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Geno’s Steaks Marketing Case Study

Home of the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Geno’s Steaks is a nationally recognized South Philly icon.

Project Goal

Geno’s Steaks is one of the most iconic and successful sandwich joints in America.  Maintaining and growing Geno’s business was Job 1. With strong competition in the city, our job was to raise awareness about Geno’s community involvement, publicize the launch of the new Geno’s Steaks retail store, generate new customers and fans outside of the Greater Philadelphia Region through national outreach, highlight the expansion of Geno’s Steaks to new locations, fully leverage celebrity sightings, create buzz about new product launches, and position Geno as an expert voice in the lifestyle, business, and food/hospitality spaces.

Project Solution

The Neff Team collaborated closely with Geno Vento in creating new ways to grow the business.  Celebrating 50 great years in business, increasing the visibility of the Geno’s Brand on a national level and expanding the popularity of Geno’s with both locals and tourists alike. Through integrated PR and Social Media efforts, we continuously place Geno at the front of the attention of news outlets, talk shows, influencers, and customers both around Philadelphia and around the country.

  • Garnered top-tier national TV coverage, such as Rachael Ray, American Ninja Warrior, and Dr. Oz
  • Spread awareness of new products that launched such as the meatball sandwich

Services Delivered
  • Advertising
  • Photography
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media

Whizzy Mascot Launch

When you hear Geno’s Steaks what comes to mind? Florescent lights? Celebrities? Tourists? Let us now introduce you to the newest Philadelphian, Whizzy. Recently, Neff helped Geno’s Steaks unveil Philadelphia’s first official cheesesteak mascot! Whizzy, the brainchild child of Owner, Geno Vento, was created to embody kindness, positivity, and community.

Award-Winning Advertising

The Neff team worked with Geno’s Steaks to design an out-of-home advertising campaign featured on Septa buses and transit shelters. The goal of the branding initiative was to replicate the experience of “going to the real thing.” Examples of the creative can be seen below.

50th Anniversary

In conjunction with the integrated campaign efforts, the Neff design team collaborated with Geno’s to draft potential 50th Anniversary marks. Below is a small sampling of our process. Along with the icon design process, we prepared additional creative deliverables such as print and online advertising.

Social Media

The Social Media Team working hand-in-hand with the PR Team work in leveraging Geno’s vibrant colorful building and brand, their great sandwiches, celebrities that visit as well as highlighting America’s favorite sandwich guy, Geno Vento himself.

Public Relations

Our team targeted top-tier national outlets to promote Geno’s Steaks, such as Today, CNN, The Daily Show, Fox and Friends and MSNBC. Articles in these publications not only garnered the brand higher exposure in the Philadelphia market, but also helped promote them to a wider audience nationally. The PR Team put Geno’s on the forefront of the national spotlight with TV features and an expanded digital presence and ensure that locals keep their favorite Cheese Steak joint top-of-mind.

Photography by Neff and Geno's Steaks

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