Overview

moto-i is the world’s first sake brewpub outside of Kyoto, Japan.  It was also the first restaurant in the Twin Cities to have its entire opening PR campaign performed exclusively online.

Challenges

Six months prior to opening, we implemented a social media strategy combining multiple social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and blogs with teaser websites and landing pages. 

Solutions Implemented

Traditional press releases launched after grand opening garnered publication and feature stories in over 40 national and international publications (magazines and newspapers) and 6 television outlets in the first 90 days of the restaurant being open, including coverage from a news crew from TV Tokyo, that flew into MN to cover it.

• An engaged audience of 15 thousand (across multiple social media platforms) prior to the opening of the restaurant

• moto-i named one of the best new restaurants by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine for 2008
• moto-i named the best Japanese restaurant by the City Pages for 2008
• moto-i garnered instant regulars and loyal sake aficionados who are able to learn of new sake releases, classes, sake dinners, and specials and events.
• moto-i selected as Critic’s Choice Best New Restaurant for 2009
• Sterling Cross Communications work in Social Media & PR for moto-i published in the book "Twitter Means Business: How Microblogging Can Help or Hurt Your Company." by Julio Ojeda-Zapata.