You’ve probably heard the saying that life begins at the end of your comfort zone — and if you ask QDOBA Sr. Manager of National Marketing, Tara Lynch, it’s definitely true. After nearly five years working for big name agencies, Tara eventually started a product marketing job in the food and beverage industry. Nine days after starting her new role, COVID-19 hit, drastically changing the restaurant industry as the world knew it. Now Tara is sharing how she rose to the occasion, along with the most entertaining things she learned along the way. Bring your appetite, because we’re talking brisket birria, mango salsa, and so much more on this tasty episode of the pod!
Key Takeaways
We discuss the key differences between agency and in-house life.
Curious how restaurants bring new menu items to life? Tara gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop.
We learn all about the most pivotal marketing metrics in the food and beverage industry.
Tara explains how she helped successfully transform QDOBA’s fast casual dine-in model into a digital takeout and curbside experience during the pandemic.
About Tara Lynch
Sr. Manager of National Marketing, QDOBA
Tara Lynch started her career in advertising as a summer intern at Saatchi & Saatchi working on Procter & Gamble’s Olay brand. After securing a full-time job on the account, she worked at Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy & Mather for almost 5 years before making the jump to client side in 2020.She currently serves as the Sr. Manager of National Marketing at QDOBA Restaurant Corporation. She oversees the national marketing efforts for the brand, including the test & launch of new menu innovations, and activation of brand promotions and partnerships.
I think the food portion is what I was not ready for, in terms of like, ‘That tomato looks a little pale.’ And you need it to be the right color tomato. And you’re like, ‘Why is this like this? This is a lot!’ But it’s fun.
