South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association recognized with award for outstanding marketing campaign

The Council of State Restaurant Associations (CSRA) announced the recipients of this year’s CSRA Awards Program. Four state associations, including the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA), were honored for their outstanding contributions in various campaign categories.

The SCRLA was recognized with the award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign for Restaurant Week South Carolina, an 11-day celebration of the state’s vibrant culinary scene. Restaurant Week’s goal is to position South Carolina as one of the top culinary destinations in the nation by increasing awareness of the many dining opportunities available in nine major cities across the state, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry.

Lenza Jolley, Vice President of Membership and Development, holding the CSRA Award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign

“With our recent rebrand of Restaurant Week and the use of hospitality and accommodations tax dollars to compile a robust media buy, we are able to be more representative of our restaurants and showcase the variety of casual and fine dining options in South Carolina to both locals and tourists,” said Lenza Jolley, SCRLA’s Vice President of Membership and Development.

In January 2023, statewide restaurant participation increased for the first time since 2020 with a diverse mix of restaurants creating value-added menus during the 11-day event. Restaurant operators said the campaign was one of the most successful they have had, finding new customers, generating repeat business, and ultimately growing their bottom line.

Restaurants were not the only businesses to benefit from the campaign; Restaurant Week increases tourism, therefore increasing revenue for local businesses.

In partnership with DoorDash, the CSRA introduced the CSRA Awards Program to recognize excellence and innovation in state restaurant associations’ efforts in advocacy, foundation initiatives, marketing strategies, and membership campaigns. The aim was to identify the most exceptional campaign within each category, based on the pool of submissions and nominations received.

Building on the momentum of successful campaigns like Restaurant Week, leveraging influencer marketing can further amplify the reach and impact of similar events. Influencer marketing offers a powerful way to engage with new audiences and drive participation by tapping into the established trust and followings of social media personalities.

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The CSRA Awards Program also honored the Ohio Restaurant Association, California Restaurant Foundation, and Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation.

About Restaurant Week South Carolina

As the voice of the hospitality industry, the SCRLA is dedicated to promoting the world-class culinary and beverage community in South Carolina through regional and statewide Restaurant Week campaigns. Restaurant Week gives local, regional, and national food lovers the opportunity to enjoy amazing values during brunch, lunch and/or dinner at participating restaurants.

Restaurant Week South Carolina will be held January 11-21, 2024. For more information, please visit restaurantweeksc.com.