Sullivan's Steakhouse

Sullivan’s Steakhouse in downtown Baltimore became the 19th location for the restaurant operation. Sullivan's is a distinctive American steakhouse featuring hand-cut steaks; amazing, fresh seafood; classic salads; family-style side dishes and a selection of desserts made in house. The destination offers an extensive wine list and complete inventory of bourbon, single malt scotch and cognac. Its classic steakhouse elements, mixed with modern art-décor, accentuate the restaurant’s vibrant feel and excitement.

Since Baltimore already contained a number of established steakhouses, Sullivan’s challenge was to set itself apart from the competition in a crowded marketplace. Additionally, they wanted to generate a major buzz surrounding their invitation-only VIP Grand Opening event on February 11th.

Maroon PR was hired to orchestrate all media relations and event promotion surrounding Sullivan's arrival in Baltimore. Among the firm’s many responsibilities included designing the invitation and developing the guest list for the V.I.P. Grand Opening event on February 11th; garnering unique media opportunities surrounding the restaurant’s economic impact on the area; and securing ongoing media coverage of the restaurant’s distinguishing bar, cuisine offerings and environment.

Introducing and establishing the Sullivan’s brand in Baltimore was a two-fold approach: the VIP Grand Opening and ongoing media outreach.

For the V.I.P. Grand Opening party, Maroon PR created the event invitation using a design that celebrated the character of the restaurant. The firm also utilized its relationship with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation to establish the non-profit as the beneficiary of the event and secure attendance/participation by National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. Additionally, Maroon PR developed a guest list comprised of key business and political leaders, managed RSVPs, handled logistics for the informal ceremony and coordinated media coverage on the evening of the opening celebration.

As a result, nearly 500 guests enjoyed Sullivan’s signature cuisine and bar offerings, while being entertained by live music. As part of the evening, Sullivan’s Steakhouse’s CEO Mark Mednansky presented a $10,000 check to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Cal Ripken joined Sullivan’s General Manager Tina Lavelle to “officially” open the restaurant with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

In addition to Ripken, other key local individuals in attendance who were secured by Maroon PR included former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich; Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon; Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake;; former Baltimore Colt Tom Matte; Towson University President Bob Caret and many others.

Ongoing media outreach by Maroon PR was successful in procuring exposure for Sullivan’s in numerous Baltimore-Washington area print/online, TV and radio avenues. In addition to the standard hospitality, dining and entertainment media, Maroon PR successfully secured placements focusing on the economic impact of Sullivan’s arrival in Baltimore. Media coverage was secured in outlets that included: The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Business Journal, Style Magazine, Where Baltimore, BaltimoreMetromix.com, WBAL-TV, WJZ-TV and US Weekly. Additionally, Maroon PR arranged for the restaurant’s chefs and food offerings to be profiled via cooking demonstrations on WMAR-TV and FOX 45 in Baltimore, as well as WUSA9 and FOX 5 in Washington, DC.

According to Sullivan’s Steakhouse Regional Manager Jim Oboyski, Maroon PR’s efforts played a significant role in the Baltimore location becoming the top selling restaurant of the company’s 19 locations around the United States.