This is the food influencer effect -- or, what it can be. But the general consensus among the half-dozen food influencers interviewed for this story is that consumers don't care if -- and probably assume -- the food is free. Though Rodriguez and Ahaiwe won't knock a restaurant's food, there are plenty of influencers who will. Today's food influencer further democratizes food media with posts that sometimes feel like the creators are sitting across the table from you. Hernandez estimates that $1 out of every $5 made at his restaurants goes to marketing, which includes the fee and free food given to influencers.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 02, 2022 03:08 UTC