af&co., the award-winning Bay Area-based lifestyle marketing and public relations agency, is thrilled to announce its official expansion into Southern California, with a new office in Los Angeles. Founded by industry veteran Andrew Freeman (pictured) two decades ago, af&co. has been a trailblazer in the Bay Area’s PR and marketing landscape, and has been working in the SoCal market since inception. Today, Freeman fulfills a lifelong dream to officially bring his results-driven, innovative approach to the sunny and dynamic SoCal market. Headquartered in San Francisco, af&co. has been at the forefront of innovative marketing strategies, driving success across industries such as hospitality, food & beverage, lifestyle brands, wine & spirits, and travel & destinations. The agency’s proven track record of increasing foot traffic, reservations, and visibility for its clients - along with its nationally-recognized Annual Trends Report, produced in partnership with Freeman’s other agency, Carbonate - has set it apart as a leader in the region and has earned the agency numerous accolades including PRSA’s Small Agency of the Year in 2022, a spot on PR Net's Top 100 PR Agencies list, recognition on the San Francisco Business Times Fast 100: Bay Area’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2023 and landed in the outlet’s Top 50 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in the Bay Area for 10 years in a row. Andrew Freeman was also named a CEO of the Year Honoree by PRNews in 2023.
With the opening of its Los Angeles office, af&co. will continue leveraging its deep industry knowledge, creative expertise, and strategic insights to help clients navigate the evolving hospitality landscape. Whether building brand awareness through media relations or influencer marketing, partnerships and activations or generating buzz through social media strategy, af&co. is poised to bring its signature blend of creativity and measurable results to the vibrant Southern California region.
“We’ve worked in the SoCal market for over 20 years and always planned on opening an official office there. When the pandemic hit, those plans were put on hold. Now, as we approach our 20th anniversary this November, we’re proud to say that the time is right. Thanks to the flexibility of remote work, we were able to be nimble and establish an incredible SoCal-based team that continues to grow, and have several projects in LA,” said Andrew Freeman, CEO and Founder, af&co. “What I’m most proud of is that, after two decades, our agency continues to evolve. With the launch of our LA office, our West Coast presence is stronger than ever. The LA market is rich with opportunities, media, and influencers, and we’re ready to service our clients locally, regionally, and nationally from both of California’s major cities.”
Menu of Services
af&co. offers a unique, comprehensive approach combining strategic consulting, marketing, and public relations, with a special focus on hospitality and lifestyle. Immersed in the world of hospitality, the team stays ahead of trends to deliver creative, market-driven solutions. Services include:
Freeman's other company, nationally recognized Carbonate, launched in 2019, continues to provide brand strategy and creative services including market positioning, brand architecture, concept/brand DNA, naming, logo design, websites, and guest experience development.
Shaping Hospitality's Future
Recognized as a leading source of insight in the hospitality industry, the af&co. / Carbonate Annual Trends Report, now in its 17th year, forecasts upcoming key influences in food, beverage, hotels, travel, marketing, and social media. The report is widely covered by top publications such as The New York Times, Martha Stewart, and Better Homes & Gardens, and is trusted for its accuracy in predicting the year’s most impactful trends. A vital resource for hospitality brands, it helps shape marketing strategies and social media efforts, enabling businesses to stay relevant and boost sales in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry.
Client-Centered Services
af&co.’s focus on hospitality brands across California and team members throughout the state allows for a more localized and first-hand approach to elevating each client's presence. Over the past twenty years, af&co. has launched countless restaurants and hotels, helping them stay relevant and thrive. Client highlights include Michelin-starred contemporary Indian restaurant, ROOH; newly launched Fitoor Santa Monica; Michelin-recognized Chef Dustin Valette (Valette, The Matheson, Valette Wines); James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Reed (Poppy + Rose, Poppy & Seed); Ramen Nagi in Century City LA; iconic Bay Area landmark The San Francisco Ferry Building; James Beard award winner, Gott’s Roadside; nationally-recognized hotel collection Proper Hospitality; globally acclaimed Virgin Hotels; Destination Hotels (including Terranea Resort); and dozens of boutique properties spanning from Yosemite National Park to Los Angeles.
With af&co.’s official Southern California office opening, the team is ready to bring its expert hospitality services to more clients from the Central Coast through San Diego.
Image courtesy of af&co.
