MIAMI, FL – In a move that underscores the shifting landscape of the American hospitality and marketing sectors, Dallas-based Champion, a premier fully integrated public relations and digital media agency, has officially announced the opening of its newest satellite office in Miami, Florida. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for the agency, which has carved out a dominant niche as the leading representative for restaurant, franchise, and consumer brands in the United States.

By establishing a "beachhead" in Miami’s vibrant downtown district, Champion—already a powerhouse in the Dallas and Los Angeles markets—is positioning itself at the epicenter of one of the world’s most lucrative and fast-growing hospitality hubs. This strategic expansion is not merely a geographic addition but a calculated response to the evolving needs of a client roster that includes over 80 of the nation’s most recognizable food and beverage brands.

Main Facts: Establishing a South Florida Hub

The new Miami office is led by Champion Principal Eric Spiritas, a veteran of the industry with deep ties to the franchise and consumer brand sectors. The office is located in the heart of Miami’s bustling downtown, a region that has seen an unprecedented influx of corporate headquarters, tech startups, and international hospitality groups over the last three years.

Champion’s expansion into South Florida serves several strategic purposes:

1. Proximity to Key Decision Makers: Miami has increasingly become a preferred headquarters for major franchise systems and international restaurant groups looking to penetrate the North American market.
2. International Gateway: As the "Gateway to the Americas," Miami provides Champion with a unique vantage point to support clients with international aspirations, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
3. Market Specificity: South Florida’s unique demographic and economic landscape requires specialized marketing approaches that differ significantly from the Midwest or West Coast.

Currently, Champion represents more restaurant brands than any other PR agency in the country. Their portfolio features heavyweights such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Jason’s Deli, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, as well as cult-favorite "challenger" brands like Cheba Hut, Prince St. Pizza, and Handel’s Ice Cream.

Chronology: From Dallas Roots to Coast-to-Coast Dominance

To understand the significance of the Miami expansion, one must look at the trajectory of Champion since its inception. Founded in Dallas, Texas, the agency began with a focused mission: providing high-impact public relations for the restaurant industry.

As the agency approached its second decade, the leadership recognized a fundamental shift in how consumers interacted with brands. The traditional PR model—focused largely on earned media and press releases—was no longer sufficient in an era of social media, influencer dominance, and digital-first discovery.

• The Early 2000s: Champion establishes its reputation in Dallas, leveraging the city’s status as a "test market" capital for national restaurant chains.
• The Expansion to Los Angeles: Recognizing the importance of the West Coast’s trend-setting culture and the concentration of lifestyle media, Champion opened its Los Angeles office. This allowed the agency to bridge the gap between "Middle America" sensibilities and coastal innovation.
• The Pivot to Integration: Over the last five years, Champion aggressively expanded its service offerings beyond PR. They integrated influencer marketing, consumer digital advertising, and franchise lead-generation into their core competencies.
• The 2024 Miami Launch: The establishment of the Miami office serves as the final piece of the "geographic triangle" (Dallas-LA-Miami), ensuring that the agency has a physical presence in the three most influential business and lifestyle corridors in the United States.

As the agency moves toward its 25th anniversary in 2027, the Miami office represents the culmination of a quarter-century of specialized growth.

Supporting Data: The Power of the "Champion Portfolio"

The scale of Champion’s operations is reflected in its industry-leading data. Representing over 80 brands is a feat rarely matched by boutique or even mid-sized agencies. This volume of work provides the agency with a "macro" view of the restaurant industry that few others possess.

Industry Recognition and Metrics:

• Agency Elite 120: Champion has been consistently honored by PRNEWS as part of the "Agency Elite 120," a list of the most influential and effective PR firms in the nation.
• Entrepreneur Magazine Rankings: The agency is annually recognized as a "Best in Public Relations" provider in Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers Awards, a ranking determined by the feedback of franchisors themselves.
• Diversified Service Mix: Unlike traditional firms, Champion’s revenue and service output are evenly distributed across PR, digital media, and local store marketing (LSM).

The decision to move into Miami is also supported by economic data surrounding the Florida market. Florida’s restaurant industry is projected to reach record sales in the coming years, driven by population growth and a robust tourism sector. By being on the ground in Miami, Champion can better facilitate "New Store Openings" (NSOs)—a core specialty of the firm—in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world.

Official Responses: Leadership Perspectives on the Move

The leadership at Champion views the Miami expansion as both a homecoming to a market they have long served remotely and a necessary step for future-proofing the agency.

Eric Spiritas, Principal and Head of the Miami Office, emphasized the strategic necessity of the move:
"Miami has become an increasingly important hub for restaurant, franchising, and retail brands, making it a natural next step for Champion. Establishing a presence in South Florida allows us to continue growing alongside our clients while connecting with new opportunities in a market that aligns closely with the industries we serve."

Spiritas’s comments highlight a "client-first" philosophy. As many of Champion’s existing clients expand into Florida, having a local team to navigate the nuances of the Miami media landscape and influencer circles becomes a significant competitive advantage.

Ladd Biro, Founding Principal of Champion, reflected on the agency’s evolution:
"Champion’s growth is a reflection of our continuing success in serving leading restaurant brands from coast to coast. The Miami office represents another important step in our evolution as an agency and reinforces our commitment to providing best-in-class strategic support and integrated solutions wherever our clients need us."

Biro’s perspective underscores the "omni-channel" nature of the modern Champion agency. He suggests that the firm’s success is built on the ability to provide "integrated solutions"—meaning a brand’s PR, social media, and digital ad spend are all working in a synchronized, sales-driving fashion.

Implications: What This Means for the Franchise and Restaurant Industry

The opening of Champion’s Miami office has broader implications for the marketing and franchising industries at large.

1. The Rise of the "Specialized" Mega-Agency
Champion’s success proves that hyper-specialization (focusing on restaurants and franchises) does not limit growth; rather, it accelerates it. By knowing one industry better than anyone else, Champion has become an indispensable partner for brands that might otherwise be "small fish" at a global, multi-industry firm.

2. The Integration of PR and Sales
Historically, PR was seen as a "brand awareness" tool, while advertising was seen as the "sales" tool. Champion has blurred these lines. Their focus on "sales-driving ideation" and "franchise lead-generation" implies that PR agencies are now being held to the same ROI standards as digital marketing firms. The Miami office will likely be a laboratory for this integrated approach, testing how digital ads and local PR can work together to conquer a high-density urban market.

3. Miami as a Corporate Magnet
Champion’s move is a bellwether for the continued "southern migration" of American business. As more franchise systems move their headquarters to Florida for tax and lifestyle reasons, the supporting ecosystem of agencies, law firms, and consultants must follow. Champion is leading that charge.

4. Preparing for 2027
With its 25th anniversary on the horizon, Champion is positioning itself not just as a survivor of the digital revolution, but as a leader of it. The Miami office ensures that by 2027, the agency will have a truly national footprint, capable of executing complex, multi-market campaigns with local precision.

Conclusion: A Strategic Milestone

The establishment of Champion’s Miami office is more than just a new address on a business card. It is a testament to the agency’s 22-year journey from a Dallas startup to a national authority in the restaurant and franchise space. By placing Eric Spiritas at the helm of this new South Florida hub, and with the continued guidance of founding principal Ladd Biro, Champion is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the industry.

As the agency continues to support giants like Buffalo Wild Wings and rising stars like Prince St. Pizza, its new presence in Miami will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the next generation of hospitality success stories. For brands looking to navigate the complex intersection of public relations, digital media, and franchise growth, Champion’s expansion offers a powerful new resource in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

For more information about Champion and its comprehensive suite of services, stakeholders and prospective clients are encouraged to visit ChampionMgt.com.

Media Contact:
Tiffany Martinez
Champion
817-919-6261
[email protected]