Fairfield Students Collaborate with Local Italian Eatery in Exciting Marketing Project
In the friendly town of Fairfield, a delightful partnership has blossomed between students at the Dolan School of Business and a beloved local Italian restaurant, Romanacci. This collaboration has led to the creation of a dynamic social media marketing campaign that not only shined a spotlight on the restaurant’s Fairfield location but also gave students a valuable opportunity to put their marketing skills to the test.
A Taste of Real-World Experience
Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Marketing Woocheol Kim, PhD, students enrolled in the Social Media Marketing course jumped into action with both feet. The semester-long project allowed them to dive into the exciting world of influencer marketing, content creation, and analyzing campaign performance. They weren’t just learning out of books; they were applying those theoretical marketing concepts in a real-world setting, making this a real win-win.
“This project goes one step further, exposing students to actual issues related to social media and asking them to address those issues,” said Dr. Kim. He emphasized that he wants his students to regard this experience as something they can be proud to share on their résumé.
Beyond Expectations
For James Ricci, the chief marketing officer of Romanacci, the project exceeded all expectations. “The main part of this partnership was to give students hands-on work experience in the space, but the performance on our social media was way beyond what I expected,” he shared. It seems both the students and Romanacci were equally thrilled with the outcome!
As a result of this successful partnership, Romanacci has offered two students paid internships for the spring of 2025, solidifying the impact of this experience on future careers.
Teamwork and Strategy
Throughout the project, students worked in teams, employing creative strategies to develop revenue-driven social media content. Half of the students focused on organic media efforts, while the other half explored paid media strategies. They measured their success using various important metrics, such as likes, comments, and even website traffic.
Jonathan Kuzik, a participant from the class of 2026, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “Hands-on experience with a local business has provided me with a unique opportunity to apply my marketing knowledge in a practical setting,” he said.
A Commitment to Learning
This partnership demonstrates Fairfield Dolan’s commitment to experiential learning and fostering meaningful connections with the community. Dr. Kim highlighted, “The best way to prepare marketing students for their careers is to help students learn by doing.” This philosophy allows students to step outside of the classroom and truly understand the industry they aspire to join.
About Romanacci
For those who might not know, Romanacci is a family-owned Italian restaurant with five locations scattered across Fairfield County, Connecticut. Renowned for its authentic cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Romanacci is a cherished part of the local community, offering a variety of delicious dining experiences and catering services that keep patrons coming back for more.
Looking Ahead
As students prepare for their careers in marketing, it’s clear that collaborations like this one not only benefit local businesses but also equip future marketing professionals with the skills they need to thrive. The digital age continues to evolve, and thanks to projects such as this, students are one step closer to being ready for the exciting challenges ahead!
