Today we’d like to introduce you to Sri Divel.
Hi Sri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
What started with a deep passion for food and hospitality, my operations career evolved into a restaurant marketing agency. I created The Culinary CMO, aimed to assist restaurants in handling marketing effectively and resourcefully. I am able to embed myself into the company and bring strategic marketing to help tell the tale of their craft. My extensive experience as a restaurant owner, operator, and trained chef sets me apart in the hospitality industry. I know how hard it is to be within those four walls all day just to welcome a guest. I want to be able to take the marketing off their plate (pun intended).
I graduated with a culinary arts degree from the Art Institute of California and achieved the level one sommelier rank by the Court of Master Sommeliers. From there, she worked as the food and beverage manager of the beloved Orange County resort, Montage Laguna Beach, and went on to help open Montage Beverly Hills. I then worked my way to become Divel vice president and operating partner at Salt Creek Grille, with a focus on training, branding, sales, and marketing. Additionally, I am on the board of Advisors for Pokeworks and Hook &Hand Rum while working regularly with restaurants like Mama’s Comfort Food &Cocktails, Dos Amigos, and the franchisor at Nekter Juice Bar, among others, with marketing strategies. From chef to operator to restaurant owner to founding a marketing agency, I have a thorough experience throughout the hospitality industry.
*It is a love for creating and crafting the story around the plate, supporting the chef or the concept. It is like a romantic dance of culinary art and words, and I love it,” explains Divel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hospitality industry will always face challenges, whether it is labor, rising food costs, new rules, and regulations; what is so treasured about this industry is we always adapt. It is how The Culinary CMO was built. During the COVID pandemic, it was a rough time- however, there was a beautiful thing happening. Companies and associates put down their guard to compete and lended their talents that any brand that was in need. Lawyers held conferences on interpreting the new laws, and Supply chain learned in sourcing products; as such, I was contacted for all things marketing.
We fall, but always on our feet. It doesn’t mean it isn’t scary or always graceful – but we always land on our feet.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) title is the one that oversees and does it all. Marketing, branding, social, loyalty app development, data analytics, website, food photography, reels, video … the list goes on and on. With this esteemed and experienced position, usually carrying a very hefty salary, not all restaurants are eager to bring one in-house. So, while we maintain the all-encompassing qualities this prominent position holds, we make ourselves available to the industry we love and where our creativity truly flourishes, with an affordable monthly fee.
While you operate your restaurants and serve your guests, we are continuously working to reiterate your story, your passion, your mission across all platforms. We are here to spotlight the talents and dedication of your team and share that with a broad audience. We will maximize leverage within review sites, social media, email marketing campaigns, influencer programs, PR, community events, and opportunities while you focus on operating your restaurants.
The Culinary CMO is driven to deliver hospitality-focused marketing with an emphasis on storytelling. We will be telling the tale of your restaurant across multiple platforms at all times. The Culinary CMO will create confidence in a fast-paced, ever-changing media environment by attaching a plan, a purpose, and a culture to your menu and dining experience. We will be telling the tale of your brand as a partnership to create exposure that will drive sales.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Hard work will always outweigh luck. While I have been very fortunate to work with some incredible people/chefs/brands, hard work will always prove more beneficial than relying on Luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theculinarycmo.com
- Instagram: @theculinarycmo
- Linkedin: The Culinary CMO
- Youtube: @TheCulinaryCMO
Image Credits
The Culinary CMO
