How to Win in Hospitality in 2025: Marketing, Mindset, and Momentum with Melissa Anaya

Step into Episode 180 of On the Delo as David DeLorenzo welcomes back Melissa (Eat Drink AZ / Eat Drink Creative Agency) for a sharp, no-nonsense conversation on what actually moves the needle for restaurants in 2025. From scaling her team from a one-woman show to Arizona’s largest hospitality social media agency, Melissa lays out exactly how she did it—and what you need to know to stand out on social. From her 15M-view “chicken at home” TikTok to geofenced Meta campaigns and a new storytelling series at historic Arizona spots, this one is packed with tactical plays, trend calls, and a clear view of where marketing is headed (hint: AR is coming fast). If you run a restaurant—or advise one—this is your field guide to content that converts, budgets that make sense, and brand choices that age well.Chapter Guide (Timestamps): (0:14 - 1:07) Episode 180 intro & Melissa’s second appearance confirmed. (1:08 - 3:25) 2021→now: Eat Drink AZ growth; TikTok to 270k+/220k; 15M chicken clip. (3:26 - 5:18) Team & scale: 5 employees, 4 contractors; Texas trip for Mujinzo & Hayashi (Lin’s). (6:13 - 10:23) 70% “out” of the business: delegation, Ryan’s role, and Michelle’s elevation. (10:54 - 12:18) New short-form history series: Hanny’s & Enchiladas; call for real stories. (12:42 - 16:13) Owner playbook by budget: in-house hour, small retainer, or agency—let insights lead. (16:52 - 18:57) Truth about paid social: Meta is pay-to-play; boost ≠ backend; spend with intent. (20:09 - 23:15) What’s next: guerrilla returns; “flat internet” → AR interfaces; Minority Report moment. (23:15 - 24:36) Food/design shift: fewer IG gimmicks; more sleek, sexy, service-forward experiences. (26:39 - 28:33) Vegas sticker shock: $36 for two beers; hotels $650+ a night. (28:57 - 31:37) Personal upgrades: fitness, cooking at home, and continued education (AI in Anaheim). (31:53 - 35:21) Free 30-min social audit, upcoming Evolve PR talk, Taste of AZ, salsa judging, Esplanade win.👉 If this episode gave you actionable ideas, subscribe, rate it 5-stars, and share it with a restaurateur who needs a straighter path to results. Drop a comment with the one tactic you’ll implement this week.LINKS: 🔗 Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo 📚 Grab DELO’s Free eBook: https://iamthedelo.com/3f-method-book 📲 DELO’s Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect 💡 Entrepreneur Community: https://www.builtdifferentcommunity.com 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/IAmTheDelo 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthedelo 📌 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/daviddelorenzo1 📋 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025