Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2026
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Department
Public Relations, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Bonnie Riechert
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
The Prickly Pear Coffee Co. campaign sought to build awareness and community engagement around the brand’s new mobile camper location in Franklin, Tennessee. Founded by Annika Baylis, Prickly Pear Coffee Co. is a Christ-centered brand that began as a mobile espresso cart during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew into a Nashville staple with multiple storefronts.
With the new Franklin location facing limited awareness and a reduced marketing budget following complications from the January 2026 ice storm, three students in Belmont University’s PR Campaigns class conducted a situation analysis that included audience research, social media audits, and influencer identification. These insights informed “PiLATTES,” a March 21, 2026, event featuring three free outdoor Pilates sessions, local food truck vendors, and strategic collaboration with influencers designed to generate organic content for the Franklin coffee camper. Through experiential marketing, storytelling, and local partnerships, the campaign effectively brought buzz and new customers to the new location while reaffirming Prickly Pear Coffee Co.’s mission by collaborating with another ministry-minded brand, Faith Moves by Danielle Sperry.
Recommended Citation
Lappenga, Grace Elizabeth; Joe, Karis Grace; and Encalade, Abigail Brooke, "PiLATTES; A Campaign With Prickly Pear Coffee Co." (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 904.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/904
