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#144 Building a Brand with Bite: Marketing the SDFoodies Way with Chris Stone

“If you’re not constantly adapting, you’re gonna get left behind… I’m just going to do both and I’ll be right on top of that trend when it happens.”
Chris Stone is the marketing force behind SDFoodies and CAFoodies—a fast-growing digital brand he co-founded with his girlfriend to help California food lovers discover the best places to eat, drink, and explore. From restaurant openings and product spotlights to curated staycations and weekend guides, the duo has built a highly engaged following through consistent content, local partnerships, and strategic social media. With a background rooted in creativity and a passion for all things culinary, Chris has turned scroll-worthy plates into a scalable marketing engine. In this episode, he dives into the content strategies that drive their growth, how to build community in a crowded digital space, and what it takes to turn a personal passion into a full-fledged lifestyle brand.

About the Episode

Discover the strategies, stories, and real-life lessons behind SD Foodies, one of the most influential food and experience brands in San Diego. Learn how Chris and his partner grew an Instagram following to over 100,000, shaped a trusted voice, and navigated the real business—and fun—of running a social-first local brand.

Meet Chris / SD Foodies: Real San Diego

It started with a random Instagram DM.

Chris, the face behind SD Foodies, got an invite to the NTM Growth Marketing Podcast—and responded. That openness is exactly what makes SD Foodies stand out in a crowd of influencer accounts: they’re approachable, real, and actually part of the local community.

SD Foodies isn’t your typical “pose with a can” influencer gig. It’s a growing media brand showing off everything fun, delicious, and unique in Southern California—especially San Diego—through an honest lens.

“We aren’t like our typical influencers where we’re holding up a can of something… We kind of go through an editorial, longer POV style, going through our experiences in Southern California.” – Chris

SD Foodies takes viewers and readers along for the ride: real food, real experiences, real recommendations.

Behind the Scenes: Roles and Team Structure

Who is “we”? SD Foodies is a two-person powerhouse: Chris and his girlfriend.

  • Chris: Handles video production, editing, all client negotiation, and runs the business side. His background is in video editing.
  • Girlfriend (The “Unofficial Chief Eating Officer”): Leads creative writing, creates blogs, and helps with conceptual ideas.

They split the brand’s content—Chris’s voice and visuals, her words and insights. That’s it. No big team, no agency—just two people keeping SD Foodies personal and authentic.

“It’s really just me and my girlfriend… She writes the blog, she does all the creative writing. I do all the video production, I do all of the client negotiations and kind of put it all together.” – Chris

From Passion Project to Business: The Origin Story

The best brands often start by accident.

For Chris, SD Foodies began during Covid, as a way to fill downtime. “I’m a full time video editor… This was a passion project and it started in COVID out of boredom.” But it quickly became more.

Where most food Instagram accounts fade, SD Foodies spotted a gap: most influencers make themselves the star. Chris and his partner wanted the brand to be the star—the spotlight on the experience, not just the person.

  • Not fame-seekers: “We don’t want to be recognized in the street.”
  • Brand-first: Their focus is on showing what anyone can do and discover.

This focus not only grew the account—it turned SD Foodies into a business.

Breaking the Influencer Mold: Editorial, Not Just Selfies

You know the stereotype: influencers endlessly posting selfies, ads, #ad, and very little real value. That’s not SD Foodies.

  • Editorial Approach: Their posts read like mini-magazine stories—immersive, with storytelling and honest reviews.
  • Longer POV Content: Instead of just “look at this dish,” their content tells the story: the place, the vibe, why it’s worth checking out.

Chris explains that brands actually appreciate this approach, too. Many businesses have told him that when the influencer’s personality is less in focus, the actual brand or place they’re promoting shines.

“We found that brands really enjoyed them… putting the brand first and putting whatever we’re trying to promote first seemed to really resonate.”

This also makes it easier for followers to imagine themselves having the experience—because the focus isn’t on Chris and his girlfriend, but on the activity or meal.

Why Locals Trust SD Foodies: Authenticity Over Algorithms

In a world of fake reviews and generic “top 10” lists, SD Foodies stands out by being honest and putting the audience’s experience front and center.

  • Followers build genuine trust over time
  • Recommendations are the ones they actually believe in
  • People want their top 10, not just the most reviewed or paid

Instead of going to TripAdvisor or Yelp to scan crowdsourced ratings, more locals turn to SD Foodies for their personal take—and for the feeling of getting advice from a local friend.

“They don’t necessarily want the top 10 things to do. They want our top 10 things to do, which seems to work well.” – Chris

How SD Foodies Grew to 100k: Tactics, Mindset & Advice

So how did SD Foodies go from a passion project to over 100,000 followers on Instagram?

It wasn’t luck or bots. Chris is blunt: “Don’t buy 50,000 fake followers from somewhere in Asia.”

What worked:

  1. Consistent Posting: They post every day at 5pm (or as close as possible).
  2. Original, High-Quality Content: Every post is either made by Chris or a trusted friend. No re-posting random stuff to fill the feed.
  3. Knowing Their Audience: Every piece of content is relatable to local San Diego followers.
  4. Staying on Top of New Features: Especially Instagram Reels, which are algorithm-boosted.

“Consistent posting and really, really high quality content that is relevant to your target audience… seems to resonate well with Instagram and TikTok.” – Chris

If you’re looking to grow a local account:

  • Post daily (if you can keep quality high)
  • Use your own content—don’t be a generic repost machine
  • Jump on features the platform is pushing (Reels, Stories, etc.)

Cracking the Code: What Makes a Reel Go Viral?

There’s no “magic formula”—but there sort of is.

Chris admits almost every viral video follows a simple story formula:

  1. The Hook: Start with something visually striking—an incredible dish, a beautiful view, or a one-sentence tease. “Looking for the most unique thing to do in San Diego?”
  2. Introduce the Experience: Share what and where it is.
  3. Share the Details: What did you order? What’s the vibe? What makes it special?
  4. Call to Action: “Hit our link in bio to learn more or book a reservation.”

“Every single video is telling a story… Hook, introduction, the meat, then you wrap it all up. That’s not anything revolutionary… But it works.” – Chris

Pro Tip:

  • Don’t just mash together cool clips.
  • Walk your viewer through a coherent mini-story.
  • Always give a next step or way to engage.

The SD Foodies Content Workflow: From Idea to Viral Post

Ever wonder how much work goes into a single Instagram Reel or post? It’s definitely not just snapping a photo at dinner and uploading it.

  • Sourcing the Story: Sometimes they’re out experiencing something on a Monday night. Other times, brands approach them or invite them to try something new.
  • Pre-Production: They decide what to highlight (e.g., a new restaurant, brewery, or experience).
  • Shooting (Videotaping): They gather all the clips and images they’ll need.
  • Editing & Script: Chris edits the video, then works with his partner on voiceover script and captions.
  • Client Approval: For collaborations, they often send the video to the business before posting, in case something’s mispronounced or needs fact-checking.
  • Posting: Only once everything is perfect does the video go up—usually days, not hours, after the experience.

“It’s such a long process, especially dealing with clients… We want to make sure we do it right. When you have hundreds of thousands of people watching, everything’s overanalyzed.” – Chris

Typical Timeline:

  • Minimum 5 days from dinner to final post. Sometimes, with big brands, it can be weeks or months for everyone to review.

Understanding the Audience: Who Follows SD Foodies?

Knowing your audience is key. Chris has a specific “avatar” in mind:

  • Average Age: 28
  • Gender: 70% female
  • Location: San Diego
  • Interests: Food, dining out, fun experiences, new date night ideas

This persona isn’t just imaginary—it’s grounded in the demographics and feedback they get. They cater content to her preferences: “pushing fun date night ideas,” great eats, and unique experiences.

“You Have to REALLY Know Your Person”

Beyond analytics, SD Foodies puts themselves in their followers’ shoes: What would a 28-year-old woman in San Diego want to do on a Friday night? That focus has helped content spread like wildfire.

Top 3 Date Night Ideas in San Diego

What are the SD Foodies’ go-to picks for unforgettable date nights?

  1. Candles on Tap
    • Make your own candle from scratch—pick from 100+ scents, mix and match, and create your signature aroma. It’s creative, interactive, and different from your standard bar night.
  2. Wolf in the Woods, Mission Hills
    • A super cute New Mexico-inspired boutique restaurant. Not just another steak or pasta joint. “Completely different—unique food you don’t see everywhere.”
  3. Beach Night in Coastal Communities
    • Head to Encinitas, Solana Beach, or La Jolla. Have dinner, grab a drink, then walk the beach at sunset. Perfect combo of vibes, views, and fun.

“If we do someplace that you can have a drink, dinner, and then like a walk on the beach… that’s the best.”

These aren’t the basic Yelp picks—they’re field-tested, local-approved, and genuinely memorable.

Measuring Success: Social Metrics That Matter

“How do you know your posts are actually working?”

Chris admits this is tricky. The easy numbers—views, likes—are important. But SD Foodies prioritizes:

  • Shares & Saves: If a follower saves a post or shares it with friends, it means real interest. “If your girlfriend sends you this video and says, ‘Let’s go here!’… odds are you’ll go.”
  • Qualitative Impact: Did a client get a line out the door the day after their post? That means more than just raw views.

“When I can tell a client that we had 10,000 people go through that experience… Even if a tenth of those actually went, that pencils out.”

Real-world impact, not just digital vanity.

Video vs. Photos: Why Video Wins for Experiences

While SD Foodies will use photos for early announcements or event lineups, their main game is video. Why?

  • Reels = Algorithm Love: Instagram is pushing video content to catch up to TikTok. The reach is wild—reels can spike from zero to a million views almost overnight.
  • Storytelling Power: Video lets you put viewers inside the experience, not just see a snapshot. Add voiceover, music, etc.
  • Emotional Connection: It’s easier for someone watching a video to imagine, “That could be me!”

There are still times for photos—posting a concert lineup or letting people know an event is coming up—but to make something really stick, video is king.

Short-Form vs. Long-Form Content: When Each Works

Most viral SD Foodies content is quick and punchy—15 to 30 second Reels or TikTok clips.

But for big ticket decisions (like booking a Joshua Tree Airbnb for $300/night), SD Foodies links out to in-depth, photo-rich blog posts.

“When you’re going to make a huge… $1,000 spend, you want more than just a 30-second video. Here’s all the photos, here’s the full writeup with booking info.”

Typical user journey:

  1. Watch a viral reel.
  2. Get excited—maybe share with a friend.
  3. If interested, follow the link in bio to read the full blog with all the details they need before booking.

Lesson: Short-form for discovery and sizzle, long-form for details and decision.

Embracing New Tech: TikTok, Trends, and What’s Next

Chris is all-in on staying current. TikTok in particular has become central to the brand.

  • TikTok audience: Even faster for growth than Instagram. SD Foodies hit 100k much quicker on TikTok.
  • Trends: TikTok drives the trends—Instagram follows a few days later, so being present on both is key for maximum exposure.
  • Platform Attitudes: Some brands still (wrongly) view TikTok as “just for teens” and ignore the reach and engagement potential there.

“If you’re not constantly adapting, you’re gonna get left behind… I’m just going to do both and I’ll be right on top of that trend when it happens.”

Advice for New Creators: Start on TikTok. The reach is still unmatched and the content doesn’t need to be super-serious—quick, funny, honest clips perform great.

The Business of Influence: The Struggle to Get Paid

Behind the scenes, the influencer industry is shifting.

  • Free Meals ≠ Payment: For years, brands expected creators to post content in exchange for “free” products or food. Now, creators realize their work drives real business and deserves real payment.
  • Awkward Conversations: It’s sometimes tough to ask to be paid for your time and skills—even if you’re providing a proven return.
  • What Content Costs: It often takes days and hundreds of dollars in expenses to create just one post—especially with travel and production.

“We’ve had clients being like ‘come to Napa Valley!’ but then they don’t want to pay travel costs. It’s going to cost me $500 to $1,000 just to get there, so no, I’m not going to do that for free.”

It’s getting better, as brands recognize real value—but there are still a lot of uncomfortable negotiations. Chris and his partner sometimes have to walk away from “opportunities” if they aren’t respected as professionals.

Learning from Mistakes: A Marketing Fail With Lessons

In business, not every partnership is a win.

Chris recalls an early big-money deal with McDonald’s. Excited by the budget and prestige, they didn’t stop to ask if their audience would actually care about fast food from a mega-brand.

  • Audience Response: Followers were not happy and engagement tanked.
  • Lesson: Know your audience. Really know them.
  • Don’t Chase the Money: If a promotion doesn’t fit the “28-year-old food-loving woman in San Diego,” don’t do it.
  • Have a Persona: Visualize your ideal customer for every opportunity—and make sure each brand fits.

“Every time a brand reaches out, think about your person… If you’re not promoting things your consumer will enjoy, you’ll eventually lose attention.”

Takeaway: Stay on brand, no matter who’s paying.

Takeaway: Stay on brand, no matter who’s paying.


Always Innovating: Staying Close to the Audience

How do they keep knowing what followers want year after year?

  • Personal Relevance: Chris and his girlfriend are just a couple years younger than their core audience, so their interests often overlap naturally.
  • Constant Inspiration: Half of content ideas come from their own curiosity; the other half comes from keeping tabs on:
    • Other local influencers
    • News, social media, and community updates
    • Even being inspired by their own followers

“If it excites you and you’re kind of in that target consumer area, it’s really easy. If it excites you, it will most likely excite your target consumer.”

It’s a mix of staying plugged in, adapting fast, and really enjoying the process of discovery.

Pushing Past Comfort Zones: Why Explore Your City?

It’s easy to get stuck in a routine—same gym, same restaurants, same spots every week.

But Chris says there’s big value in trying new things. Sometimes your new favorite is just outside your current comfort zone.

“We’d been to our favorite date night spot a dozen times and always ordered the same thing. But the one time we tried something new, it ended up being our new favorite dish!”

Being a creature of habit is easy—but discovery is what keeps things exciting. And, as Chris points out, you’ll never find a new favorite unless you’re willing to try something you’ve never considered before.

“You’ll be content if you always go back to the same place, but you won’t be excited. You want to be more than content—that only happens when you try new things.”

Best Purchase Under $100: Tools for Social Success

Professional content doesn’t have to mean huge budgets.

Chris swears by his Yeti microphone: a small investment that makes a huge difference in audio quality for voiceovers and podcasts.

“I think this is literally like $100… All of the voiceovers done on this… It just ups your game to the next level.”

The lesson: You don’t need every gadget—invest in the few tools that raise your work above the rest.

Final Words: What’s Next for SD Foodies

SD Foodies is always growing—and always focused on what matters: sharing the best experiences in San Diego and beyond, for real people, in an honest voice.

Want to follow along or find your next great date night spot? Check out SD Foodies on Instagram, read their blog, or find them on TikTok for daily inspiration.

And, as Chris says, don’t be afraid to DM. They just might answer.

“I appreciate you being a follower. Thank you.”

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