Does authenticity sell? That’s the question Meghan Longo, known as “MegThings” online, asked herself when she left her corporate job and dove headfirst into the world of social media influencing. With more than 2,000 restaurants in Monmouth County, Longo saw an opportunity to spotlight the area’s flourishing culinary scene.
Guided by the simple motto of being authentic, positive and sharing her favorite restaurants, Longo grew her following to an impressive 350,000 on Instagram and TikTok. Her videos cover topics like the best steakhouses in New Jersey, the best spot for a coffee, the hottest new restaurant openings, and everything in between.
Does her following alone make her an expert on the New Jersey dining scene? Some would say yes.
Building a brand around authenticity and positivity isn’t easy. A negative review or viral video can damage any business. So, how does Longo navigate this? For her, it’s about ensuring that the restaurants she collaborates with align with her values and her brand. In an effort to maintain her positive online presence, she is selective about the restaurants she visits, often turning down places that don’t quite fit.
“I will never give a negative review… I have never said anything negative about a restaurant or business and I never will because people pour their blood, sweat and tears into opening something and who am I to come in and negate that?” she said.
One of Longo’s most viral videos features Elsie’s Sub Shop in Red Bank, showcasing their No. 11 sub served on a pickle. The 20-second clip garnered 12 million views on Instagram, proving that when something is both delicious and unique, it’s bound to go viral when shared with the right audience. This is just one example of a business benefiting from the content Longo produces.
This leads to a final question: Do restaurants really need to be “Instagrammable” to be successful? The short answer is no.
According to Longo, restaurants are moving away from focusing solely on social media-worthy dishes and are instead leaning toward curated menus with a focus on details. Why? It’s simpler to be authentic. Of course, ambiance still matters – having a beautiful setting where guests want to take photos is important – but that should come naturally when you offer a great product.
“There’s definitely an importance of making your food look appealing, but the most important thing is ensuring that the restaurant pays attention to all the finer details – ambiance, cocktails and dishes,” she said. “If a restaurant gets those right it won’t have to force its way into being Instagrammable; it will happen naturally.”
Curious about some of Longo’s hidden gems? Here’s what she had to say:
The Perfect Cocktail Spot:
La Otra
1055 Route 34, Aberdeen Township
The Best “Old School” Sub Shop:
Elsie’s Sub Shop
74 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
The Best Place for Wings:
G Wings 22
175 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch
Follow MegThings on Tik Tok and Instagram @megthings_
The article originally appeared in the April 17 – 23, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
