“Why Food?”
The Filling Station - Orange, CA
After years of working in marketing, building brands, developing creative campaigns, and helping businesses grow, I’m excited to officially announce, Food Co. Marketing is finally here!
But this isn’t just another marketing agency. It’s the result of a lifelong passion for food, a deep appreciation for the restaurant industry, and a desire to help the people behind some of our favorite food businesses succeed.
So, why food?
I’ve been cooking since I was eight years old. I grew up in a family of chefs, cooks, and people who ran their own catering businesses. Food has always been a big part of my family. Cooking is therapy for me. Seeing others cook brings me joy.
Some of my earliest experiences and memories revolve around cooking, preparing meals, discovering new flavors, and appreciating the work that goes into putting great food on a plate.
Growing up around people in the food business gave me an appreciation for something that I’ve carried with me ever since: there’s a tremendous amount of hard work, passion, and sacrifice behind every restaurant.
I have always respected the people who take a chance on themselves, invest their time and money, and put everything they have into opening their own businesses.
Restaurants are more than places to eat. They’re gathering places, community staples, family businesses, creative outlets, and often the realization of someone’s lifelong dream.
And I think that’s worth protecting.
Why Food Co.? After a career in marketing, why start an agency for restaurants in OC?
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across the marketing and creative industries, developing brands, producing content, building marketing strategies, and helping businesses connect with their audiences.
Ospi - Costa Mesa, CA
My journey eventually brought me into the restaurant industry as a marketing consultant for restaurants, where I had the opportunity to work closely with food businesses and experience firsthand what it takes to build a brand in an incredibly competitive market.
During this time, I saw hardworking restaurant owners putting everything they had into their businesses, creating incredible food, serving their communities, and doing everything they could to keep their doors open.
Sometimes, having a great product simply isn’t enough.
Getting people through the door, building brand awareness, creating customer loyalty, and generating consistent business requires more than just good food. It requires marketing, creativity, strategy, and a genuine understanding of the people you’re trying to reach.
Water Grill - Costa Mesa, CA
Seeing how difficult it can be for independent restaurants and small food businesses to compete, grow, and sustain themselves is what inspired me to start Food Co.
I wanted to take everything I’ve learned throughout my career in marketing and put it toward something I genuinely care about.
It’s my way of combining two things I’ve always been passionate about: food and marketing.
What to Expect From Food Co.
Our first priority is getting out into our community, meeting restaurant owners, learning their stories, understanding their businesses, and building relationships with the people who make our local food scene what it is.
Taco María - Costa Mesa, CA (Closed in 2023)
I want Food Co. to become more than an agency that simply provides marketing services. I want us to become an active part of the food community.
Here’s what you can expect as we grow:
Growing Local Food Businesses
We’ll be working alongside restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food trucks, catering companies, and other food businesses to help them build stronger brands, reach new customers, and grow their businesses.
Exploring the Stories Behind the Food
Chef Carlos Salgado - Taco María
We’ll be meeting restaurant owners, interviewing chefs, exploring local businesses, and sharing the stories behind the food. Expect interviews, editorials, features, and original content highlighting the people and businesses in our community.
Innovating How We Market Food
We’re interested in exploring new creative approaches to food marketing. From photography and videography to social media, digital campaigns, customer engagement, and brand development, we’ll be experimenting with new ways to capture attention, create connections, and get people excited about food.
Building a Stronger Food Community
We want to build relationships with local businesses, collaborate with food industry professionals, support independent restaurants, and create opportunities for people in our community to discover great food.
And as we gain experience, learn from restaurant owners, and grow alongside our clients, we’ll continue developing new ideas and better ways to market food.
Great food deserves great marketing.
Welcome to Food Co.
Let’s get to work!