Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Fuller.
Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Food is my jam. Who doesn’t love money well spent on a great meal? I saw a need for a food group in the Clear Lake/League City area and decided Facebook was where I would create this group. Bay Area Houston Food Lovers was created in June 23, 2015. When I created the group, the idea was to share food photos from locally owned restaurants so people would know where the hot spots were. Almost five years later, that’s what we’ve done and more!
Bay Area Houston Food Lovers (BAHFL) is community. It feels like family and everyone shares a mutual respect for each other. The group comes together in crisis and raises money throughout the year for different causes, including adopting families for Christmas. BAHFL hosts an annual Holiday Market and other fun events for members (and others!) to attend.
BAHFL offers marketing events for local restaurants. These are events promoted and organized by BAHFL intended to be fun for members and profitable for restaurants by getting in new foot traffic and connecting with community.
The hottest thing in the group right now are the BAHFL VIP Rewards cards. Local restaurants would periodically offer a free dessert or appetizer for group members, but we learned group members felt uncomfortable asking for this freebie, so the card was created. The card is streamline. Present it to your server and the discount is automatic, without saying a word. Currently, there are almost 50 participating restaurants! The cards are a win-win for everyone. The restaurants are gaining new customers and the members are encouraged to get out and support local!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel it’s been a pretty smooth road because I’ve been doing what I love. I’ve been led to where I am today by the community, never expecting to create a business out of my passion. But I have! It has taken a lot of time… a LOT of time and I work every single day towards keeping the group on track with my vision. It has been worth every minute.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bay Area Houston Food Lovers – what should we know?
Status Marketing dba as Bay Area Houston Food Lovers was created out of demand. After having the group for several years, restaurants began to see its influence on the community. Soon, owners began reaching out to me with various ideas, from marketing events to promotions to the BAHFL VIP Reward cards. So, currently, my company provides all of these and other ideas presented to promote the support of small businesses.
My company is not even a year old yet, but pretty close! I have far exceeded my first-year goals and I am extremely proud. I do not come from a business background. I have learned along the way and continue to learn. For me, conversations have been the most valuable. Talk to everyone! The different perspectives and ideas I gather sets me apart. I listen and act. If I hear a great idea, I’m on it! My company IS community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The members of Bay Area Houston Food Lovers and local business owners deserve 100% of the credit. Without their love of food and community, BAHFL would not be what it is today. Like I always say, Happy Eating!
Pricing:
- Marketing Events – $250 per hour/plus expenses
- 2020 BAHFL VIP Rewards card – $20
- 2020 BAHFL VIP Rewards Card Restaurant Participation/Set-Up Fee – $350
Contact Info:
- Address: Bay Area Houston Food Lovers
2951 Marina Bay Drive
Suite 130-607
League City, TX 77573 - Website: www.bayareahoustonfoodlovers.com
- Phone: 832-405-9429
- Email: jennifer@bayareahoustonfoodlovers.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bayareahoustonfoodlovers
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/BayAreaFoodLovers
Image Credit:
Mary Bass, Anisha Anand
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