Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Beechner.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the service industry began during high school, where I worked both front of house & back of house positions in restaurants. While in college, I worked primarily as a bartender and later as a manager. These experiences allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies of the industry and the importance of exceptional customer service.
In 2010, during my senior year, I identified a gap in the market: many restaurants and bars were not leveraging digital platforms effectively. Recognizing this opportunity, I founded Embark Marketing, a niche marketing agency dedicated to enhancing the digital presence of restaurant & bar businesses. Our mission is to tell each brand’s story in a way that creates engaging, long-term connections with guests.
Over the past 15 years, Embark Marketing has grown into a team of professionals passionate about the restaurant & bar industry. We’ve had the privilege of working with numerous clients across the United States, helping them navigate the evolving digital landscape to achieve greater brand exposure and guest engagement.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a dedicated wife and mother. In my spare time, I enjoy operating my second company, Rent Giant Games, with my husband Corey and our son Caz. I also have a passion for volunteering in my community, gardening, and traveling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, the road to building Embark Marketing has been anything but smooth. The restaurant & bar industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, which means our strategies have to continuously adapt to new trends, technology, and consumer behavior.
One of the biggest challenges in the early years was proving the value of digital marketing to restaurant and bar owners. Many were hesitant to invest in social media, branding, or online advertising, especially when traditional word-of-mouth marketing had been their primary focus for years. Educating business owners on the importance of a strong digital presence—and how it directly impacts their bottom line—was a hurdle we had to overcome.
Additionally, managing the unique challenges that come with working in such a dynamic industry has required resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, was one of the most difficult times for both our clients and our agency. With restaurants and bars struggling to stay open, we had to pivot quickly, helping our clients transition to online ordering, delivery services, and digital promotions to keep their businesses afloat. It was a challenging time, but also one that reinforced the importance of agility and innovation in marketing.
On a more personal note, in 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. While this has been a difficult and unexpected challenge, I have continued to actively run the company, support our clients’ success, volunteer in my community and stay positive throughout the journey. My team has been the best support system I could ever ask for, and I am incredibly thankful for them. Their dedication and passion have allowed Embark Marketing to continue thriving, even as I’ve navigated my personal health battle.
Despite the obstacles, every challenge has been an opportunity for growth. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our services, expanded our expertise, and built long-lasting relationships with incredible clients. The struggles have only made our agency stronger and more adaptable, allowing us to continue delivering impactful results in an ever-changing industry.
We’ve been impressed with Embark Marketing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Embark Marketing is a full-service marketing agency dedicated exclusively to the restaurant & bar industry. For the past 15 years, we’ve helped restaurants and bars across the United States elevate their brands, grow their customer base, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
What sets us apart is our deep-rooted connection to the service industry. Our team is made up of former service industry professionals—bartenders, servers, managers—who have transitioned into marketing. This gives us a unique edge because we don’t just market restaurants and bars; we understand them from the inside out. We know the fast-paced nature of the business, the challenges owners and operators face, and what truly resonates with guests. That’s why we proudly build our brand as “for the service industry, by the service industry.”
At Embark Marketing, we specialize in:
– Social Media Management – Crafting engaging content that tells your brand’s story and connects with your audience.
– Public Relations – Helping restaurants and bars gain valuable media coverage and industry recognition.
– Website Development – Designing sleek, user-friendly websites that drive online traffic and reservations.
– Digital Advertising – Running strategic ad campaigns to maximize visibility and increase revenue.
We are incredibly proud to work with clients across the country, including locally owned businesses, high-end dining establishments, franchises, multi-unit restaurants, and hospitality groups. No matter the size or scale of the business, our mission remains the same: to help restaurants and bars succeed through strategic, impactful marketing.
For anyone in the restaurant & bar industry looking for a marketing team that gets it, Embark Marketing is here to help.
What does success mean to you?
At Embark Marketing, we define success in two key ways: the success of our clients and the well-being of our team.
For our clients, success is all about trackable results. We are a data-driven agency, and every campaign we create is backed by strategy and measurable outcomes. We take pride in analyzing our tactics and writing detailed case studies that showcase their direct impact on sales. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that a campaign brought in a surge of new guests, increased sales during a specific day part, sold out a special event, or helped a restaurant have a stellar grand opening. Seeing our clients thrive is the ultimate validation of our work.
For our team, success is about creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment. We are more than just coworkers—we’re a family. We prioritize making sure our team feels valued, both professionally and personally. That means fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and appreciation. When our employees feel inspired, motivated, and taken care of, they bring their best to our clients, which creates a cycle of success for everyone.
Ultimately, success at Embark Marketing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact, relationships, and building something meaningful for both our clients and our team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.embark-marketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embarkmarketing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbarkMarketing/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embark-marketing/
- Twitter: https://x.com/EmbarkMarketing/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc7Z13ZX6CZCqE9iIw0rTgg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/embark-marketing-san-antonio
