Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2026
UNOH AMA Students visit with Erika Robinson, Director of People and Promotions, for Good Food Restaurants
Written by Contributing Columnist Haley Harris
This spring, students from the American Marketing Association (AMA) at the University of Northwestern Ohio had the opportunity to visit Good Food Restaurants in downtown Lima. The visit gave students a closer look at how a local company successfully manages multiple restaurant brands while using targeted marketing strategies to reach different audiences.
Good Food Restaurants owns several popular local spots, including Old City Prime, Happy Daz, Casa Lu Al, and Corner Pins. Each location offers a different experience, which allows the company to connect with a wide variety of customers throughout the Lima area.
During the visit, students heard from Erika Robinson, Director of People and Promotions at Good Food Restaurants, who shared insight into both marketing and workplace culture. One of the main takeaways was how important it is to understand your audience. Robinson explained that each restaurant targets a different group of people. For example, Old City Prime focuses on older, more established customers who are willing to spend more on higher-end dining. On the other hand, Happy Daz and Corner Pins are designed for a younger crowd, including college students, families, and kids, with more affordable and casual options.
Robinson also discussed how the company uses different marketing channels to reach these audiences. Social media plays a big role in connecting with younger customers and promoting events, while traditional advertising like TV helps reach older demographics. This mix allows Good Food Restaurants to stay relevant across multiple age groups and preferences.
The company is also continuing to grow. A new barbecue concept is set to open on May 13 inside Casa Lu Al, adding another unique option to their lineup. This shows how the company is always looking for new ways to expand and keep customers interested.
In addition to expanding their business, Good Food Restaurants is investing in the community. Robinson shared that they recently helped start the Lima Festivals Amphitheater Alliance, a nonprofit created with twelve other community members. The goal of the organization is to bring more events, shows, and festivals to downtown Lima, helping increase traffic and create a more active local environment.
A major takeaway from the visit was Robinson’s perspective on mindset and work ethic. She emphasized the importance of passion and staying positive, even when work becomes demanding. She explained, “Stress motivates me...As soon as I get here (work) I get out my computer and I make a list. These are the things that have to get done today, and I am immediately motivated to start crossing them off the list.” Her message encouraged students to view stress as something that can drive productivity rather than hold them back.
Overall, the visit gave AMA students a better understanding of how marketing works in a real business setting. From targeting different audiences to using multiple advertising platforms and building a strong workplace culture, students were able to see how the concepts they learn in class are applied in everyday operations. Experiences like this continue to help bridge the gap between the classroom and future careers.
Category: Business, Health, and Occupational Professions, Campus & Community
Keywords: AMA, Marketing, Good Food Restaurants