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Author: Cherith Andes

Zing! First Zambrero Comes to Raleigh

Zing! First Zambrero Comes to Raleigh

December 9, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, Restaurant PR + Hospitality PRRaleigh PR, raleigh restaurants, restaurant marketing, Restaurant PR

We’re excited to announce one of our newest clients — and we feel like we need a sombrero and a kangaroo all at once to talk about them!

Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican franchise, is debuting its second location in America and first in the Southeast at One Glenwood in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What’s so cool about Zambrero (besides just about everything)?

Its “good for you” menu! (with “IQ Salsa”)

Zambrero backs its “good for you” menu with a critical differentiator: the restaurant doesn’t use fryers or grills. Instead, Zambrero cooks its meat using the sous-vide method, the process of vacuum-sealing meats with marinade and spices, submerging in hot water and cooking for up to 18 hours. Sous-vide produces tender, juicy and flavorful meats without the added carcinogens or fats of standard cooking methods.

Zambrero features fresh ingredients, superfood options and customizable dishes, such as burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, dos capas and quesadillas. The menu includes proprietary sauces, hand-made guacamole and its famous Pepita Salsa — known as “the IQ Salsa” in Australia due to its protein-packed recipe. Guests can also enjoy a range of beers, Cayman Jack Margaritas, Honest Honey Green Tea, Vitamin Water, Bai and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Its Mission to Fight World Hunger.

A mission-driven concept, Zambrero offers a healthy superfood menu along with its Plate 4 Plate initiative in partnership with Rise Against Hunger. With each burrito, bowl or bottle of water purchased, Zambrero donates a meal to someone in need.

For several years, Zambrero has partnered with Rise Against Hunger to provide more than 34 million meals to countries in need with the goal to donate 1 billion meals by 2025. Founded in Canberra, Australia, Zambrero has quickly burgeoned to approximately 200 locations across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and now the United States.

So What’s the Date?

Zambrero plans to open its doors in January 2020 at its location at 1 Glenwood Avenue, #105, Raleigh, NC 27603. This will be the first of 60-75 locations that Phoenix Restaurants, LLC plans to develop throughout the Carolinas, including locations in University Hill in Durham and Parkside Town Commons in Cary planned to open in spring or summer 2020.

We love a good grand opening for everything from wine bars to master-planned real estate communities! Check ’em out!

Photos courtesy of Zambrero

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News: Wendell Falls Welcomes New School

News: Wendell Falls Welcomes New School

November 26, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Clairemont Client News, Real Estate PRCardinal Charter Academy, commercial development pr, real estate PR, wendell falls

Shovels, hard hats … and a new start for education! Client Wendell Falls just broke ground on Cardinal Charter Academy, the first fully accredited charter school in East Wake County.

Located on-site at Wendell Falls in Wendell, North Carolina, Cardinal Charter Academy will be a tuition-free school for grades K-8 modeled after its flagship academy in Cary, North Carolina.

We loved working with both Wendell Falls and Cardinal Charter Academy to shape and share the story of their groundbreaking … and all it means for East Wake County. Check out this news segment from ABC 11!

What else is noteworthy about Cardinal Charter?

  • Enrichment Classes: As a rare 100-percent-accredited school, Cardinal Charter Academy at Wendell Falls will offer an individualized approach with enrichment classes, such as the arts and foreign languages.
  • Personalized Learning Plans That Increase Reading/Math Scores: Cardinal Charter Academy at Wendell Falls will implement technology as a fundamental tool and provide personalized learning plans that allow students to set, track and meet goals.
  • Cambridge International School Program: The flagship academy in Cary spearheaded the Cambridge International School status in Wake County as the first school east of Greensboro to be accepted into the program. Cardinal Charter Academy at Wendell Falls will also offer the Cambridge advanced course opportunity.

Congratulations to Wendell Falls and Cardinal Charter Academy!

We’ve done some other fun things with Wendell Falls to involve local media, including a square-dance competition. Check it out!

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Clairemont Takes Home Top PR Awards

Clairemont Takes Home Top PR Awards

October 30, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesAwards, Blog, The Clairemont TeamPR Awards, Raleigh PR Agency, Raleigh PR Team of Year, Raleigh Public Relations Agency, Watt Huntley Award

Clairemont Communications secured two prestigious PR industry awards at the 2019 Sir Walter Raleigh Awards banquet hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS). RPRS named Dana Phelps, founder and CEO of Clairemont, as the recipient of the Watt Huntley Award for Lifetime Achievement. Considered the highest honor given by RPRS, the Watt Huntley Award recognizes “an individual who has made lasting and meaningful contributions to the field of public relations over the course of a career.”

The Clairemont team also received the distinction of 2019 Team of the Year, an honor recognizing its creativity, strategy, tenacity, client successes and excellence in the public relations industry. In addition to these prestigious honors, RPRS recognized several of Clairemont’s PR client campaigns in media relations, social media, events, branding and writing, including two Platinum Awards. Other awards included:

  • Silver Award for Media Events in Campaigns: Vita Vite Midtown Hosts a Toast-Worthy Preview
  • Honorable Mention Award for Organizational or Branding in Campaigns: Who Says? Journelle Forces Lingerie Conversations into Limelight
  • Silver Award for Organizational or Branding in Campaigns: Western Governors University Builds a Brand in North Carolina
  • Silver Award for Special Events in Campaigns: Theodore Alexander and Charles, 9th Earl Spencer Debut Royal Furniture Line
  • Gold Award for Social Media in Campaigns: Reimagining Holiday Traditions with Riceland
  • Platinum Award for Community Relations in Campaigns: Lighting a Fire for Everyday Heroes
  • Silver Award for Websites in Tactics: Your People Are Here – Briar Chapel’s Website Refresh
  • Silver Award for Writing – Op/Ed in Tactics: WGU North Carolina Takes Higher Education to Another Level
  • Gold Award for Writing – News Releases in Tactics: Transfer Co. Food Hall Hits the Downtown Scene
  • Silver Award for Writing – Blog or Feature in Tactics: Briar Chapel’s Four Great Gains of Going Green
  • Platinum Award for Media Relations in Tactics: Royal Media Affairs with Lord Spencer and Theodore Alexander

We are humbled and grateful to do work we love with clients we love every day. Thank you to our wonderful partners, clients and industry friends. We’re excited to celebrate more than 230 awards and nearly a decade of Clairemont with you!

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Where’s the Wonder?

Where’s the Wonder?

October 29, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, Inspirational, Professional Developmentcreative marketing, Creative PR, creativity, professional development, reading

I just ran across an Instagram graphic detailing 15 time management skills. This was after reading a blog on five ways to improve your writing, nine tips to produce error-free projects and three ideas to maximize your workflow.

Since when did life become one giant checklist?

The question gave me pause. Real pause. Like … enough that my 15 time management skills checklist wouldn’t have approved.

Originally, I ventured into marketing and public relations because of its open door into a world of creativity. While good PR is founded on thorough research and solid strategy, great PR adds the unexpected, a streak of color or a head-tilting idea. The industry has become steeped in analytics, big data and ROI. And yes, while we exist to achieve results, data is not the only goal.

What happened to sitting around the coffee bar spinning out “what if” scenarios? What happened to diving down a rabbit hole of reading just to indulge your inner nerd? What happened to team brainstorms that use crazy props like Play-Doh or Lucky Charms cereal boxes? (I’ve done both.)

What happened to the whimsy of creativity?

On a recent trip to Carolina Beach, I popped into a nook that housed a hybrid coffee shop, pastry mecca and used bookstore.

It was here that I stumbled on a blind date.

The book shop owner had repurposed a vintage card catalogue (Google that one, millennials and Gen Z) and filled its drawers with novels wrapped in brown paper and string. The paper read “Blind Date with a Book” followed by hand-scrawled reviews of the publication. Without the aid of cover art, I could only rely on the intriguing verbiage to get a sense of the secret gem wrapped in the paper.

It was delightful. No title. No images. Just tight, poignant phrases that thoroughly piqued my interest. Suddenly, all I wanted to do was dive nose-first into whatever book contained this “funny, barbed, delightfully winsome storytelling.”

And that’s what I want us to recapture. Just for a spell here and there, shake off the taskmaster of to-dos and deadlines. Let your curiosity wander. Explore a new corner. Try new words. Heck, take a different route to the grocery store. Creativity isn’t a task that can be defined, prescribed and checked off the list. It’s an attitude of pervading curiosity that leads to new ideas, fresh perspective and often, a fascinating journey.

What makes our work effective isn’t the efficiency; it’s the sense of play.

It’s time to reignite your wonder.

Looking for a place to start?

Check out our team’s sources of inspiration. 

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Raleigh Bands: Our Fave Five

Raleigh Bands: Our Fave Five

September 6, 2019January 31, 2023 Cherith AndesBlog, In Our Communitylocal bands, North Carolina bands, Raleigh bands, Raleigh entertainment, Raleigh music

If you live in or near Raleigh, you know what September means. It’s finally full-fledged festival season! The fall heralds in a calendar of events and themed festivities across the Triangle, most notably our diverse music scene.

September alone will witness:

  • SPARKcon
  • 10th Annual Hopscotch Music Fest
  • IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
  • BugFest (Kidding. Not a music festival, unless you can get the crickets to play “A Little Night Music.”)

In the spirit of celebrating our city’s sounds, we at Clairemont have spotlighted a few of our own favorite local bands. We’ve culled well-known headliners as well as must-try up-and-comers — perfect for employing at your next event or simply for a good night of tunes!

Image from Old Habits’ Facebook.

Old Habits

Southern Roots, Bluegrass/Americana

These Triangle natives refer to themselves as “southern roots music,” a blend of bluegrass and Americana with a shade of country. Clairemont client Vita Vite has loved showcasing Old Habits’ talents and tunes at the wine bar’s anniversary parties. Fun bonus tip? These guys form an integral part of Raleigh’s culture. Banjo player/electric guitarist/vocalist Lin Peterson is also co-founder of Locals Seafood, a North Carolina supplier that provides locally caught seafood across the state.

Image from Sylvan Esso’s Facebook.

Sylvan Esso

Electronic Pop

Originally hailing from Durham, this “electronic pop duo” has toured the country, from the Durham Performing Arts Center to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. Think soulful, fluid and thoughtful … but with a beat. Or, as The Guardian put it, “charming indie-dance diversion from the day job” who later morph into “purposeful pop bangers.” The duo is comprised of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn, and their collaborations are worth the ticket price next time they’re back in town. (P.S. The band is coming November 22 and 23 to the DPAC!)

Image from Jason Harrod’s Facebook.

Jason Harrod

Blues/Folk/Country

A new (and much-welcomed!) recommendation from friend Sean Wilson, founder of Fullsteam Brewery. Jason showcases his singer/songwriter talents with heart-tugging lyrics and a blues/folk/country style. As Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange said, “He possesses a strong voice and confident almost 50s-ish presence and sound, writing catchy melodies with a great band.” And boy, does this musician have a resume! Just to name a few, Jason has secured first place in the bluegrass category at MerleFest‘s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, first place in the North Carolina Songwriters Co-Op Contest and the spotlight performer position at the annual Healdsburg Guitar Festival. Heck, Jason even taught songwriting in Greece. We love his approachable, melodic style with a presence that could command big-stage attention or create the ambience at an intimate gathering.

Image from www.jennybesetzt.com.

Jenny Besetzt

Rock/Post-Punk

Thanks to friend Nick Neptune, general manager of client Transfer Co. Food Hall, musical savant and famed DJ, for suggesting this four-piece powerhouse. With Jenny Besetzt, indie rock meets punk rock filled with reverberating tones. One source said, “Jenny Besetzt frees you from the restraints of time, memory and circumstance. And makes you master of them all.” We’re not sure what that means, but the band’s music soothes and energizes all at once. Perhaps it makes sense that lead singer John Wollaber was born to a German opera singer!

Image from Janelle True’s Facebook.

Janelle True

Good Soul Music

“Good soul music” is a genre, right? Singer/songwriter Janelle True evokes a Sara-Bareilles-meets-Norah-Jones vibe with thought-provoking lyrics. As Janelle says, her music is, “Music with meaning. Good for the soul.” We discovered her at Sola Coffee Shop. Have a listen! (Your peaceful self will thank us later.)

We’ve got favorites. Raleigh favorites, food favorites, party-planning tip favorites.

Looking to plan an event for your company or business? Put our favorites to good use!

Let Us Help You Plan

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clairemontcommunications

Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media Have you heard about Meta’s newest social media platform? It’s called Threads, and it’s being referred to as “the new Twitter.” Read everything you need to know about Threads in our latest blog post - link in bio!
SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc SNEAK PEEK! @dellthepig landed at @wendellfallsnc (client) today, and rumor has it that @blah2voila has already been hamming it up with Dell! We know you want a selfie with Dell to post on Pigstagram, too!
We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of P We are proud to represent Raleigh as a member of Public Relations Consultants Group, allowing us to offer clients expertise and support across the country! Clairemont founder, Dana Phelps aka @blah2voila, recently attended the PRCG conference in Oklahoma City.
2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Comm 2022 has been a fantastic year for Clairemont Communications! Visit our blog for the full 2022 year in review!
As communications professionals, we wear a variety As communications professionals, we wear a variety of hats to meet our clients’ needs.
 
We’re writers, social media managers, photographers, marketers, editors, content creators- the list goes on and on.
 
Check out our recent blog post to learn what @olivia.noles , account coordinator here at Clairemont, does on a weekly and monthly basis.
#communicationsagency #communicationsmajor #pragencylife #pragency #raleighpr
This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voi This Friday, Clairemont’s Dana Phelps, @blah2voila , will be speaking at the 2022 @nc_prsa Strategic Communication & MarCom Conference! Phelps is a repeat presenter at this annual conference, and this year she is leading a session called Growing from Communication Technician to Strategic Counselor during which she will share three of her coined concepts: knowcasting, morecasting and collabolighthing. Visit our blog for the link to register for the conference!
@clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative g @clairemontcommunications and @yellowdogcreative go together like the bacon and eggs! And speaking of bacon and eggs, have you been to @therainbowluncheonette yet? YUM!
Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc Later this year, Clairemont client @wendellfallsnc, a master-planned community just 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, will welcome @parksideraleigh, a Raleigh-favorite restaurant known for its fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, to the community!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Parkside.
“What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we “What exactly does a PR Agency do?” Because we get this question often, we have a series on our blog where we dive into our recent projects to give you a look at what a PR Agency really does.
 
For example, a statewide resource for small businesses recently hired Clairemont to devise an executive visibility campaign to help position the organization and its director as the leading small business resource in North Carolina.
 
Head to our blog to read what exactly an executive visibility campaign entails and to learn more about our services!
So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let So you say it’s National Coffee Day? We say let us tell you about our new favorite @drink321coffee ! If you are in Raleigh, go see Paul, the other Paul, Emma  or whichever smiling faces are working today. We LOVE this place and the coffee! ❤️❤️❤️
Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest mas Our client @wendellfallsnc, one of the largest master-planned communities in the Triangle, closed on its first age-eligible rental community plan, Arden at Wendell Falls, that will offer 140 open-concept units and exclusive onsite amenities!
 
Visit our blog to see the @trianglebizjrnl coverage and read the full feature in the TBJ to learn more about Arden at Wendell Falls.
Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by Staying in Raleigh this Labor Day weekend? Stop by client @vitaviteraleigh for good snacks and great wine!🍷 Both locations are open normal hours Friday-Sunday and closed on Monday.
You never know who might be hanging out at The Cla You never know who might be hanging out at The Clairemont House. Thanks to @yellowdogcreative for helping save this buddy. Notice that we speak lizard. Or skink. Or gecko or whatever he is. Or maybe it’s the extra caffeine before our client presentation.
Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh Yep, our town is pretty cool. #raleigh
Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting Who wants to have a Friday afternoon porch meeting?
Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street Congrats to our new neighbor on Bloodworth Street South @raleighwineshop ! @blah2voila was there today representing Clairemont at the grand opening festivities and enjoying the @grandchamphospitality sandwich pop up. Yum! 🍷🥪
It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers ar It’s National Volunteer Month, and volunteers are needed more than ever! Many organizations with scarce resources rely on volunteers and would not exist without them. Visit our recent blog post to read about the organizations Clairemont has supported and how you can make a difference in your community!
Authenticity is trending, and research shows that Authenticity is trending, and research shows that consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view user-generated content as authentic. Read our recent blog post to learn about UGC, how it can benefit your brand and how to use it in your marketing strategy.
From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 From social values to behavior patterns, COVID-19 has left an impact on every sector of life, including marketing. Read our blog on marketing in a post-COVID world to learn how things have changed and how that should impact your business strategy.
We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned We are so excited to share that Clairemont earned eight awards, five gold🥇and three silver🥈, at this year's Sir Walter Raleigh Awards hosted by the Raleigh Public Relations Society!🎉 We are beyond grateful to work with so many amazing partners, clients and industry friends!
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