Restaurant owners face a growing challenge: how to attract customers in a competitive market with shrinking engagement from traditional ads. With thin margins, restaurateurs struggle to justify expensive marketing campaigns while managing tight budgets. The reality is clear—restaurant owners need solutions that are effective, affordable, and community-focused. Enter Wise Assistant.
Michael Diego, co-founder and CEO of Wise Assistant, is revolutionizing how restaurants connect with their communities through influencer marketing. A visionary leader with a deep understanding of storytelling and technology, Michael is paving the way for restaurants to thrive in an increasingly digital world. “People don’t want to hear about businesses through ads anymore,” Michael explains. “They want recommendations from trusted voices in their community.”
Michael’s Background
Michael Deigo’s passion for storytelling began early. He pursued journalism and film studies at the University of Georgia, where he explored the cultural and social impact of media. His career took him to Bulgaria, where he worked for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, building teams and onboarding engineers. It was during his travels—visiting 16 countries in a year—that Michael rediscovered his love for connecting people and experiences. This global perspective laid the foundation for Wise Assistant. “I became passionate about connecting experienced curators, like restaurant owners, with seekers—those who crave new, meaningful experiences.”
The Birth of Wise Assistant
In October 2019, Michael legally founded Wise Assistant, fueled by a desire to bridge the gap between creators and restaurateurs. His experience working with agencies in 2015 had exposed him to the inefficiencies of influencer marketing at the time—clunky databases and inaccurate data. Michael wanted to build something better. “Our platform focuses on speed, affordability, and proximity,” he says. “We match restaurants with local influencers, minimizing travel costs while maximizing community relevance.”
What Wise Assistant Does
Wise Assistant simplifies influencer marketing for restaurants. The platform uses activity maps to match restaurants with local influencers who align with their brand. Restaurant owners create a campaign—similar to a job post—and receive a curated list of 20–50 influencers. Owners maintain full control, approving influencers based on content quality and audience alignment. “By working with influencers who live and socialize in the community, we ensure they bring in a follower base that’s genuinely interested in your restaurant,” Michael explains.
The Cali BBQ Success Story
Wise Assistant’s effectiveness shone during an influencer event at Cali BBQ, where nine influencers attended, creating engaging content that reached thousands. Within a week, the campaign generated over 20,000 views across five videos. “This wasn’t just about barbecue; it was about storytelling,” Michael shares. The campaign demonstrated Wise Assistant’s ability to deliver measurable results while fostering a creative community around the brand. Wise Assistant isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a bridge between businesses and communities. By prioritizing local connections, the platform boosts restaurant visibility while giving influencers meaningful opportunities. “Every market has a creative ecosystem,” Michael notes. “We help businesses and creators tap into that, building a stronger, more connected community.” In a rapidly evolving industry, Wise Assistant provides restaurants with an innovative, cost-effective solution to grow their audience, build trust, and fill seats. As Michael puts it, “Our mission is simple: we’re here to get butts in seats and tell your story.”
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