bringing a New York institution to South Florida's dining scene
When the iconic New York City steakhouse Gallaghers chose Boca Raton for its first South Florida location, the opportunity- and the challenge- were equally significant. While Gallaghers brought with it nearly a century of credibility, culinary heritage, and a deeply loyal following, the South Florida steakhouse landscape is both crowded and highly competitive. The goal was not simply to open another steakhouse, but to establish Gallaghers Boca Raton as a must-visit dining destination for both locals and visitors, while preserving the brand’s unmistakable New York identity and standards.
Carli PR was engaged to lead a comprehensive public relations strategy that would introduce Gallaghers to a new market with excitement, cultural relevance and authority, positioning the restaurant as a standout in South Florida’s dining scene from day one.
solution
Our primary objective was to generate impactful media, online ad social exposure around the opening of Gallaghers Steakhouse Boca Raton, cementing the restaurant’s status as a premier steakhouse The campaign needed to balance Gallaghers’ iconic Manhattan roots with a sense of place in Boca Raton, ensuring the brand felt both storied and immediately relevant. Our PR approach focused on immersive storytelling and firsthand experiences that allowed media, tastemakers, and influencers to understand what truly sets Gallaghers apart.
In the months leading up to the opening, Carli PR coordinated a multi-phase rollout that included press previews, pre-opening exclusives, and curated friends-and-family dinners designed to build early buzz and authentic advocacy. Carefully orchestrated media and influencer visits, and professional photo shoots ensured the restaurant was visually and editorially ready for coverage across print, digital, and social platforms.
A high-energy launch event, paired with ongoing media receptions and guided restaurant tours, provided press with access to Gallaghers’ most compelling differentiators- from its classic menu and uncompromising standards to its famed glass-encased meat locker, a first for the South Florida market.
Post-opening, the strategy expanded to include media FAMs, individual visits, feature-story coordination, award nominations, and ongoing PR programs that sustained momentum well beyond opening week.
Throughout the campaign, pitch angles emphasized Gallaghers’ legacy as an iconic NYC steakhouse, its role in shaping the contemporary dining scene, and the arrival of its most famous hallmark elements, all while highlighting the restaurant’s seamless integration into Boca Raton’s upscale culinary landscape.
results
The opening of Gallaghers Boca Raton generated widespread media attention across local, regional, and national outlets, successfully introducing the brand to South Florida while reinforcing its legendary status. The restaurant’s opening generated over 345 million media impressions. Media coverage spanned both national and regional outlets, including New York Post, Dan's Papers, Eater, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Boca Raton Magazine, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. These placements highlighted the restaurant's luxurious atmosphere, its chef-driven menu, and its status as a dining landmark in Boca Raton.
Beyond launch-driven press, the campaign delivered lasting brand equity: establishing Gallaghers Boca Raton as a trusted, go-to steakhouse for residents, seasonal visitors, and out-of-town guests alike. The restaurant entered the market not as “new,” but as instantly credible -recognized for its legacy, consistency, and refusal to compromise on quality.
The result was a high-impact debut that translated into long-term positive visibility, strong word-of-mouth, continued earned placement within "best of" destination awards and honors, and a sustained popularity that has ensured Gallaghers Boca remains one of the busiest restaurants in the Boca Raton market- and beyond, enjoying strong business year-round from both high-season guests and loyal residents.