Chuy’s serves up authentic Tex-Mex favorites in a fun and eclectic atmosphere, operating nearly 100 restaurants across 17 states. But when the Austin-based chain planned to open its first-ever restaurant in the Dayton region, they were largely unfamiliar with the area. They needed a savvy, local public relations partner to help them cultivate community connections, create a local buzz, and curate a successful opening — and The Ohlmann Group had just the right recipe.
In the months leading up to the restaurant’s grand opening, The Ohlmann Group worked to establish Chuy’s as a visible and active member of the local community. To engage future customers, we ensured Chuy’s was present at popular community events and coordinated a fun photo contest for Chuy’s iconic “Dog Wall.” Our grassroots community outreach also included helping Chuy’s identify a local charity partner and inviting area VIPs to a special soft-opening fundraiser.
To generate high-impact coverage, our public relations experts organized private sneak preview events for members of the local media and secured television appearances, media interviews, and live cooking demonstrations featuring Chuy’s culinary crew.
After the opening of Chuy’s first Dayton-area location broke all new store sales records, The Ohlmann Group went on to assist with additional openings in Beavercreek, Columbus, and West Chester. Leveraging our local connections and the strategic combination of community engagement, event planning, and media relations, we helped ensure each launch was a success, with happy customers hungry for more.
As we grow our brand in Ohio, Chuy’s Restaurants has continued to work with the Ohlmann Group because we see them as true partners. They put on their Chuy’s t-shirts and become part of our team, while helping us establish ourselves in new areas, and all while having some fun. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
