Today we’d like to introduce you to Sri Divel
Hi Sri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Culinary CMO was founded out of a deep understanding of the restaurant industry’s unique challenges. With over two decades of experience, including leadership roles at top-tier establishments like the Montage Hotels and Salt Creek Grille, I witnessed firsthand the gap between operational excellence and effective marketing in the fast-paced hospitality world.
During the pandemic, when restaurants faced some of their toughest challenges, I recognized a critical need for marketing solutions tailored specifically for the food and beverage industry. Traditional marketing agencies often lacked the hands-on knowledge of restaurant operations, leaving operators struggling to communicate their stories effectively while managing day-to-day demands.
Drawing from my expertise as an operator with a marketer’s vision, I launched The Culinary CMO to provide comprehensive, results-driven marketing strategies for restaurants and hospitality brands. The agency takes a hands-on approach, offering services like branding, social media management, menu design, photography, influencer programs, and more. My mission is to amplify the unique stories and passions behind each restaurant, helping them thrive in a competitive market.
Today, The Culinary CMO is trusted by top industry names and independent operators alike, delivering powerful marketing strategies that resonate with guests and drive measurable growth. With my unmatched industry insights and commitment to excellence, The Culinary CMO has become a vital partner for restaurateurs looking to elevate their brands.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I transitioned from being a restaurant operator to creating a marketing agency, my biggest struggle was bridging the gap between operational needs and effective marketing solutions. Many traditional agencies didn’t understand the urgency, limitations, and intricacies of running a restaurant. I saw operators overwhelmed by the demands of marketing, struggling to tell their stories while juggling staff, inventory, and guest experiences.
The pandemic added another layer of difficulty. Restaurants faced unprecedented challenges, and I saw firsthand how marketing became both more essential and more daunting for operators. That’s when I knew there was a significant gap to fill—restaurants needed a partner who not only understood marketing but also spoke their language and appreciated the grind of the business.
Starting The Culinary CMO meant tackling these struggles head-on, building trust with clients, and creating a full-service solution that seamlessly integrates into their operations. It hasn’t been easy, but the lessons I’ve learned along the way have made me stronger and more committed to helping restaurants thrive. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped my ability to deliver tailored, impactful strategies that truly resonate with my clients and their guests.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At The Culinary CMO, we specialize in comprehensive marketing solutions tailored specifically for the restaurant and hospitality industry. We handle everything from branding and social media management to menu design, photography, influencer campaigns, and curated events. Essentially, we take the entire marketing suite off a restaurant operator’s plate, so they can focus on what they do best—delivering incredible guest experiences.
What sets us apart is my deep-rooted connection to the industry. I’m not just a marketer—I’m a classically trained chef, sommelier, and former operator with over two decades of experience. I understand the challenges restaurants face because I’ve lived them. This unique perspective allows me to create marketing strategies that truly resonate with both operators and their guests.
I’m most proud of how The Culinary CMO has been able to make a tangible difference for our clients. Whether it’s helping a new restaurant find its voice or revitalizing an established brand, we’ve been able to tell authentic stories that drive measurable results.
What really sets us apart is the personal, hands-on approach we bring to every client. We embed ourselves into their operations, treating their business as if it were our own. No cookie-cutter solutions—everything we do is customized to reflect the client’s passion, vision, and goals. At the end of the day, it’s about amplifying their story and making sure their hard work gets the recognition it deserves.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe risk-taking is an essential part of growth—both personally and professionally. Without taking risks, you limit your ability to innovate, learn, and truly make an impact. That being said, I don’t see risk as something to approach recklessly. For me, it’s about calculated risks—assessing the potential outcomes and being willing to invest in the belief that the reward will outweigh the challenge.
One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving the safety and familiarity of my role as a restaurant operator to start The Culinary CMO. It wasn’t just a career change; it was stepping into uncharted territory, creating a business that combined my deep love for the restaurant industry with a new focus on marketing. I was entering a crowded space, but I knew that my unique perspective as a chef, sommelier, and operator could fill a gap that traditional marketing agencies couldn’t address.
The pandemic added an extra layer of uncertainty. Restaurants were struggling just to stay afloat, and I knew it was a make-or-break moment. Taking the leap to offer tailored, hands-on marketing support during such a critical time felt risky, but it was also the exact reason I started The Culinary CMO. Looking back, it was one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
To me, risk is about aligning with your passion and values, even if the path is uncertain. When you believe in what you’re doing and have the resilience to adapt along the way, the potential rewards can be transformative. That mindset has shaped not only my journey but the way I approach every client and project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theculinarycmo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theculinarycmo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-divel-2717a4100/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCulinaryCMO
