Square Plates, Big Buzz: How Krave’s Comfort Classics Captivated Chicago

Introduction

When Krave Restaurant wanted to showcase its signature square pancakes, comforting halal dishes, and welcoming atmosphere, the mission was clear. They didn’t just want to highlight a menu—they wanted to create a craveable moment that would drive awareness, foot traffic, and lasting customer loyalty across Chicago.

Traditional ads wouldn’t be enough. Krave needed a strategy that could capture the warmth of their dining experience while sparking local excitement and conversation online.

The Opportunity

Krave has quickly become a beloved destination in Bridgeview, known for its unique square plates, halal-certified comfort foods, and family-friendly hospitality. With a menu serving everything from breakfast to dinner—24/7—Krave offers something for everyone, at any time of day.

To grow its reach and drive continuous traffic, Krave needed to position its unique offerings as a must-try experience for Chicago’s diverse food lovers, from breakfast enthusiasts to late-night diners.

Krave partnered with Relish to transform its signature dishes and cozy atmosphere into shareable moments that would drive real buzz and turn first-time visitors into repeat customers.

The Strategy

Relish understood that capturing Krave’s warmth and crave-worthy dishes required more than pretty photos—it needed authentic storytelling and visuals that would stop the scroll and drive foot traffic.

The campaign focused on four key moves:

• Partner with local voices: Relish activated Chicago creators known for their love of hidden gems, family-friendly dining, and authentic food experiences.
• Create moments worth sharing: Influencers showcased Krave’s signature square pancakes, halal lamb chops, and welcoming dining space, pairing first-bite reactions with warm, inviting visuals.
• Highlight 24/7 service: Content emphasized Krave’s unique ability to satisfy cravings any time of day, making it a go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night bites.
• Handle the details: Relish managed outreach, scheduling, and content rollout, ensuring the campaign launched during high-traffic periods to maximize momentum.

The goal was simple: transform Krave from a neighborhood favorite into a wider Chicago must-visit for anyone seeking comfort food done right.

The Results

The Krave campaign delivered outstanding results:

• 14 creator posts showcasing Krave’s square pancakes, hearty dishes, and cozy environment
• 187,815 views, expanding Krave’s visibility across Chicago’s foodie audience
• 11,972 engagements, including comments, shares, saves, and likes
• 6.37% engagement rate, exceeding food and beverage industry benchmarks

The campaign significantly increased local awareness, with creators reporting high levels of follower engagement and direct messages inquiring about Krave’s menu and hours.

Krave solidified its reputation as a warm, welcoming destination for breakfast lovers and comfort-food seekers, driving foot traffic and increasing customer loyalty in a highly competitive Chicago market.

Why It Matters

In a market filled with dining choices, standing out requires more than just a good menu. It takes authentic, human-powered storytelling that sparks excitement and drives real traffic.

With Relish, brands like Krave transform their offerings into moments that people want to experience and share.

By combining creator-led content with strategic execution, Relish helps restaurants like Krave convert local interest into visits, creating lasting momentum and a stronger customer base.

Ready to turn your next campaign into a real-world success story?