Putting Amélies on the map
Amélies at the Smokehouse opened in Porthleven, Cornwall in April 2010.
Owner Sam Sheffield-Dunstan set us the challenge of raising awareness of the launch in the local community and press.
Photos: Westcountry Photographers
Winning over the locals
We decided on holding two launch events to celebrate the opening of Amélies. The first involved a two-for-one dining offer for locals.
The second was a launch party attended by friends, family and invited journalists. A representative from Helston charity Shelterbox gave a short speech.
Spreading the news
Prior to the launch we issued a press release announcing the opening of Amélies and the positive effect it would have in the rejuvenation of the harbourside and the creation of new jobs.
We booked meals for journalists to review the restuarant, leading to positive coverage in Cornwall Today, The West Briton, Cornish Guardian and Coast magazine.
Creating a buzz
We also used social media platforms to raise awareness of the launch, setting up a Facebook fan page and using Twitter to promote the launch offers.
Raising money for charity Shelterbox, we organised a luxury raffle with prizes worth over £2,000 and sold tickets both online and offline.
Results
- The facebook group was viewed by over 16,000 people before the restaurant opened.
- Feeling towards the restaurant amongst the residents of Porthleven was hugely positive.
- The raffle raised over £1,600 for ShelterBox.
- Amélies was fully booked on its opening night.
