How a West Coast QSR Brand Scaled Brand Awareness and Community Impact with Bolt PR

A west coast QSR brand partnered with Bolt to re-launch its iconic signature menu item to drive community awareness and foot traffic in-stores. Through high-impact media relations and the strategic execution of community events, Bolt secured over 47 million media impressions and increased community event attendance by 30%.

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The Challenge

Scaling Community Loyalty for Coastal Restaurant Brand

As a pioneer of the fish taco, the leading seafood QSR brand needed to maintain its market leadership while deepening its connection to ocean conservation. The brand faced the challenge of turning its "Be a Friend to the Ocean" philosophy into a tangible community movement that resonated with local audiences.

Gourmet tacos and healthy bowls on a dining table at a crowded coastal fast-casual restaurant, highlighting restaurant marketing challenges
Services Provided
Grand Opening Events
Partnerships + Events
Proactive Media Relations
Narrative Design + Development
Staff handing out reusable ocean conservation bags at an outdoor promotional booth, demonstrating a fast-casual restaurant PR campaign solution

The Solution

Integrating Experiential Activation, Brand Transformation and Media Strategy

Bolt PR developed a multi-layered strategy centered around CoastFest, a beach festival and cleanup in San Diego. Bolt managed executed media drops featuring branded reusable gear and onsite engagement including surf lessons, live music and cooking demos. To support the brand’s physical evolution, Bolt orchestrated media tours of the first remodeled location to generate buzz around the new "Coastal Grill" aesthetic. These efforts were amplified through strategic media relations across regional and national publications.

Sample Of Media Coverage
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The Results

Record-Breaking Visibility and Engagement

The strategy and activation exceeded goals, garnering 47 million media impressions (a 10 million increase over the prior year). The CoastFest event drew over 1,300 community members, representing a 30% YoY increase in attendees. The store remodel announcement further solidified the brand’s market position in share of voice with media and an increase in customer brand loyalty.

Close-up of a loaded gourmet taco, representing fast-casual restaurant culinary offerings in a PR growth strategy
47M+
Media Impressions
1,300+
Local Event Attendees
27%
YoY Increase in Media Impressions

Ready to scale your restaurant brand through an integrated PR and event strategy? Bolt PR helps restaurant brands turn mission-driven storytelling into community impact and revenue growth.