An Interview with Joseph Haecker, Founder of One Bite Foodie
By the One Bite Foodie Blog Staff
At One Bite Foodie, we’ve always believed that food influencers, reviewers, and content creators hold immense power to shape food and beverage culture. They’re not just showcasing meals—they’re influencing food trends, creating connections, and helping local eateries thrive. Yet, despite the impact they have on the industry, traditional media outlets often fail to recognize them as legitimate “press.”
That’s why One Bite Foodie is stepping up to change that narrative. We’ve decided to give food content creators a new level of legitimacy by turning our members' sharable QR codes into ✓Verified Press/Media credentials. It’s a game-changing move that empowers foodies to show their credentials, gain access, and receive the recognition they deserve.
In this exclusive interview, we’re sitting down with One Bite Foodie’s founder, Joseph Haecker, to understand why he believes food influencers and reviewers should be recognized as media, and how turning QR codes into verified credentials will revolutionize how content creators are treated by brands and restaurants.
The Interview
One Bite Foodie Blog Staff (OBF): Joseph, thanks for sitting down with us today. You’ve said that food reviewers, influencers, and content creators should be recognized as press/media. Can you explain why you feel this way?
Joseph Haecker: Absolutely! Thanks for having me. The reason I say food reviewers and influencers are media is because of their power and influence. In the past, press was considered solely the domain of traditional media—newspapers, TV, magazines. But today, content creators are driving consumer behavior just as much, if not more, than mainstream outlets.
Food influencers are introducing their audiences to new restaurants, trends, and experiences every day. Their reviews, whether on social media or their blogs, can make a restaurant’s reputation or send a dish flying off the shelves. This type of influence is no different from what traditional journalists have been doing for decades. It’s simply the modern evolution of what we call media.
OBF: You’re right—food influencers really do have a huge impact. So, what inspired you to take things further and create the ✓Verified Press/Media QR Code?
Joseph: That’s a great question. We saw an opportunity to create something more than just another QR code—something that could serve as a credible, official press credential. When you look at social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn, QR codes are a simple way to share a profile link. But what if we could make that QR code more valuable?
With One Bite Foodie, our members’ QR codes do more than just link to their profile—they actually serve as a verified Press/Media credential. So, when a member of our platform presents their QR code to a restaurant or brand, it’s not just a random connection—it’s proof that they’re a serious, recognized media presence. This opens doors for collaborations, events, press access, and much more. It’s about empowering food creators with the tools and recognition they need to grow their brands and monetize their influence.
OBF: Wow, that sounds like a huge value for content creators. Have you seen any tangible responses from restaurants or brands after a creator uses their verified QR code?
Joseph: Absolutely. The response has been incredibly positive. We’ve had members tell us that after presenting their verified Press/Media QR code, they were given exclusive access to press events, restaurant openings, and other special opportunities. It’s the equivalent of a journalist walking into a press conference with their press badge—it immediately establishes credibility and access.
I think what sets us apart from traditional press is that food influencers often have a more intimate connection with their followers. This means they can have an equally strong influence on driving local traffic to restaurants and food brands. That’s why we wanted to create a tool that made it easy for influencers to show their legitimacy—and to empower restaurants to recognize the immense value these creators bring to their business.
OBF: That’s fascinating! Now, One Bite Foodie isn’t just about recognition—it’s about monetizing influence too. Can you walk us through the different ways your members can make money on the platform?
Joseph: One Bite Foodie is built with food creators in mind, and that includes giving them real opportunities to earn money. We operate on a freemium model—our members can sign up for free, but they have the option to upgrade to a paid membership for just $4.99 a month to unlock additional revenue-generating features.
Here’s how food influencers can monetize their work:
100% of Tip Money: When your audience loves your content, they can tip you directly. And the best part is, you get to keep it all. No middlemen.
80% of Subscriber Revenue: Just like platforms like OnlyFans, we allow creators to build a subscription-based model. You offer exclusive content to your audience, and they subscribe for a small monthly fee. You keep 80% of that revenue.
80% of Digital Ad Sales: Content creators can sell ad space either directly on their content or universally across the platform. We help them connect with advertisers, and the creator takes home 80% of the earnings.
We’re focused on creating a sustainable, profitable ecosystem for food content creators. Whether you’re a food blogger, Instagram influencer, or YouTube personality, One Bite Foodie gives you the tools and opportunities to build a career around your passion for food.
OBF: That sounds like a great way to build a career around food content. Now, we know that One Bite Foodie’s platform is a great tool for creators, but what about restaurants? Why should restaurants join?
Joseph: That’s a fantastic question. One Bite Foodie helps restaurants and food brands connect with local influencers who can drive real, repeat business. Restaurants often rely on traditional marketing channels like ads and TV spots, but they miss out on one of the most powerful tools in the food industry—local influencers.
By partnering with food creators on One Bite Foodie, restaurants can tap into a highly engaged audience who already trusts the influencer’s opinion. It’s a way to build genuine relationships between restaurants and local communities, and ultimately increase foot traffic and revenue.
OBF: This is really exciting. So, if I’m an influencer or a restaurant owner, why should I sign up today?
Joseph: If you’re an influencer, you should sign up because One Bite Foodie gives you the credibility and tools you need to grow your brand. With our verified Press/Media QR code, you get the recognition you deserve, plus the ability to monetize your content through tips, subscriptions, and ad revenue.
If you’re a restaurant or food brand, you should sign up because local influencers can make a huge impact on your bottom line. Instead of relying on broad, impersonal marketing tactics, partner with food creators who have a direct connection with your target audience.
We’re currently offering FREE upgrades to the first 100 influencers who sign up! Use the code INFLUENCER to unlock all the premium benefits, including the Verified Press/Media credential.
Sign up today: https://www.onebitefoodie.com/sign-up
Key Takeaways From The Interview
1. Food influencers, reviewers, and content creators are modern press/media. Their influence drives consumer behavior, shapes food trends, and introduces audiences to new restaurants and experiences.
2. One Bite Foodie’s verified QR code turns influencers into recognized media professionals. It opens up access to events, collaborations, and opportunities that were previously only available to traditional press.
3. Monetize your influence with One Bite Foodie’s tips, subscription, and ad revenue features. Food content creators can finally earn a sustainable income from their passion.
4. Restaurants should partner with local influencers to drive repeat business and engage with their community on a deeper level.
Final Thoughts From The One Bite Foodie Blog Staff
We want to thank Joseph Haecker for sharing his insights with us today. One Bite Foodie is the platform for food influencers and restaurants alike, providing the tools, recognition, and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s digital food culture.
👉 Sign up now and and the first one hundred members can claim your FREE upgraded membership!
Use offer code: INFLUENCER
Komentáře