Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago

Led local marketing strategy and programming generating 11M+ monthly media impressions, 5.8M+ social views, and multiple sold-out events of up to 1,000 attendees.

Marketing Strategy, Campaign Leadership, and Experiential Programming

Marketing Strategy, Campaign Leadership, and Experiential Programming

Decorative Guinness OGB restaurant interior featuring a large illuminated Arthur Guinness sign with stylized lettering, a leather banquette, and wooden tables and chairs.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago is Guinness’ U.S. brewery and taproom concept, blending brewing innovation with a full hospitality experience. As Marketing Manager, I led local marketing strategy, campaign development, and programming to drive visitation, strengthen brand presence, and connect Guinness’ global brand with the Chicago community.

A camera on a tripod set up for a photo shoot in Guinness Open Gate Brewery decorated for Christmas, with a table of beer glasses, greenery, and a person holding a small Christmas tree.

Roles & Responsibilities

Owned local marketing strategy and execution across campaigns, partnerships, and ongoing programming.

Key areas of ownership:

• Developed and executed integrated marketing campaigns and seasonal programming
• Managed and directed external PR, social media, and creative agencies
• Planned and launched ticketed events, partnerships, and brand activations
• Oversaw photoshoots and creative production for menus, campaigns, and social
• Managed influencer partnerships and paid social campaigns
• Maintained brand alignment with global Guinness campaigns at the local level

  • A cocktail glass with orange slice and ice, two bottles of Ritual Zero Proof non-alcoholic spirit, a cocktail shaker filled with dark liquid, and a can of Guinness non-alcoholic stout on a wooden table against a dark background.

    Dry January Wellness Event

    Partnered with Ritual Zero Proof and local wellness brands to develop and launch a Dry January wellness event and campaign, including influencer partnerships, photoshoots, and monthly promotion. The event sold out in under one week and drove increased awareness of Guinness’ non-alcoholic offerings.

  • People gathered at a celebration event, wearing green and Irish-themed clothing, with some holding drinks and cheering.

    St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Programming

    Led marketing strategy and promotion for a full St. Patrick’s Day weekend activation, including ticketed programming, social campaigns, and partnerships—resulting in a sold-out event with over 1,000 attendees.

  • A comedian performing on stage at a comedy club with an audience of women laughing and enjoying the show.

    Comedy Partnership with Don’t Tell Comedy

    Partnered with Don’t Tell Comedy to introduce a new experiential programming format at the brewery, developing campaign creative and promotion that resulted in a sold-out show of 80 attendees and expanded audience reach.

  • Two people in a kitchen, one wearing a bandana, holding a bowl of noodles, and the other with glasses, holding a plate of food and two cans of Guinness beer with a chili pepper label, smiling and looking at the camera.

    Lunar New Year Chef Collaboration

    Collaborated with local chef and social media creator Phillip Tang to develop a Lunar New Year partnership and campaign, driving community engagement and strengthening local brand connection.

  • Plate of Mediterranean food with hummus topped with green and black olives, folded flatbread, fresh vegetable sticks in a metal container, grilled meat in a wire basket, and a side of white sauce on a wooden table.

    Seasonal Campaign & Menu Launches

    Led seasonal marketing campaigns aligned with Guinness’ global brand initiatives, including festive holiday programming, menu launches, and photoshoot-driven social campaigns.

Two people holding and showcasing sandwiches, one with a veggie patty and the other with fried chicken, in a restaurant setting.
Social media post advertising Sunday Sessions at Guinness Chicago featuring traditional Irish music every Sunday from 1 PM to 3 PM, starting March 1, with a toucan holding a pint of Guinness in front of a guitar and violin background.
A smartphone screen displaying an Instagram post with a picture of a pint of Guinness beer on a bar counter. The beer glass has the Guinness logo, and there is a woman in the background holding another pint. The overlay text on the image says, "you can't spell Guinness without U and I."
A man in a blue sports jacket with yellow stripes and a Newcastle United logo pours beer from a tap at a bar, with other people and bar equipment in the background.

Campaign Development & Creative Direction

Beyond individual events, I led ongoing campaign planning and brand execution across social media, PR, paid media, and in-venue marketing—ensuring consistency across every customer touchpoint.

• Managed weekly and monthly marketing calendars
• Directed photoshoots for menus, campaigns, and social content
• Approved social media strategy and campaign creative
• Coordinated PR outreach and media placements
• Developed programming concepts and brought them through execution

Impact

11M+

Monthly media impressions generated through PR and campaign strategy

5.8M+

Social media views driven by campaign and content strategy

1,000+

Tickets sold for St. Patrick’s Day event

Major

Media placements in Chicago Tribune, Eater Chicago, FOX, and more