AJT
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Media Mogul Adds Personal Flavor to Local Food Community PROFILING MICHAEL ERICKSON OF FIFTH GROUP
AJT Contributor
W
hat do the Internet, delicious cuisine and the art of communication all have in common?
It’s Michael Erickson.
insurance,” Erickson said. “It’s called ‘social media’ for a reason – you must be engaging and real!” He has a point, and if the name of the social game is to be “engaging and real,” then Erickson is playing like a true champion. Social marketing superpowers aside, Erickson still insists that he’s really just a “regular guy who loves to eat.” It’s that kind of humble attitude that helps him hold his place in the interest and attention of a rapidly growing social network.
Known in the Twitter-sphere as @fifthgrouper, Erickson’s sweet signature “Cheers!” in response to new followers gives the impression that he’s raising a glass to new friends. The master of marketing for Fifth When he’s not busy as Group Restaurants, the marketing maven his social media savvy fof Fifth Group, Erickis one of the reasons son finds his foodie fix why this Director of at places like Bluefin, Marketing stays fresh Floataway Café and and valued among felMichael Erickson. Houston’s. He also exlow foodies around Atplores local Atlanta hot spots around lanta. Virginia Highlands, Midtown and Old Erickson has worked behind the Fourth Ward. scenes of the food world since he was 16, earning his all-access pass to the Perhaps most importantly, he’s a restaurant biz with a job at McDon- loyal lover of King of Pops! ald’s. Now, after years of advertising It is Erickson’s genuine interest gigs with big name chains like Wen- in people, gold-medal-worthy interdy’s and Domino’s Pizza, he’s taken personal skills and love for good eats on his current role. that make up the most important in By passing along some cool cooking tips, interesting articles and photos of food from various Fifth Group Restaurants, Erickson gives his online audience their very own look behind the scenes. He uses social media to give people a personal glimpse of the world beyond the dining room, and they (literally) eat it up.
Part of Erickson’s approach that really sticks out is expressed well with his motto, “keep it real!” In other words, he makes a point to maintain open and honest communication at every stage of social interaction. “I talk about more than just our restaurants, because nobody wants to sit next to the guy at a dinner party who can only talk about selling you
gredients in Fifth Group Restaurant’s recipe for pleasant and friendly fine dining. With his relatable, regularguy persona and willingness to communicate with others, he continues to inspire an ever-evolving community of restaurant owners and patrons alike.
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In short, Michael Erickson has made food personal again. Editor’s note: Jason Apple is an Atlanta native and a lover of food. When he’s not running around town trying everything the Atlanta food scene has to offer, he works at Kitchen Fronts of Georgia, a kitchen refacing company, and writes a local food blog, “The Kitchen Man Can.”
CAll 404.256.6300 toDAy 335 Hammond Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328 www.hammondglen.com
AUGUST 24 ▪ 2012
By Jason Apple
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