The economy is tough. Competition is everywhere. Guests have more choices than ever and less patience for restaurants that don’t stand out. In this environment, good food isn’t enough — you need smarter systems, the right pricing, an email program that keeps guests coming back, and strategies that grow sales even when the economy wants you to lose. The Restaurant Nerd builds the plan so you can focus on running your business.
Focused marketing services built specifically for restaurants. No fluff, no jargon — just the work that moves the needle.
Make sure your menu and prices bring in real profit. I analyze your menu mix, optimize pricing, and structure your offerings so every item earns its place.
Keep regulars coming back with email updates that actually drive visits. I build the program, write the strategy, and set up the systems so your guest list becomes your most valuable asset.
Make your restaurant easier to find on Google and maps. When someone searches “best restaurants near me,” you should show up. I make sure you do.
Improve delivery and takeout so it works better for you. From platform selection to menu optimization to photo strategy, I help you grow off-premise revenue without killing your margins.
Plan promotions that fill seats instead of wasting money. No more random discounts and hoping for the best. I build a promotional calendar grounded in strategy and what actually moves the needle.
Watch your marketing spend so you stop overpaying for results that do not matter. I audit where your dollars are going, cut the waste, and redirect investment toward what drives revenue.
Define who you are and why guests should choose you. I help you build a clear brand identity and positioning that cuts through the noise and gives your restaurant a story worth telling.
Every restaurant grows the same way. The difference is whether you have a system to make it happen.
Guests cannot choose you until they know you exist. Awareness shapes first impressions and puts your restaurant into the local conversation. Strong awareness brings in new guests long before retention even matters.
Frequency turns first-time visitors into regulars through consistent experiences, clear communication, and touchpoints that build habit. One visit is nice. Frequency is where restaurants create real momentum.
Average order value multiplies revenue by helping guests explore premium items, add-ons, specials, and larger occasions. Smart menus and simple prompts unlock more spending without pressure.
Awareness brings them in. Frequency brings them back. AOV grows their value.
I’ve built marketing strategies for national franchise brands, managed multi-million dollar budgets, and led teams that turned around years of declining sales. But I started The Restaurant Nerd because independent restaurants deserve that same caliber of thinking. You shouldn’t need a corporate marketing department to get smart marketing.
Derek’s training was very helpful. He showed us how to price and set up our menu for Uber Eats and DoorDash the right way. I never thought about delivery platforms needing their own strategy until he explained it. It made a big difference fast.
Derek has been important to the growth of my business. He made sure our menu was priced right and presentable, and he gave me a structure that produced profit. His work was a vital part of our growth.
My experience working with Derek was excellent. He is patient and honest. I missed a session once and he sent me a video that explained everything we were supposed to cover. That effort meant a lot.
Derek taught us how to build and grow our email list. We went from almost no contacts to sending real newsletters. The plan he set up improved our sales and keeps regulars coming back.
Before Derek I did not have any real marketing plan. He made it simple. He showed me how to look at what was selling, how to price it better, and how to promote it without wasting money. He gave me confidence that we could compete.
You opened your restaurant because you’re passionate about food, hospitality, and community. But marketing? That’s probably not why you got into this business. I help independent owners build a marketing engine that runs without consuming all their time and energy.
You’ve grown beyond one location, but your marketing hasn’t scaled with you. What worked for one restaurant doesn’t work for five. I help multi-unit operators build the systems, consistency, and strategy to market like a brand.
You need executive marketing leadership but aren’t ready for a full-time CMO. I step in as your fractional marketing leader — building strategy, managing vendors, aligning franchisees, and driving results across your portfolio.
Book a free 30-minute consultation. No pitch, no pressure — just a conversation about where your restaurant is, where you want it to go, and whether I can help you get there.