Ajisai Sushi might serve elegant rolls and sashimi, but their challenges were anything but delicate. Despite launching with high hopes and a major investment, their spacious Tampa location was looking a little too spacious on prime days, with only 35% of their tables filled. Simply put, the fish was fresher than the foot traffic.
Enter us. Our mission? Turn this hidden gem into Tampa Bay’s go-to sushi hotspot. Here’s exactly how we rolled out their digital success.
Getting to Know the Target Audience
First things first, we had to zero in on Ajisai’s ideal diners. Families looking for a fun night out, young professionals craving post-work sushi fixes, and couples searching for a date spot that would impress without screaming “cliché.” These were the people we needed to win over.
The Recipe for Success (No Soy Sauce Required)
To give Ajisai the glow-up it deserved, we whipped up a multi-layered digital strategy. Think of it as the ultimate sushi platter of marketing techniques, with each piece playing a role in the restaurant's growth.
- Social Media Campaigns That Made Waves
We started with drool-worthy Instagram and Facebook posts. Imagine close-ups of impeccably plated nigiri, behind-the-scenes footage of master sushi chefs slicing tuna like savants, and glowing testimonials from early diners. Yes, Ajisai’s food was the star, but their soothing ambiance and perfect date-night vibes weren’t far behind.
These posts didn’t just grab attention, they converted scrollers into diners. Local foodies couldn’t resist tagging their friends, and suddenly, Ajisai Sushi was all over Tampa’s social feeds. - A Strategic PR Push Focused on Tampa Bay
We knew Ajisai needed more than just pretty pictures; they needed local buzz. Cue the PR engine. We sent press releases far and wide across Tampa Bay and beyond, catching the attention of food bloggers, influencers, travel guides, and Tampa’s online foodie communities.
The result? Ajisai went from being a quiet newcomer to a must-visit on “Top 10 Tampa Sushi Spots” lists. - Influencer Marketing that Delivered Big Bites
Local food bloggers and influencers became some of Ajisai’s biggest fans (and customers). We knew Ajisai’s sparkling service and premium-quality fish spoke for themselves, so we invited influencers for exclusive tastings. Their rave reviews reached thousands of followers, with hashtags like #TampaEats and #SushiGoals catapulting Ajisai into the local spotlight. - Highlighting Premium Quality
Nothing sells sushi like… really good sushi. We made sure everything in the campaign screamed “premium.” From videos of their master chefs expertly crafting artful dishes to descriptions of fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cuts sourced with care, quality was front and center. - Promoting the Unique Dining Experience
Ajisai didn’t just serve food; they delivered an experience. From the calming, upscale ambiance to the incredible service, we made sure potential diners knew their meal at Ajisai would be as memorable as it was delicious.
From Vacancy to Vibrancy
The results? Well, we don’t like to brag, but someone has to tell the story. Here’s how Ajisai’s metrics soared after this campaign:
- Average Daily Capacity Rose from 35% to Over 80%
Weekends became reservation-only, and even traditionally slower lunch hours saw packed tables. If you’ve worked in the restaurant industry, you know a busy lunch crowd is a unicorn. 🦄 Ajisai captured it. - Instagram Engagement Went Into Overdrive
Their feed wasn’t just a gallery of beautiful sushi; it was a vibrant community of Tampa foodies tagging friends, commenting, and sharing. - Local Buzz? Unstoppable.
Ajisai became a favorite for food bloggers, online food communities, and even travel guides looking for hidden Tampa gems.
Why It Worked
Our campaign was successful because it was fresh, authentic, and hyper-targeted, just like Ajisai's offerings. We showcased the brand in a way that resonated with their target audience, emphasizing quality, atmosphere, and a sense of both exclusivity and accessibility.
By activating every channel from social media to influencer marketing and PR, Ajisai became a sushi spot synonymous with great food and great vibes.
Want Results Like These?
If your business could use some serious digital growth (and a side of creative flair), get in touch with us. Whether you’re running a sushi bar, an e-commerce store, or something else entirely, we’ll help you create a campaign that fills your tables or registers.
Curious to see what we’d cook up for your brand? Reach out today! 🚀
