25 Nov Case Study: Embark Marketing Drives Success for The Creamery District
Introduction
At Embark Marketing, we take pride in delivering innovative digital marketing and public relations solutions that achieve tangible results for our clients. For The Creamery District, a mixed-use development in San Antonio featuring Crème Coffee & Social, Amelia Social Lounge, Easy Baby Underground, Lunatique Rooftop Bar, and Tribute Sports Bar, our campaign combined strategic PR efforts with impactful social media engagement to amplify brand awareness and drive customer traffic.
Objectives
Our goal was to position The Creamery District as a must-visit dining and entertainment hub on the San Antonio Riverwalk by:
- Driving media coverage in top-tier publications.
- Growing social media followings across all brands.
- Creating and promoting unique, engaging brand experiences.
Results
Media Coverage
- 56 Online Articles Published: Garnered 515,860 estimated views, showcasing The Creamery brands’ diverse offerings.
- Advertising Value Equivalence (AVE): $146,435 in earned media value across local and national outlets.
- Positive Sentiment: Media coverage consistently highlighted the brands’ innovative concepts and ambiance.
- Coverage appeared in major outlets such as the San Antonio Express News, Axios, and San Antonio Magazine.
Impact: With 56 online articles published and 515,860 estimated views, The Creamery District achieved significant visibility across reputable platforms like Express News and San Antonio Magazine. This positioned the brands as exciting new destinations near the Riverwalk, drawing the attention of locals and tourists alike.
By rolling out each brand with a unique campaign over the course of several months, Embark Marketing was able to keep the media and subsequently, the public interested in each concept and build anticipation for their grand openings. The $146,435 in earned media value highlighted the efficiency of the PR campaign in generating substantial awareness at a fraction of traditional advertising costs. This bolstered the brands’ presence in a competitive market while maximizing ROI.
Social Media Engagement
- Instagram Growth:
- Total followers across brands: 38,124, driven by visually compelling and audience-focused content.
- 576 User-Tagged Posts across all brands, indicating strong organic engagement.
- Brand Highlights:
- Crème Coffee & Social: 10.5K followers and 280 tagged posts—establishing its presence as a chic coffee destination with an inspired European design.
- Amelia Social Lounge: 12.8K followers and 145 tagged posts—capturing attention with its sophisticated nightlife offerings.
- Easy Baby Underground: 7,320 followers and 83 tagged posts—popularizing its intimate speakeasy vibe.
- Lunatique Rooftop Bar: 4,818 followers and 44 tagged posts—showcasing a rooftop experience with an urban allure.
- Tribute Sports Bar: 2,686 followers and 24 tagged posts—connecting with sports enthusiasts through community-driven events.
Impact: A combined Instagram following of 38,124 across brands, supported by 576 user-tagged posts, fostered organic buzz and community excitement. This engagement translated to widespread awareness among social-savvy audiences, amplifying interest throughout the Riverwalk area and beyond. Similarly to the traditional media coverage, the Embark Marketing Team coordinated Influencer visits and postings to coincide with each brand’s opening and unique appeal.
Video News Features
- $21,950 in Additional Value: Five brands featured across major TV segments, including KSAT and San Antonio Living.
- Highlights include:
- “Latte Art Throwdown” at Crème Coffee & Social.
- Grand opening coverage of Tribute Sports Bar and Hook Land & Sea, now known as Costa Pacifica Margarita Garden.
Impact: With $21,950 in additional value from video news features, including segments on KSAT and San Antonio Living, The Creamery brands reached new audiences through dynamic storytelling. These visuals were especially impactful for engaging Riverwalk visitors and residents familiar with local TV outlets & provided support for the other PR efforts.
Campaign Highlights
- Strategic Messaging: Carefully tailored press releases positioned The Creamery District brands as the epitome of modern lifestyle and dining in the highly competitive market of San Antonio.
- Community Engagement: Events such as “Latte Art Throwdown” and launch promotions attracted local crowds and media interest.
- Multi-Channel Impact: Seamless integration of PR, social media, and influencer marketing amplified visibility and drove foot traffic for each concept, amplifying interest in The Creamey District as a whole.
Impact: Unique events like Crème Coffee’s “Latte Art Throwdown” and Tribute Sports Bar’s grand opening not only attracted direct foot traffic but also garnered media attention. These events generated a ripple effect, increasing interest in the entire district & fostering a relationship with consumers whether they were cocktail enthusiasts, coffee drinkers, or sports lovers.
Insights
The campaign solidified The Creamery District as a top destination in San Antonio. From an impressive media footprint to the consistent growth in online engagement, the results underscore Embark Marketing’s expertise in crafting dynamic, multi-channel campaigns. Together, these metrics helped establish The Creamery District as a must-visit hub near the San Antonio Riverwalk, seamlessly integrating the brands into the city’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene.
Conclusion
Our partnership with The Creamery District demonstrates the power of integrated marketing strategies. Through creative storytelling, impactful PR, and community engagement, Embark Marketing not only elevated brand awareness but also fostered lasting connections between The Creamery District and its target audience. With each brand, a comprehensive strategy was utilized to target specific audiences that would find each concept appealing & slowly position the facility as a destination for both locals and visitors to spend their time while at the Riverwalk.
Are you part of a hospitality group that is looking to expand its marketing efforts? Tell us about your plans! We offer complete marketing solutions for restaurants, bars, & their related industries and can take your brand to the next level with our 14 years of experience. Contact Embark Marketing today for a complimentary assessment of your new or existing dining concept.