Case Study: Folkart Hospitality

FOLKART HOSPITALITY, nestled across from the legendary Wrigley Field, embodies a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary allure. Tasked with redefining hospitality in the heart of Chicago, FOLKART HOSPITALITY embarked on a mission to create an immersive experience housing two distinct properties under one roof—the vibrant Mordecai restaurant downstairs and the sophisticated Hush Money speakeasy upstairs. As the creative director of content and social media strategy, our objective was to capture the essence of each venue while curating an engaging Instagram presence that resonated with a diverse audience.

Challenge:

1. Differentiation: The challenge lay in distinguishing between Mordecai and Hush Money, both housed within the same building, while ensuring each maintained its unique identity rooted in baseball nostalgia. The goal was to highlight Mordecai’s vibrant dining atmosphere and culinary offerings, juxtaposed with Hush Money’s clandestine elegance and craft cocktails.
2. Instagram Vibe: Crafting an Instagram aesthetic that mirrored the dynamic energy of Wrigley Field while showcasing the sophistication of FOLKART HOSPITALITY posed a unique challenge. The objective was to create visually captivating content that appealed to locals and tourists alike, enticing them to experience the hospitality firsthand.
3. Engagement and Training: With a focus on social media management, training the staff to effectively utilize social platforms to enhance guest engagement and brand visibility was crucial. Empowering the team to authentically convey Mordecai and Hush Money’s offerings and experiences was essential for creating a cohesive and engaging online presence.

Approach:

1. Creative Direction: Employing a nuanced approach, we developed distinct visual identities for Mordecai and Hush Money, each inspired by baseball nostalgia. Mordecai’s imagery reflected a lively dining atmosphere with nods to baseball history, while Hush Money exuded clandestine elegance reminiscent of speakeasy culture.
2. Strategic Content Creation: Leveraging storytelling, we crafted compelling content that showcased Mordecai’s culinary delights and Hush Money’s craft cocktails, while paying homage to baseball legends. From tantalizing food photography to behind-the-scenes glimpses of mixology secrets, each post was designed to evoke curiosity and desire among followers.
3. Social Media Training: Conducting comprehensive training sessions, we equipped the staff with social media management skills, content creation techniques, and customer engagement strategies. By fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm, we empowered the team to serve as authentic brand ambassadors, fostering connections with guests both online and offline.

Execution:

1. Captivating Visuals: Through captivating imagery, we brought Mordecai’s vibrant dining scene and Hush Money’s intimate ambiance to life on Instagram. Moody shots of Mordecai’s bustling atmosphere and glimpses into Hush Money’s hidden corners immersed followers in the unique charm of each venue.
2. Engagement Initiatives: Implementing interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and user-generated content campaigns, we encouraged active participation, fostering a sense of community. Prompt responses to inquiries and feedback nurtured meaningful connections, driving engagement and loyalty.
3. Ongoing Optimization: Continuously monitoring performance metrics and audience insights, we refined our social media strategy to maximize reach and engagement. Whether through targeted advertising or influencer partnerships, we remained agile in adapting to evolving trends, ensuring FOLKART HOSPITALITY remained top-of-mind for patrons.

Results: Our efforts propelled FOLKART HOSPITALITY into a sought-after destination, captivating locals and tourists alike. With a cohesive Instagram presence that showcased Mordecai and Hush Money’s distinct charms, we drove foot traffic, increased brand awareness, and fostered genuine connections with followers. Through strategic content creation and social media training, we empowered the staff to become enthusiastic brand advocates, amplifying FOLKART HOSPITALITY’s online presence and solidifying its reputation as a premier hospitality destination in Chicago’s vibrant landscape.