The End of an Era: A New Chapter for Houston Food Finder
Houston Food Finder, a staple source of Houston food news since November 2016, is transitioning away from its website of articles to focus on social media accounts and an email list. This change marks a significant shift in the way founder Phaedra Cook will share news and opinions about the city’s vibrant food scene.
A Shift in Journalism and the Restaurant Industry
The decision to transition away from the website comes as a result of dramatic shifts in both journalism and the restaurant industry. For years, advertising from restaurants and bars served as the backbone of Houston Food Finder’s revenue. However, this spending has shifted towards influencers and other forms of social media marketing. Additionally, the days of anonymous food critics are long gone, and many restaurants know when a reviewer is on the premises, making coverage messy.
The Challenges of Modern Journalism
Cook notes that journalism is in trouble, and it’s getting worse. The industry is facing numerous challenges, including the blurring of lines between sponsors and story subjects, and the influence of millionaire owners who may have their own agendas. Despite these challenges, Cook plans to maintain traditional journalistic standards as Houston Food Finder enters this new phase.
A New Era of Storytelling
The content on Houston Food Finder’s social media accounts and email list will be shorter and more visually-oriented. Cook plans to continue writing at PhaedraCook.com for those who prefer the written word. She also plans to explore beyond Houston, tackling the wider world of food, and restart her podcast. Cook acknowledges that she needs to learn brevity and let pictures do more of the talking, as people are busy and dealing with information overload.
The Future of Houston Food Finder
The URL for Houston Food Finder will shut down in the coming weeks, and all future coverage will be through social media accounts or Cook’s email list. Those interested in continuing to follow Cook should follow or sign up for her email list. With over 30,000 followers and subscribers across various accounts, Cook has built a loyal following, and it will be interesting to see how she navigates this new chapter.
Conclusion
The transition of Houston Food Finder marks a significant change in the way food news is consumed in Houston. As the city’s food scene continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Cook adapts and continues to share her expertise and passion for food with her audience. With her commitment to maintaining journalistic standards and her willingness to learn and adapt, Cook is poised to remain a leading voice in the world of food journalism.
