Chef Max Hardy

Opportunity

Chef Max Hardy is a globally respected culinary figure whose clientele includes award-winning musicians, actors, professional athletes, and international dignitaries. Despite his global success, as he returned home to Detroit to open COOP Caribbean Fusion and JED’s Detroit, his local brand recognition did not yet reflect his expertise, credibility, or cultural influence.

The opportunity was to translate global credibility into local trust, while positioning Chef Max as a national culinary authority rooted in Detroit. This included strengthening brand identity, establishing consistent messaging, navigating public visibility, and preparing for long-term media engagement and brand partnerships.

  • Developed brand messaging pillars and narrative frameworks

  • Created comprehensive brand guidelines and media materials

  • Led earned media strategy across broadcast, print, digital, and influencer platforms

  • Conducted media training and crisis communications planning

  • Secured features on culinary shows and educational platforms

  • Supported brand partnership development and storytelling with national brands

  • Launched and managed a newsletter to deepen audience connection and loyalty

  • 250+ earned media placements

  • 78+ million media impressions

  • Elevated Chef Max into a trusted Detroit household name

  • Secured brand partnerships with Procter & Gamble and Kellogg

  • Strengthened public trust and sustained visibility for both restaurant concepts

    Services Provided:

    Public relations, brand management, executive positioning, media training, content strategy, newsletter launch, crisis communications

“Ki Takeaways has been at the forefront of the Hospitality industry since I have been one of their Clients. Ki Takeaways has done a tremendous job by helping me gain Local and national exposure in the culinary world. They helped us hone and deliver a consistent message about our Restaurants countless times. With their experience and capabilities, we see the rewards of this effort today. ”
— Chef Max Hardy, Restaurateur, Celebrity Chef, Philanthropist, and Owner of JEDs Detroit and COOP Detroit

Impact

Strategy

Ki Takeaways Communications developed a long-term executive brand and communications strategy centered on:

  • Positioning Chef Max as both a culinary expert and cultural leader

  • Establishing consistent brand voice across restaurants, media, and partnerships

  • Leveraging earned media to educate Detroit audiences while expanding national visibility

  • Preparing Chef Max for sustained media engagement through proactive planning and crisis readiness

The strategy prioritized credibility, consistency, and longevity, rather than one-off press moments.

Execution

Chef Max Hardy in the media

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