Smart Takes

Chris Heydt and Jenifer Harmon explore how AI is transforming the way agencies understand consumers, map customer journeys, and uncover deeper audience insights faster than ever before. From ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok to AI-powered research, survey analysis, and strategic planning, we'll discuss how these tools help marketers spend less time gathering information and more time turning i...

Jenifer Harmon talks with Mark Vanderloo, Lukumades franchisee for the first location in the US, about growing the brand in Florida and beyond. St John is proud to be the AOR for Lukumades.

Jenifer Harmon, EVP St. John & Store By Store, and Jen Domaradzki, ACD St. John, discuss creative storytelling, work that moves the audience and drives intent and sales for restaurant brands like Zaxby's and Metro Diner, as well as state agencies like the Florida Lottery and Florida Prepaid College Board. Effective creative delivers solid KPI performance.

Kristen Bankert, ACD St. John, and Jenifer Harmon, EVP St. John & Store By Store, talk value meal success across the QSR landscape...deals driving guests and SSCS right now for Taco Bell, McDonald's and Wendy's, offering not just price but variety.

Rachel Travisano, Community Director for Yelp, shares how to utilize Yelp effectively for restaurants and retailers alike. She discusses tapping into the power of positive Yelp reviews by reaching out to your local Yelp Community Directors. Let Yelp guide a super positive brand outcome by connecting through your local Yelp Elite leaders. Transform reviews in 2025.

Lessons from 2024 that can transform messaging, your value approach, collaboration and audience outreach to spring forward fast in 2025. Discussion with Kristen Bankert, Associate Creative Director at St John.

Jenifer Harmon talks with Malinda Grimes Reddie about working together as the AOR for Zaxby's for 16 years. And about Malinda's work to help create new relevance for legendary diner, Huddle House. Huddle House is refreshing the brand for today's consumer. St. John produced breakthrough creative and strong media plans that drove Zaxby's from 110 locations to over 900 and increased S...

Whether a legacy brand or a startup, there is nothing better for restaurant growth than franchising. It must be done with all stakeholders in mind. Franchisees must walk together with the franchisor. This episode discusses the benefits of a strong franchise model and the critical franchisee relationship balance for long-term brand value.

Don Fox, former chairman and CEO, talks with Jenifer Harmon about the calculated growth he led for Firehouse Subs, culminating in 1,200+ locations and a $1B sale to Restaurant Brands International (RBI). The discussion focuses on his start with the concept in 2003, the importance of respecting the franchisees, the complexities of competition, and what he feels like is the biggest challenge in the...

Don Fox, former Chairman and CEO, talks with Jenifer Harmon about the calculated growth he led for Firehouse Subs, culminating in 1,200+ locations and a $1B sale to Restaurant Brands International (RBI). The discussion focuses on his start with the concept in 2003, the importance of respecting the franchisees, the complexities of competition, and what he feels like is the biggest challenge in the...

Historically, restaurant leaders lived or died on same store comp sales (SSCS) performance. But multiple price increases forced by the cost of goods increasing since COVID have made SSCS almost insignificant. Today, restaurants depend on growing traffic with new audiences, increased frequency and long-term loyalty. If a restaurant is not growing traffic, it is not increasing in value. Today, traff...

St. John worked alongside Zaxby's founders to grow licensees, new locations, same store comp traffic/sales, and long-term brand value for over 15 years, from 110 locations to 900+, from AUVs of $1.5M to well over $3.5M, and ultimately a historic sale to Goldman Sachs for $2B. This is the story of St. John's incredible adventure working with Zaxby's marketing leadership, licensees, oper...

Marketing leaders are swimming in data. Store By Store knows how to use data to tell the guest's story and drive new traffic and sales. We take restaurant transactions, guest proximity and menu preference, and append consumer profiles to help restaurants uncover hidden growth opportunities and maximize their media spend and messaging with these insights.