Episode 58: Cassie Pinckney

Cassie Pinckney follows two core principles in the restaurant business: Don’t take yourself too seriously and never be afraid to try something. “I fell in love with hospitality when I was in my teens working at the neighborhood Dairy Queen,” says Cassie, who feels “when there is relentless innovation by people committed to having fun with food, you will never stop improving.”  

 

Cassie’s commitment to quality landed her as marketing chief for celebrated Texas-based Velvet Taco, a premier-quality fast-casual concept that offers a globally inspired taco menu. To her credit, the concept has grown from eight to 36 locations in four years. 

 

In this episode, join us to learn how to maintain brand identity and build value while rapidly expanding in both urban and suburban marketplaces. "Although there are core menu items and other key concept features," says Cassie, "we try hard to represent the local community in the design and decor of every location."

 

"Food isn’t the only area of continued innovation anymore," says Cassie, adding "we must deliver a complete experience in order to create value and develop guest loyalty." To that end, Velvet Taco emphasizes convenient online ordering, proper packaging and creative catering programs.

 

Cassie reminds us that marketing is so much more than the ability to promote the brand and attract new guests. It is the practice of managing your brand while connecting to the community and building guest loyalty. Learn from this expert about marketing best practices you can put to work in your concept.