Three friends, two Instagram shows, and one mission to elevate small local businesses

Community-building through content creation takes center stage as three Roanoke locals share the fascinating origin story behind their popular Instagram series. Elliot Broyles, John Park (aka Hungry Asian), and Zach Jackson have captured the attention of food and drink enthusiasts with their authentic approach to showcasing local establishments through "Hey Bartender, Whatcha Drinking?" and "What Can I Get for $10?"

Unlike typical influencers, these creators reveal their refreshingly honest methodology—they pay full price for everything they consume, demand no special treatment, and focus on genuine connections with the businesses they feature. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: highlight small businesses that often lack social media presence while creating entertaining content that benefits the entire community.

The conversation dives into memorable moments where they've faced initial resistance—walking into establishments with camera equipment only to be met with suspicion or outright hostility. Rather than leveraging entitlement, they order drinks, engage in conversation, and allow relationships to develop organically. These moments of transformation, where skepticism turns to friendship, create some of their most compelling content.

Beyond the entertainment value, their work serves a deeper purpose. Many small restaurants and bars in Roanoke lack resources for professional photography or social media management. By creating high-quality content featuring these establishments, they're providing a valuable service while expecting nothing in return except the experience itself. It's content creation with a conscience—using their platform to elevate others rather than simply promoting themselves.

Whether you're a content creator seeking a more meaningful approach to your work, a small business owner looking for authentic marketing strategies, or simply someone who appreciates genuine community support, this episode offers valuable insights into how social media can be leveraged for collective benefit. Subscribe to learn more about creating content that matters and discover how these three friends are changing Roanoke's food and beverage scene one post at a time.