Client Tucker’s of Northport

Summer residents of idyllic Northport at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, Kathy and Ben Walraven decided to retire there.

But there are only so many rounds of golf and beach outings, and the Walravens grew antsy. That’s when they cast their lot with other investors passionate about their adopted village, and built Tucker’s of Northport on the downtown site of the former Woody’s, and where now Ben handles operations as its managing partner.

Today the family-friendly restaurant and sports bar with a six-lane bowling center, small arcade and dance floor, is representative of the economic change stirring in the village.

In his former life, Ben was an international flower marketer/broker. That led to the discovery of the now famous wave petunia for his firm. Its worldwide meteoric rise has made it commonplace in plantings from North America to Europe, Asia and beyond.

So he knows a few things about marketing.

Following personal interviews with several of the region’s communications and marketing firms, Ben retained the Lawton Gallagher Group to write, design and build Tucker’s website.

We were also contracted to handle media relations and some advertising, as well as drafting and implementing an active social media presence.

Result

Today, Tucker’s is building a loyal clientele and growing brand while focused on its core messaging of “meet, dine and bowl.”

Regional multimedia coverage, along with a highly focused traditional and digital advertising campaign, reflects the unique gathering spot’s emphasis on family and fun.

Website and Facebook traffic continues to grow as Tucker’s offers weekly specials, hosts events, offers live and varied music, and hosts another season of league bowling.

And though Northport is still the quaint, lakeside village at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, Tucker’s offers plenty of reasons to visit — any time of the year.

The Lawton Gallagher Group:

  • Planned and implemented media launch, including editorial and advertising coverage in local outlets
  • Started and cultivated Facebook page
  • Designed, built and populated website