A chef placing nigiri at a white marble counter while a creator films it on a phone

Spotlight Creator Network

The stage is set.
You're the star.

A free network for food creators in the DC area. Book a table at 20+ partner restaurants, create on your own terms, host your own events, and earn more as your work performs.

Apply to join Creator login

How it works

From reservation
to recognition.

We handle the restaurant side, so you can focus on the content.

01

Apply

Tell us about you and your content. The Hermes iMedia team reviews every application and sets up your account.

02

Book a table

Choose a partner restaurant, a date, a time and your party size. The venue confirms, and you're on.

03

Create and post

Shoot it your way. Connect Instagram, and your posts, reach and engagement sync to your dashboard.

04

Grow

Your Spotlight Score tracks how your content performs. A higher score unlocks better perks.

Friends photographing a table of dumplings, Peking duck and noodles at a bright Chinese restaurant

Dining partners

Your table at
20+ restaurants.

Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Southeast Asian, dessert and more, across the DC metro. Each one is a stage for your content.

  • Kanpai
  • Kajiken
  • Gyu Shige
  • Genki Izakaya
  • Gyu San
  • Southeast Impression
  • Urban Hot Pot
  • Kyuramen
  • Wasai
  • Lao Sze Chuan
  • Izakaya Nana
  • Bite Me
  • Santouka
  • Akira
  • Okaeri
  • Ushitomiya
  • Tabiji
  • Sno Cream
  • Sakaki Izakaya
  • X-File
  • Galaxy X

Spotlight Score

Rewarded for results,
not follower count.

Your score runs from 0 to 100. It's built from ratios, so a smaller account that performs well can outrank a bigger one.

What counts

25%

Engagement

Likes and comments relative to reach

25%

Reach

How far your posts travel relative to your following

20%

Consistency

Visits that turn into a published post

15%

Quality

Posts approved on review

15%

Venue variety

The range of partner restaurants you feature

Tiers

0–39

Newcomer

Comped visits at partner restaurants, your creator dashboard and the creator community

40–59

Creator

5% commission and access to creator events

60–79

Spotlight Star

10% commission, priority booking and features in Spotlight marketing

80–100

Headliner

15% commission, a monthly retainer, an event budget and PR support

Your score starts building after your first few visits and posts.

A creator raising a glass at the head of a long supper club table at sunset

Creator events

Host your
own night.

Pitch a concept, from a blind ramen tasting to a supper club. We match you with a partner venue and handle the operations. Your name goes on the invitation.

  • Keep 70–80% of ticket revenue
  • Venue, staff and operations handled for you
  • Promoted to guests on FOMO Events
Meet FOMO Events

Join Spotlight

Your table
is waiting.

Free for creators, always. Tell us about you and your content, and we'll be in touch.

Apply to join Creator login

Questions? info@hermesimedia.com