Embark Marketing, one of the first marketing agencies to focus exclusively on restaurant and bar marketing, is celebrating 15 years in business with a rebrand that reflects its deep roots in hospitality.
Founded in 2010 by Kim Beechner, the agency has grown from a one-woman operation into a nationally recognized firm. Today, Embark Marketing boasts a team of nine and serves clients across the US with a focus in Texas, California, Louisiana, Florida, and New York.
What began as a startup Kim opened in college has evolved into an award-winning agency, thanks to its niche expertise and a team made up entirely of former restaurant professionals. From bartenders to restaurant managers and servers, Embark Marketing’s team members have firsthand industry experience. This “for the industry, by the industry” approach has allowed the agency to uniquely understand and address the operational pressures faced by restaurateurs.
“Most agencies can offer marketing services, but very few truly understand what it’s like to be in the weeds on a Friday night, when a chef didn’t show up & ticket times are running at 40 minutes.” says Beechner. “That’s the difference. We’ve been there. So when we develop a brand’s marketing strategy, we take into consideration operational factors.”
Kim Beechner, Founder & CEO, Embark Marketing
Growth, Recognition, and Evolution
Since 2020, Embark Marketing has experienced rapid growth, expanding its team from three to nine while significantly broadening its service offerings. Originally focused on social media and content creation, the agency now offers web development and SEO, public relations, digital advertising, email marketing, influencer marketing, and marketing consulting to its clients.
The company has received more than a dozen awards from the American Marketing Association and Public Relations Society of America for its client campaigns over the past five years. In 2024, Embark Marketing was honored by Yelp with a Best Lead Generation award at their Partner Summit, cementing its status as a performance-driven agency. The company has also been recognized as a Top Ad Agency by UpCity and as one of the Best PR Agencies in San Antonio by Expertise.com.
Founder and CEO Kim Beechner has been widely recognized for her leadership and impact in the restaurant marketing space. Her accolades include being named to Forbes’ Top 1000 Entrepreneurs list, receiving the 2021 San Antonio Business Journal C-Suite Award, the 2023 Women's Leadership Award, and the 2024 PR Professional of the Year Award from the Public Relations Society of America – San Antonio Chapter. In addition to her award-winning work, she continues to speak at major restaurant conferences, podcasts, and educational panels, sharing her expertise with restaurant owners and entrepreneurs.
To mark this 15-year milestone, Embark Marketing is unveiling a new logo, updated website, and a refreshed slogan: “For the industry, by the industry.” to reflect their marketing philosophy and experience in both sectors.
Culture Rooted in Community and Hospitality
Beyond client work, Embark Marketing emphasizes team culture and community engagement. Monthly outings encourage team bonding, while Beechner’s personal commitment to giving back shines through in her leadership roles. Currently, as a member of the San Antonio Food Bank hospitality committee’s she is spearheading “San Antonio Food Bank Restaurant Weeks.” An initiative to drive restaurant sales during a slow season, while supporting the food bank’s Summer Meals for Kids Program. This initiative connects local chefs with fresh produce from the food bank’s urban farm from which they create featured dishes & drinks available from June 7-21. For each featured item sold, $1 goes back to the San Antonio Food Bank, benefiting their Summer Meals for Kids Program, where $1 equals 7 meals for children.
Embark Marketing team members regularly contribute to industry education through podcasts, speaking engagements, and appearances at the annual Texas Restaurant Association Show. Beechner recently held a seminar on how restaurant owners can use AI to market their businesses, a testament to the firm’s forward-thinking approach.
Looking Ahead
As tourism surges across the United States, Embark Marketing is preparing for strategic expansion into high-traffic hospitality markets. The agency remains laser-focused on the restaurant & bar sector and continues to pride itself on developing custom strategies using in-depth demographic research, operational insight, and a deep understanding of client goals.
“At their core, restaurants and bars are more than just businesses; they’re the heartbeats of communities. They reflect the hard work, culture, and stories of the people behind them, creating spaces where memories are made over a shared meal,” says Beechner. “Helping them succeed is more than our job. It’s our passion.”
Kim Beechner, Founder & CEO, Embark Marketing
