When it comes to the food scene in Toronto, there’s one public relations company that always has their finger on the pulse.
BPR Inc. (formerly Butter Public Relations Inc.) has worked with some of the biggest restaurants, celebrities, and brands in the industry. From The Cheesecake Factory Canada and Lagostina to Jackson Family Wines and Eataly, BPR is the company working behind the scenes to ensure each client gets the exposure they deserve.
Leading BPR Inc. is Founder and Principal Shawn Rusich. A Windsor, Ontario native, Rusich attended College LaSalle in Montreal for fashion design and briefly attended McGill before landing a full-time marketing position with an international fashion brand.
His passion for marketing led him to Paris, France, where he worked in marketing and sales at Chloé. But with a drive start something on his own, Rusich moved to Toronto to build his own empire and BPR Inc. was born.
We had the opportunity to talk to Shawn Rusich about working with Martha Stewart and his advice to those looking to get into the industry. Take a peek below!
Eating Cacio e Pepe in Rome at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Photo Credit: Christine Caruso)
What was your first job and how did it help you grow into the person you are now?
My very first job was at a mini-golf course. After working there for a few weeks, I left to work at McDonald’s. I think everyone should work in the fast food industry for a period of time; it really helped me understand organization, process and procedure.
What does an average day look like for you?
My days are consistently inconsistent. If I’m in the office, I’m typically working on all of the things that make a company operate. I run payroll, deal with taxes, vendor invoices, accounting, etc. On the flip side, I also work on the creative side collaborating with the team on product send-outs, events, ideation, strategic planning, and new business.
Shawn with friends at the Interior Design Show (Photo Credit:Ryan Emberley)
You’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of great brands. What’s your advice to someone looking to attract the same caliber of clients?
I’ve been fortunate enough to curate a list of incredible clients, but that wasn’t always the case. I think what’s most important is choosing to work with brands that you’re passionate about, because you’ll do better work if you really believe in the client. It may not always be a possibility depending on the growth of the company, but it certainly is the ideal.
What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?
Put 100% into everything, given the time you have to do it.
Shawn with Massimo Bottura at Osteria Francescanca, Modena Italy
What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
There have been many incredible milestones since BPR Inc. was founded! Working with Martha Stewart to promote her 80th cookbook was huge, and landing our most recent client Eataly, was a real “OMG!” moment. It was exciting because it’s a brand that myself and the team have admired for years. I’m really looking forward to working with them to introduce Canadians to this unique concept.
Shawn introducing Martha Stewart at the Delicious Food Show (Photo Credit: Will Wong)
What are some exciting things we can expect from BPR Inc.?
We’re always evolving and growing. We have new clients, international in addition to Canadian, who are doing incredible things! We strive to outdo ourselves with every event, product launch, and program we put together. Our team continues to grow, adding the best talent out there. From account management, creative, event planners and operations, we’re excited to be taking the next step.
When we first heard the rumour years ago that The Cheesecake Factory was coming to Canada, we couldn’t be more excited. The ultimate spot to try 50 different flavors of cheesecake and explore the extensive menu featuring everything from classic burgers to Chinese chicken salads has finally arrived in Toronto. You can find it in the hub of Toronto at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (in case you haven’t heard yet.)
This is The Cheesecake Factory’s first restaurant in Canada, and first company-owned and operated restaurant outside of the USA. Guess what? We got to check it out first!
The menu features more than 250 signature dishes – all handmade in-house with fresh ingredients – they taste the same as in the States – I have personally visited CF restaurants in Nevada, Florida, and Arizona. The best thing? Consistency. The new restaurant remains consistent in both menu items and taste.
The menu features more than 50 legendary cheesecakes and other desserts. I have only tried the cheesecake and some of my favourites include Red Velvet and Godiva.
Location – the location really can’t be beaten. After long hours holiday shopping, The Cheesecake Factory is the best place to wind down with amazing signature cocktails and a great atmosphere
Parking – It’s winter, and there is underground parking. Need I say more?
Its Drake’s favourite restaurant – he loves it so much he even mentions cheesecake in the track “Childs Play.”
Huge portions – while other restaurants are skimping on portions, The Cheesecake Factory continues to serve portions that are hard to finish. What does that mean? LEFTOVERS!
Would you visit the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Canada? Let us know in the comments below.
On Tuesday, November 21st, The Cheesecake Factory’s very first Canadian location will open their doors to the public. That means no more driving across the border to get massive portions of cheesecake, pasta or one of their other 250 menu items.
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The famed restaurant will span over 10,400 square-feet, situated in between Hudson’s Bay and GAP, with two covered patios. Diners can expect an encyclopedic menu, over 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts, as well as Sunday brunch, all handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients.
If you’re on the job hunt, The Cheesecake Factory is also hiring 300 employees for the Yorkdale location. The restaurant has been recognized on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the past four consecutive years, and is the only restaurant to ever do so. Positions available include line cooks, prep cooks, cashiers, servers, and more. Apply for a position here.
Take a peek at some of the delicious offerings that will soon be up for order.
