Conversations with the Inspiring Sarah Puett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Puett.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started Atlanta’s Best Bites (ABB) when I found myself constantly snapping photos and taking videos of the food that I ate on a daily basis in Atlanta, and decided that I wanted to share my local food and drink recommendations with my friends or anyone who might take an interest in my opinion! ABB began as a simple pastime/hobby by which I could express my love for food, and it has grown into so much more. I have always had a passion for all things food and drink. I worked in the restaurant industry for almost seven years, and my parents were restaurant owners when I was young. I decided that being a server or restaurant manager was not the career path for me, but I still enjoyed so many aspects of the hospitality industry and knew that I wanted to be involved in it again one day in some form or fashion. ABB has allowed me to explore the Atlanta food scene more than I ever imagined I would be able to. I have an absolute blast tasting, smelling, and indulging in the delicious bites that Atlanta has to offer.

Several days a week, I meet with local chefs or restaurant owners, local bakers or caterers or food enthusiasts and friends who share the same passion for food and great hospitality that I do to try new foods, explore newly opened restaurants, or dive into long-standing local spots with great, affordable eats. What I do with ABB never gets dull, and a new adventure always awaits! I love where I am and where I am going, and I love my city!

Has it been a smooth road?
The best advice that I can give to anyone who wants to build their own brand – whether it be in the food + drink/hospitality industry or something else – is to follow your gut instincts. Allow others to teach you and mentor you, and keep an open mind to others’ opinions – after all, you are trying to appeal to an audience as a food influencer – but always trust your gut. I would say nine times out of ten, my gut feeling has been right. Whether I had a random idea for some new promotional technique or some random intuition to go try a hole-in-the-wall restaurant off the beaten path, there has always been a reason and something good to come from me doing what I believe and feel is right, rather than just giving in to pressure or following what is mainstream. Trust in yourself! It is your brand – do what feels right to you!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Atlanta’s Best Bites story. Tell us more about it.
I would say that I am known for being very interactive with my local Atliens and followers, and for genuinely caring about the experiences that they have at our Atlanta restaurants, bars, and more. I love interacting with people via video and in person, so many of my followers recognize me when they see me out and about in the city because they have seen me in my Instagram stories, going “live,” or at local events interacting with others. Also, I know what it is like to be both the customer and the service provider in the hospitality industry. I know how important it is to feel taken care of as a customer, and I know how crucial it is to provide excellent service in a local establishment to encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty. I also understand the value that people place in recommendations from other locals. Therefore, I take so much pride in trying to find the best local spots for my fellow Atliens to eat, drink, and be merry. I am most proud of the genuine joy that it brings to me when a local Atlien or friend sends me a message or calls me up to thank me for a recommendation because they took their mom, girlfriend, or friend to that restaurant and it was “just as good as I said it would be!” I also pride myself in taking the time to pay attention to details that others might not. People know that they can reach out to me to ask for very specific things when they are looking for the perfect restaurant or bar to take their boyfriend for his birthday or their mom for her 50th! I love it! It brings me so much joy!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
In regards to networking with others in your industry or like-minded individuals, I always say just be who you are. We hear that all the time, but do we really practice it? Don’t force anything, don’t be too aggressive, and just be yourself. People will love you and your brand, even more, when they know that the girl/guy behind the camera or in those Instagram pics is the same girl/guy when they meet you in person or see you at an event. That’s how people will connect with you – when they know that you are a normal, real person just like them who does not put on any type of front. Also, a smile goes a long way!!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantabestbites/

Image Credit:
@atlantabestbites

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.