Ep #36: Bad Influence: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Restaurant Game
- ptotah
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
How is social media reshaping the restaurant industry, and what can owners do to protect their business? We’ve seen firsthand how TikTok videos, Instagram posts, and Yelp reviews can drive massive traffic or create unexpected backlash overnight. Unlike traditional critics with context and standards, today’s influencers are building their own brands while reviewing your business, sometimes amplifying issues unrelated to food or service.
In this episode, we share our experiences dealing with reviews as restaurant owners and brokers. We talk about the anxiety of receiving alerts, the challenge of responding thoughtfully, and real examples from San Francisco where restaurants faced backlash for political stances rather than the quality of their food. We break down how intent and impact can differ, and why a single post can ripple across your business and staff.
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We also discuss practical strategies for protecting your business while working with influencers. From setting clear boundaries with paid collaborations to creating your own content and relationships, we cover ways to turn social media into a positive tool instead of a liability. You’ll gain actionable insights for responding to criticism, spotting recurring feedback themes, and safeguarding your restaurant in today’s fast-moving online landscape.
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What You’ll Learn from this Episode:
How traditional critics differ from social media influencers in accountability and standards.
How to respond to negative reviews without getting defensive or emotional.
Understanding intent versus impact when influencers post about your business.
Strategies for setting boundaries and clear policies with paid influencer collaborations.
How building your own content and influencer relationships can protect your brand.
Why thin restaurant margins make viral negative posts especially impactful.
The importance of looking for themes in feedback rather than reacting to single incidents.
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