GIOVANNI'S MANCHESTER

Supporting the relaunch of one of Manchester’s longest-standing independent Italian restaurants through PR, influencer engagement, content and launch strategy.

After more than 40 years at the heart of the city’s dining scene, Giovanni’s entered an exciting new chapter with a refreshed identity, renovated interiors and a menu celebrating its Italian heritage. Watson St supported the relaunch by creating awareness around the restaurant’s evolution, bringing together media, creators, hospitality connections and the local community to celebrate what was new while honouring what had made Giovanni’s special for generations.

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THE CHALLENGE

After a three-month renovation, Giovanni’s needed to introduce its refreshed look and feel while staying true to the heritage and reputation built over four decades.

The focus was on creating a launch that would:

celebrate the restaurant’s history and loyal following
introduce the refreshed interiors and menu to new audiences
generate excitement across Manchester’s hospitality scene
create meaningful connections with media, influencers and local communities

BRINGING THE RELAUNCH TO LIFE

Watson St developed the launch messaging and media approach, highlighting Giovanni’s next chapter while celebrating the story, heritage and people behind the restaurant.

The campaign focused on:

the restaurant’s refreshed identity
the transformation of the space
the updated menu
Giovanni’s place within Manchester’s hospitality landscape

8+ local media features secured

THE RELAUNCH EVENT

To celebrate the reopening, Watson St planned and supported the official launch evening, bringing together local media, influencers, hospitality guests and community figures for an evening of Italian food, conversation and connection.

Support included:

guest list strategy and management
invitations and attendance coordination
media and influencer engagement
photography coordination

88+ guests welcomed at launch event

Including local community representatives and Manchester City Council.

INFLUENCER ENGAGEMENT

Ahead of the official reopening, Watson St created an influencer preview experience, inviting local creators to discover the refreshed restaurant before launch.

The evening was designed to:

introduce the new menu
showcase the renovated space
encourage authentic recommendations and social content

24 influencers hosted at preview event

CONTENT & CREATIVE SUPPORT

Supporting the creative direction of the relaunch through considered content, visual planning and campaign messaging.

This included:

Bespoke digital invitation design
Creative direction for photography
Campaign messaging
Social content planning
Moodboard and menu shot list consultation