I specifically worked in the marketing department but was not confined to any boxes. I had insight of all areas that go into making Table 301 the restaurants they are. Aside from marketing I learned the importance of design to a restaurant, a concept that was covered heavily in Digital Space and Place taught by Dr. McArthur. People are influenced by the spaces they are in. If the space is appealing to the eye then they are more likely to post it on social media platforms, therefore tying into the marketing world. If the Southern Pressed Juicery line is too long and seems inefficient, people will post a review about it online. I also had the opportunity to help execute an event held at The Loft at Soby’s. This was particularly rewarding as I spent the month of May working for a local wedding planning company. I collaborated with our events and sales employee to plan a Bachelorette viewing party (more on that later.) One day I even helped catering wrap 500 cookies for a large order they had the next day.
In the marketing department, specifically, I worked on a plethora of projects. Within the first month I worked on making a lot of updates to the websites, review sites such as Yelp and Google, and VisitGvlSouthCarolina. I quickly learned I never want a job where I am looking at a computer for eight hours. I created a variety of resources each restaurant can use to inform new employees on the history of Table 301 and the mission and brand of their specific employer.
Towards the end of my time at Table 301 I was able to do a social media takeover on several restaurants pages. One meal I spent with my boyfriend at The Lazy Goat sipping on wine and tasting tapas, and one afternoon I dinned at Passerelle with two friends all while photographing and videoing. It was a wonderful treat and I loved being able to use my creativity to curate Instagramable stories to showcase the beauty of the dishes. Along with social media, I took my knowledge learned in Digital Communication, Digital Space and Place, and Mass Communication to develop a strategic plan for social media. I noticed several short comings on the Table 301 Restaurant’s pages such as a lack of engagement. I developed several plans that if executed should increase follows therefore resulting in more visits.
What I wish was different
A specific challenge I faced when working at Table 301 was planning the Bachelorette Viewing party. We had all the details nailed down. I created the graphics, worked to create a food and drink menu, as well as decorations. While I was out of town, a week before the planned finale and event, ABC’s Chris Harrison announced that the finale would be a two-night event. Therefore, the finale would not be on Monday night as planned, but Tuesday night. Our event space was already booked for Tuesday, so we ultimately decided to cancel the event. We did not lose money by canceling but we did not make any. The only thing we lost was the time we spent planning. I learned that the net loss of a low-attending event outweighed canceling the event.
Advice
Be self-starter. This internship required creativity and creating your own projects, which can be hard for some. Take initiative and don't bother your supervisor asking for new jobs.
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Line Cook
July - August 2019 • Greenville, SC
What I liked
The people there created a great and fun work environment.
