Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey LeRoy.
Hi Lindsey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I fell into Public Relations by accident. After finishing my college internship at Seventeen magazine (yes, a teenage dream come true), I landed a job as a PR Assistant at BCBG Max Azria on the in-house corporate team. Working 3 shows for 8 seasons during New York Fashion Week was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences – so many great stories to tell! After four years in NYC, my (now) husband Evan and I made the trek back to his hometown of Austin, where I spent nearly 8 years at a boutique PR agency that specialized in hospitality, food & beverage, and lifestyle businesses. There, I began growing my network while learning the ins and outs of restaurants before branching out on my own in 2019. I’ve been so fortunate to have met, worked with, and developed lasting relationships with so many people throughout nearly every facet of the industry; while I’m first and foremost a freelance PR consultant, I also, along with Evan, and our partners Sawyer and Nathan Lewis, co-own LeRoy and Lewis, a barbecue restaurant, bar, and retail space with a food truck at Cosmic and its sister concept, Mama Fried (catch us slinging corndogs at ACL and Luck Reunion). We opened our first brick-and-mortar location in February, and it’s just the beginning!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel like the bumps along my PR career path have been more lessons than struggles. I’m constantly learning (and will continue to do so), which is integral to growth. When we first opened the LeRoy and Lewis food truck in 2017, it was such an uphill battle of the elements (we were in an empty lot where Cosmic was slated to open but was delayed), educating guests who were looking for brisket and ribs daily, when what we offered was something completely new at the time, and our own challenges as business owners (this was such a new endeavor on so many levels). We’ve come so far, learned so much, and continue to push ourselves to learn new things every day; that makes doing what we do so exciting – I love a challenge!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a PR consultant and natural connector, having worked with businesses of every type, from beverage brands, restaurants and food trucks to nonprofits, lifestyle brands, and retail concepts. I love working with people I personally connect with – hey, I’m a vibes gal! – who are purpose-driven and passionate.
I’m of course proud of securing media coverage for clients (it’s always exciting to see a story in print – ahem, The New York Times). However, I’m most fulfilled by the relationships I’ve built within our community. The hospitality industry in Austin is like no other, and it’s been amazing to see the level of community support within itself. Serving on the board of a nonprofit like Les Dames d’Escoffier has offered a unique support system I never could have imagined. The women who are involved are mentors and leaders in their field and are shown to be open to lifting those around them. It’s inspiring, and I continue to try my best to pay it forward and do the same.
In terms of setting myself apart, I’ve always strived to become someone who’s thought of as a valuable collaborator by media contacts, a trustworthy partner for clients, and a community champion who always jumps at opportunities to share ideas, contacts, and solutions. Discovering a career path where my strengths met my passions took the better part of a decade, yet carving out a new place for myself in the industry feels like a huge accomplishment.
I’m also really passionate about community involvement and value giving my time to organizations that do important work in our community. I’ve been involved with the nonprofit The Rise School of Austin, serving on their event committee since 2019 and have worked with incredible organizations like the SIMS Foundation and JoyRX, which provide invaluable services to musicians and children, respectively. I’m always looking for more ways to give back and help wherever possible!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Diversify your offerings, be flexible, and always look forward. Like so many people during the early days of Covid, I was missing the sense of community that dining out offered. As a restaurant owner, I knew firsthand how we were struggling, so I devised an idea for a citywide Living Room Picnic. I reached out to a handful of restaurant owner friends, and the idea snowballed, roping in dozens of restaurants and food trucks around the city offering special meals that Austinites could order and pick up to enjoy at home, at the same time on a specific day. I enlisted the help of SIMS Foundation to curate a fun playlist featuring Austin artists, and it felt like a moment in time when we were all connected again. To see the excitement and support from our community was inspirational and reminded me that we truly are better together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linzleroy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-leroy-32424519/
Image Credits
photos 1-3 (group of 4 in the lounge; restaurant photo; bbq food photo) are by Jessica Attie
