Hospitality Hotshots
As interviewed by Velvet Magazine, July 2023
What made KUCO want to back this year’s Velvet Magazine Food & Drink Awards?
It was important for us to support an unbiased award that highlights the outstanding food and drink offerings in our area. Since I entered the Cambridge restaurant industry in 2010, I’ve witnessed tremendous growth in the dining scene.
KUCO work with dozens of inspiring business owners, from suppliers and growers to hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs. Throughout lockdown we witnessed their energy and ingenuity first-hand. The public support for independents was enormous as we came out of the pandemic, but we’re in a new phase. Times are tough, and it’s important to rally behind the real stars of the region, and celebrate the big names of the future.
How did KUCO come about (when did KUCO launch) and what was behind the decision to focus on hospitality specifically?
Over the last few years I’m proud to say we have grown from a team of two to ten, re-launching at the start of 2021 as KUCO (previously known as Katie Underwood and Co – get it?!).
We’re hospitality focussed because that’s where our expertise truly lies. My background is in hospitality operations, from Michelin starred restaurants to Street Food ventures. I speak the language of restaurateurs, hoteliers and chefs – and have always wanted to solve their unique challenges.
The KUCO team consists of talented content creators, videographers, PRs and copywriters who share a deep love for the hospitality industry. We don’t use marketing jargon and we understand first-hand the particular obstacles faced by food and drink businesses. Our work reflects that. We approach things differently, offering a truly bespoke and highly strategic communications service, whether that’s social media management, a full PR launch, or expert hospitality consultancy.
How has the business developed in recent years (obviously the pool of clients has widened and the geographical focus)?
KUCO still remain committed to this region, counting some of Cambridge’s best independent businesses as clients. However, I’m proud to say that many of our partners have been with us for a long time – and so to expand, we need to reach further out of the city and away from direct competition!
Our portfolio has grown significantly to include international brands like Locke, Hyatt, Marriott and Cambridge Distillery. Having set up our North East office we’re now setting our sights on London, with bespoke PR and content creation for luxury hotels and destinations in the Capital.
Some of our most exciting recent work has included a successful national PR and billboard campaign, and paid partnership with TikTok to highlight the issue of food waste. As established experts in the Cambridge hospitality scene, our team are proud to have consulted for a range of big names including Dishoom, Pizza Pilgrims and Flat Iron Steak as they look to connect with, and expand into, the city.
As we grow, we’re absolutely committed to taking the brightest and best with us on the journey! We work with ambitious Cambridge based business owners to refine their message, reach new marketplaces, source new sites and secure funding to expand into London and beyond.
If you’ve got a fantastic concept and an appetite for growth but just need a brilliant team of experts to make things happen – that’s where KUCO come in.
Finally (we know you can’t be biased but. . .) where would the KUCO team recommend for a great breakfast, a scrumptious afternoon tea, a special dinner out and cocktails with the girls?
Breakfast – Hot Numbers
Afternoon Tea – Parker’s Tavern
Dinner – deliciously intimate, sexy Mill Road bistro Fancetts, or newly (and finally!)
Michelin starred Restaurant 22.
