Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Adam Ochstein, CEO of Fishbowl, is an advocate for the enduring power of email marketing and data-driven personalization. Through his insights and initiatives, Ochstein is reshaping the way restaurants connect with their customers and leverage technology to drive brand awareness, customer acquisition, and loyalty.
Fishbowl is the CRM platform for more than 50,000 restaurants. In a digital era dominated by social media and quick scrolling, the CEO believes that, when executed effectively, email campaigns can serve as a potent tool for cultivating brand loyalty and generating business.
“Email marketing is still really relevant for restaurants,” Ochstein told ‘Restaurant Influencers’ host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. “If you are getting emails from a restaurant and it’s well-crafted and pithy, or has a relevant offer, it works.”
In 2023, Fishbowl introduced its new CRM and marketing automation platform, Delightable. To Ochstein it represents a pivotal advancement in guest data management for the restaurant industry.
The Fishbowl team recognized the fragmented nature of customer data across various platforms — POS systems, reservation databases, online ordering portals, and more — and sought to consolidate this data into a comprehensive, actionable resource. Delightable aims to be the central repository for guest information, enabling restaurants to leverage comprehensive insights for personalized marketing and improved customer experiences.
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“If I’m a marketer, I want to have this single version of the truth for all my guest data,” asserted Ochstein. “Let Delightable/Fishbowl be the CRM or system of record for all that guest data.”
Ochstein was inspired by his experience as a Marriott Bonvoy member and brings that level of personalized service for restaurant guests through Delightable by leveraging customer data to anticipate preferences and enhance experiences. By harnessing even the simplest insights, such as seating preferences or dining habits, Ochstein believes that restaurants can create tailored experiences that resonate with individual guests.
“I think guests are willing to share data as long as they’re going to derive some value and benefit from sharing that information,” he explained of his vision.
As technology continues to shape the future of dining experiences, Ochstein and Fishbowl’s insights and initiatives are looking to shape industry standards and elevate customer engagement strategies across the restaurant landscape.
“Keeping your restaurant brand on top of mind is always important.”
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