Case Study: First & Last Tavern Plainville’s Instagram Wins
Introduction
Let’s talk about First & Last Tavern Plainville’s Instagram presence. This local gem in Connecticut is known for its brick oven pizza and authentic Italian dishes, and its Instagram is all about showcasing that vibe. We manage their account, and in this case study, we’ll walk you through the wins that have helped them stand out. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some post examples and visuals to show you exactly what’s working—and share the measurable results these efforts have achieved.
Wins
Consistent Branding:
The Instagram feed has a warm, inviting vibe that matches the cozy atmosphere of their restaurant. Think deep reds, golden browns, and rustic tones—it’s all super cohesive.
Their logo shows up regularly in posts and stories, from menu highlights to event announcements. It’s a simple way to make the brand instantly recognizable.
First and last tarven photo grid
Mouthwatering Food Photography:
Their food pics are 🔥. We’re talking cheese pulls, close-ups of charred crusts, and pasta twirls that make you want to dive in.
We use natural lighting and minimal props to keep the focus on the food. These shots get tons of engagement because they’re both relatable and crave-worthy.
Impact: This video had 6,392 views 96% being non-followers, 1hr 47min watch time, and 80 interactions.
Community Engagement:
They’re all about the local Plainville community, and we make sure that shows on Instagram. Whether it’s delivering pizzas to local heroes or teaming up with nearby businesses, they’re building relationships offline and online.
Responding to comments and DMs is a big priority. Followers know they’ll get a friendly reply, whether they’re raving about the lasagna or asking about hours.
Impact: This video had 6,003 views, 151 likes, and 10 comments.
1. Killer Stories and Reels:
We keep the Stories fresh with daily specials, fun polls (e.g., “Pepperoni or extra cheese?”), and quick behind-the-scenes clips. These disappear in 24 hours, but they keep the account lively.
Reels are where we shine. Videos like “How It’s Made” or “A Day at First & Last Tavern” give followers a reason to stick around and engage.
Impact: 26,2K views, 264 likes, 6 comments.
Promotions and Deals:
Instagram is the go-to place for sharing limited-time offers. We’ve run posts and Stories for “Pizza Night Specials” and “Happy Hour” deals that bring in extra traffic on slower days.
Impact: Posts promoting specials often lead to a 40% spike in sales during the campaign period.
Star Campaign Highlight:
During National Pizza Week, we ran a # Student-Athlete giveaway in partnership with @tomahawk.barstool. Followers entered by tagging a student-athlete from Glastonbury they thought deserved a pizza. This person would’ve led their team, inspired others, or showed dedication on and off the field. The campaign generated 4677 views, 85% were non-followers and 2,746 were from reshares. Overall the post had 206 interactions 65 being comments.
Actionable Recommendations for Other Restaurants
Plan a Content Calendar:
Create a monthly calendar outlining post themes (e.g., menu highlights, customer stories, promotions).
Schedule posts during peak engagement times (e.g., evenings or weekends).
Invest in Professional Video Content:
Short videos showcasing the ambiance, chef specials, and customer reactions can create an immersive experience for followers.
Focus on trends like ASMR food videos or “Day in the Life” reels.
Engage Beyond Posts:
Reply to comments within an hour to show attentiveness.
Engage with followers by liking and commenting on their posts when they mention us.
Host Live Events:
Instagram Live sessions featuring cooking demos, Q&A with the chef, or live music performances can captivate the audience.
Measure and Adapt:
Use Instagram Insights weekly to analyze post performance.
Identify top-performing content and replicate successful themes.
Final Thoughts
By focusing on consistent branding, high-quality visuals, community engagement, and creative use of Instagram Stories and Reels, we’ve built a strong foundation for connecting with our audience. These wins showcase the power of a well-thought-out Instagram strategy in driving customer loyalty and bringing their unique dining experience to life.