Jo's Modern Thai
Challenge
Oakland’s dining scene is as dynamic as it is competitive. New concepts, pop-ups, and beloved institutions vie daily for the attention - and loyalty - of discerning diners.
Jo’s Modern Thai, with its modern twist on traditional Thai cuisine and its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, needed to carve out a distinct space. The challenge wasn’t just about visibility; it was about creating a lasting impression in a city where guests have endless choices.
Equally important was ensuring that Jo’s in-house hospitality - the warmth of its service, the vibrancy of its design, the boldness of its flavors - translated authentically across digital channels.
Jo’s team wanted every social ad, every photo, every email or SMS message to feel like an extension of the guest experience at the table. The challenge was to bridge the sensory richness of their physical space with a digital presence that felt just as personal and intentional.
Approach
For this Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended Thai restaurant, restauWant developed a robust, intelligent system for driving guests to discover & revisit their phenomenal cuisine
Jo’s Modern Thai entered Oakland’s vibrant dining scene with a bold yet heartfelt vision: to be more than just a restaurant, but a destination where bold Thai flavors, modern design, and community spirit came together to create something unforgettable.
From day one, Jo’s wasn’t simply serving food - they were crafting experiences. Every plate, every service touchpoint, every design choice was made with the intention of fostering connection, inviting guests not just to dine, but to gather, engage, and return.
restauWant partnered with Jo’s to ensure that this vision extended naturally into the digital space - turning technology into a quiet, powerful engine that supported the restaurant’s hospitality, not overshadowed it.
Our work focused on transforming paid media, photography, and personalized messaging into digital touchpoints that felt as intentional and warm as Jo’s in-house service. Together, we crafted a strategy where every campaign element became part of the larger narrative of gathering, presence, and return - blending precision and poetry at every step.
Client site: josmodernthai.com
Solution
restauWant designed an omnichannel strategy that transformed Jo’s digital presence into a natural extension of its in-house hospitality.
Our paid media campaigns on Google and Meta became digital invitations - hyper-local, visually rich, and designed to capture the attention of high-intent diners searching for their next great meal. Every ad creative reflected Jo’s vibrant atmosphere and bold cuisine, ensuring the first digital impression felt as warm and engaging as the restaurant itself.
Meanwhile, photography became the emotional anchor: dynamic, authentic imagery showcasing signature dishes, service moments, and scenes of gathering. Each image told a story, creating a visual experience that resonated across social media, web, and paid channels.
We further strengthened Jo’s guest connection through personalized email and SMS campaigns, delivering thoughtful, data-driven touchpoints that nurtured relationships over time. From exclusive offers to early event access, these messages felt more like personal invitations than promotions.
Behind the scenes, we integrated analytics, reservation, and POS systems to ensure every effort was informed by real guest behavior - enabling smarter decisions, clearer ROI, and a strategy that continuously evolved alongside Jo’s needs.
Technology: Toast POS, OpenTable, BentoBox, Google Ads, Meta Ads. Services: Marketing Strategy, Email & SMS, Photography, Analytics.
Results
What’s next
restauWant’s work with Jo’s Modern Thai delivered both immediate performance gains and a foundation for long-term guest loyalty.
Our paid media strategy drove a +42% increase in reservations within just 4 months, filling tables with high-intent diners and creating new opportunities for private dining and events. The photography and content strategy elevated Jo’s brand presence, sparking organic social engagement and enhancing the restaurant’s visual identity across platforms.
Email and SMS campaigns grew Jo’s community, with +29% subscriber growth, and delivered consistent return visits through thoughtful, personalized communication.
Beyond the numbers, Jo’s strengthened its position as a beloved dining destination in Oakland.
Digital touchpoints began to mirror the warmth of the in-house experience - helping Jo’s earn media coverage, foster organic social buzz, and deepen relationships with guests who felt connected to the brand long before they walked through the door.
restauWant helped Jo’s Modern Thai transform its digital presence into a natural extension of its hospitality - inviting guests to gather, connect, and return again and again.
Credits: Stephanie Olson, Campaign Director; Timothy Tamas, Performance Marketing; Andrew Spanjer, Social & Video Director; Sarah Tran, Creative Designer.
