (3.5 percent price, -1.2 percent traffic). On a two-year basis, that comps number is up 30.7 percent. Average-unit volumes of $2.6 million. Restaurant-level profit of $64.6 million, or growth of 29.3 percent over the prior-year quarter, with CAVA store-level profit margin of 25.2 percent. Net Income of $14 million compared to net loss of $2.1 million in Q1 2023. To note on the above, this was CAVA's fourth consecutive quarter of net income and first of positive free cash flow ($4.7 million). Digital mixed 37 percent of sales.

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I know some of you need to find something new by end of year. Time is like a present. You have to be present some of the time. #jobseekers #jobsearchadvice #jobopportunites #jobs #marketing #marketingjobs #marketinganalytics #hiring #layoffs #gethired

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I've been watching Generation Alpha's consumer behavior for some time to stay relevant and anticipate consumer behavior. Here are some notable facts as teenagers become more financially independent and what we, manufacturers and service providers, should know about their preferences and priorities. I've said many times in the last decade, 'Are we too soon?' I keep coming back to the answer: no. There may be lessons to be learned here for other generations: 🔮👶 Generation Alpha: Shaping the Future of Consumer Behavior! 👶🔮 Meet Generation Alpha, the kids born from 2010 onwards. They're growing up in a digital age and redefining consumer behavior fascinatingly! Here's what sets them apart: Key Traits: 🌐 Digital Natives: - From an early age, Gen Alpha is fluent in technology. They're comfortable with smart devices and expect seamless digital experiences in all aspects of life. 📲 Influence of Social Media: - Social media plays a significant role in their lives. They are influenced by trends, reviews, and recommendations from peers and influencers alike. ♻️ Eco-Conscious: - Gen Alpha is highly aware of sustainability growing up in a world facing environmental challenges. They prefer brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing. 🎨 Customization and Personalization: - This generation loves products and experiences tailored to their preferences. Brands that offer customization options are more likely to win their loyalty. 👾 Gaming Culture: - Gaming is a major part of their entertainment and social interaction. In-game purchases and virtual goods are standard for them, influencing broader consumer habits. 🌍 Global Awareness: - Gen Alpha is globally minded and has access to information and diverse perspectives. They value inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility in brands. What Brands Need to Know: - Engage Digitally: Invest in strong digital platforms and interactive content. - Be Authentic: Transparency and authenticity are crucial. Gen Alpha values genuine brand stories. - Focus on Sustainability: Eco-friendly products and practices resonate strongly with this generation. - Embrace Customization: Offer personalized experiences to capture their interest. - Tap into Gaming: Explore opportunities within the gaming industry to connect with Gen Alpha. Generation Alpha is poised to be the most transformative consumer group yet. Understanding their behavior today will help brands succeed tomorrow! 🌟 #sustainability #foodsystems #GenerationAlpha #ConsumerTrends #FutureConsumers #DigitalNatives #EcoConscious #Personalization #GamingCulture #GlobalAwareness

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SHH!! I've got a little secret for you - One of the keys to success in any team is having clear and defined responsibilities. I know, I know, not the most exciting topic in the world, but bear with me here. Think of it like a game of soccer (or football for my non-American friends). If everyone on the team is running around aimlessly, kicking the ball wherever they feel like it, chaos ensues. But if each player knows their position, their role, and their responsibilities, the team can work together like a well-oiled machine to score that winning goal. So, let's bring that same mindset to our work teams. Clear responsibilities mean that everyone knows exactly what they need to do to achieve the team's goals. It eliminates confusion, duplication of effort, and dropped balls (pun intended). And let's be real, who doesn't love a good game plan? Having a clear understanding of our responsibilities can actually be empowering and motivating. It gives us a sense of ownership over our work and helps us stay focused on what really matters. So, my friends, let's embrace the power of clear responsibilities and work together like a championship soccer team (minus the shin guards and grass stains). Trust me, your team (and your sanity) will thank you for it! #teamwork #hoteliers #hotelmanagement #hotelier

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SHH!! I've got a little secret for you - One of the keys to success in any team is having clear and defined responsibilities. I know, I know, not the most exciting topic in the world, but bear with me here. Think of it like a game of soccer (or football for my non-American friends). If everyone on the team is running around aimlessly, kicking the ball wherever they feel like it, chaos ensues. But if each player knows their position, their role, and their responsibilities, the team can work together like a well-oiled machine to score that winning goal. So, let's bring that same mindset to our work teams. Clear responsibilities mean that everyone knows exactly what they need to do to achieve the team's goals. It eliminates confusion, duplication of effort, and dropped balls (pun intended). And let's be real, who doesn't love a good game plan? Having a clear understanding of our responsibilities can actually be empowering and motivating. It gives us a sense of ownership over our work and helps us stay focused on what really matters. So, my friends, let's embrace the power of clear responsibilities and work together like a championship soccer team (minus the shin guards and grass stains). Trust me, your team (and your sanity) will thank you for it! #teamwork #hoteliers #hotelmanagement #hotelier

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Someone once told me, hosting 5 podcast sessions in one day would be draining. Nope. Energized every time. With that said… We didn’t just record them. We brought each guest together at the Citrus Club in Orlando, wined and dined them, designed the schedule for them to meet one another while there, hosted lunch where everyone’s production schedule crossed over to combine a break together, and gave the opportunity to make new connections they could foster for life. The InRoads production started as a passion project to dive into leadership mindset straight from the elite of the elite across the world. We wanted to learn what made them who they are… morals, values, ethics, hard times, early times, dreams, fears… we wanted to hear about all the roads along their journey. Watching them connect was one of my favorite and most inspiring parts of the experience so far. Aside from the bonds built and the behind the scenes laughs, what did we learn? It didn’t matter what the title was, where someone came from, what they did, or where they wanted to go. Those who had accomplished the seemingly impossible, with such accolades, impact, recognition, reach, and massive respect had 5 core similarities. 1. They came from nothing. 2. They made themselves into something, completely on their own accord and against all odds. 3. They feared no failure or setback. 4. They are incredibly generous, believe in giving before receiving, lifting others first. 5. Their definition of success has nothing to do with money, notariety, fame, or domination. It has everything to do with wealth of knowledge, experience, and a desire to help others which ultimately spreads meaningful impact. As deep as the conversations go, the bloopers are still one of the (second) best parts. The collective energy, intellect, passion, humility, humor, impact… all in one room for a whole day… Profound is an understatement. We sure had fun. Moreover, we hope their stories make a difference for those who need to hear them. Link to the YouTube InRoads channel in comments.

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Take a deep dive into the 2024 #GrandEx Award and learn how Taco Bell and its cast of partners rewrote the playbook on experiential earned media—and scored the event campaign of the year—with "Live Más LIVE."

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🌟 Exciting News for Tampa Brides and Grooms! 🌟 Are you planning your big day in Tampa and feeling overwhelmed with the details? We've got just the thing to ease your stress! Check out our latest blog post, "Day of Coordinator Tampa: Top 10 Benefits for Your Wedding Day." Discover how hiring a professional day of coordinator can transform your wedding experience, ensuring every detail is handled flawlessly. From managing vendors to smoothing out last-minute hiccups, a day of coordinator is your secret weapon for a seamless celebration. Dive into the post to learn more about how you can enjoy your special day to the fullest!

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We all need someone or something to pour into our passion. It brings me so much joy to speak to organizations and corporations of women who are looking to reignite themselves or their team's motivation and drive. I’m honored to be part of an upcoming women's empowerment brunch panel, where we'll be filling cups with inspiration and passion! We are so busy filling everyone’s cup, that we don’t realize OUR cup is dry as a bone! Your spirit and soul are thirsty! The more fulfilled we are, the more we feel accomplished and have a continued sense of “I got this”. I thrive on empowering women to realize their true value and talent. Nothing lights me up more than seeing others shine. When my colleagues, friends, or family take the time out of their busy day just to say they are proud or perhaps something I said inspired them, it sparks something within me. It makes me jump out of whatever is taking up my time and hampering my productivity (hello Instagram hole) and get back to work. The impact of a few encouraging words can truly be transformative. Join us for an event that promises to not only change your outlook but also fuel your journey of personal and professional growth. 🚀 If this sounds juicy to you, won’t you come? 🫴🏾 Xoxo, Michelle Excited to connect with you all! Let's make magic happen. ✨ Open to speaking engagements - let's chat! 🎤 #WomenEmpowerment #Inspiration #SpeakerAvailable #michellechats #keynotespeaker #womenempowerment #womeninbusiness #houstonspeaker #momtreprenuer #thebestisyettocome #goals

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What would life look like if you could make your competitors disappear? In the food & restaurant business, competition is fierce. This is the story about how I audaciously pushed forward a new inspiring vision for Escabeche Mexican Grill, and how by taking strong brand leadership I made the competition irrelevant. See the short video here > https://lnkd.in/gwvNNRvY Ever seen the movie "Hitch" with Will Smith? When he was asked what he did for work he said he did 'branding and brand management', and then he added that 'no one knows what that means'. Well, branding and brand development is exactly what I do, and no one knows what that means, so here I explain what I do and the success stories I've helped build. But I do more than branding and brand development, I help solve complex business problems with success. Send me a DM to find out how I can I help you and take your brand to the next level. - I'm Bryan Jimenez, a barrier-breaking brand strategist and creative director who specializes in food & restaurant branding. I've helped brands reach their next level for nearly two decades. I've worked on projects for large internationally recognized brands like Silk, Harley-Davidson, Wacom, Pepsi, The US Department of Energy, The Texas Department of Agriculture, and many more. I'm the host of The Archimedes Effect Podcast, a 3x startup founder, and a heterodox autodidact. I mentor creators and creative professionals, helping them overcome challenges of mindset, money, self-confidence, and public speaking. I'm also the founder of the "Creativos Empodera2" YouTube channel, an online community for empowering Spanish-language creatives to help them reach their next level of personal and professional success. Follow me for more of my content! - #business #success #successstories #restaurant #restaurants #restaurantbranding #branding #brand #branddevelopment

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10 REASONS CAVA IS THE NEXT Chipotle Mexican Grill 🌟 Explosive Growth: Cava is experiencing rapid expansion, with over 100 locations nationwide, mirroring Chipotle's trajectory in its early days. 🥗 Healthy Appeal: Cava offers customizable Mediterranean bowls with fresh ingredients, tapping into the growing consumer demand for nutritious and flavorful options. 📈 Market Trends: Consumer preferences are shifting towards fast-casual dining experiences that prioritize quality, variety, and speed – all hallmarks of both Cava and Chipotle. 🌱 Sustainable Sourcing: Like Chipotle, Cava emphasizes sustainable sourcing practices, appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers seeking ethically-sourced meals. 📱 Tech Integration: Cava is integrating technology seamlessly into its operations, with online ordering, mobile apps, and digital loyalty programs, enhancing convenience for customers. 🚀 Brand Loyalty: Cava has cultivated a strong and loyal customer base, similar to Chipotle's cult following, driving repeat business and word-of-mouth marketing. 🌍 Diverse Menu: With a diverse range of proteins, grains, vegetables, and sauces, Cava caters to various dietary preferences, attracting a broad customer demographic. 💰 Investor Confidence: Cava has garnered significant investment from notable backers, indicating confidence in its growth potential, reminiscent of Chipotle's early investors. 🌶️ Flavor Innovation: Cava continuously introduces new flavors and seasonal offerings, keeping the menu fresh and exciting, akin to Chipotle's innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. 🏆 Industry Recognition: Cava has received accolades and awards for its culinary excellence and business innovation, positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the fast-casual dining sector, much like Chipotle did in its heyday.

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I have been thinking about this for a while and, while I realize MOST of what consumers like or dislike with regard to their food and beverage choices, some of this “preference” is driven by marketing. Consider “blonde roast” coffee. In my personal, and quite a few others’ opinions, this sour (and foul) tasting beverage had to have been someone’s (Starbucks?) idea to save money and make more profit- an idea I am not opposed to. Under-roasting (and Starbucks is famous for over-roasting possibly to conceal all the blemishes in the quality of the beans they procure) leads to better yields and lower costs per cup of coffee. “So, let’s market the heck out of this as a new, trendy roast.” I remember Harry Roberts, one of the original CMO’s at Starbucks calling Howard when they opened their first stores in Chicago and telling him no one was coming. Howard told him (and I am paraphrasing here)- “Harry, you’re the marketing guy. Make them think it’s the best cup of coffee they’ve ever had”. And Harry did just that. Anyway, proper and laser-focused marketing to the right consumer base does work. Just, PLEASE, someone brew me a cup of medium-to-dark roasted coffee! #coffee #marketing #starbucks #coffeebeans #personalpreference #darkroast #beverageindustry

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