South Jersey Spotlight on Franks and Beans Events

Tobi Schwartz-Cassell's events are the tastiest Franks & Beans in South Jersey!
Tobi Schwartz-Cassell’s events are the tastiest Franks & Beans in South Jersey!

I’ve never invited anyone to make an encore South Jersey Spotlight appearance; Tobi Schwartz-Cassell of Franks and Beans Events is that rare exception. Allow me to explain.

Back in 2013, I featured Tobi, then Editor in Chief of Girlfriendz Magazine, in a guest blog post. Sadly though, the magazine published its last issue that very year.

But from the remnants of Tobi’s wildly popular publication came a new business venture called Franks and Beans Events. Yes, Tobi Schwartz-Cassell has much in common with that damn phoenix rising from the ashes!

I think it’s best to let Tobi tell you how she decided to cook up the tastiest “Franks & Beans” available in southern New Jersey. Here you go, Girlfriendz…

By All Writes: Why did you decide to start Franks and Beans Events? When did you found/start it?

Tobi Schwartz-Cassell: When I decided to fold Girlfriendz Magazine in December 2013, I heard from quite a number of former readers who mourned Girlfriendz’ loss and asked if I’d still be doing events. Both of these sentiments were so gratifying, and I loved doing those events so much, that a new business was born.

I named it Franks & Beans because my parents’ names were Frank & Bea. It was the perfect way to keep them close to me and also have their blessing on my business. I started Franks and Beans Events in April 2014. My first event, in October 2014, was a sellout!

BAW: What specific event-planning and marketing-communications services do you offer your current and potential clients?

TSC: Franks & Beans is both a B2C and a B2B company. As a dyed-in-the-wool marketer, I tell my clients to never tell two stories, yet here I am doing it myself. So here’s how I break it down:

The Beans–Tobi’s Events:

I plan, promote, and produce fun Girls’ Nights Out on a monthly and bimonthly basis. One such upcoming event: my Psychic Dinner on July 14 at Illiano Cucina Mediterannea in Medford, NJ.

I coordinate the night’s logistics with the restaurant, the talent, and my staff. Most notably, my internal team includes two fabulous women–my “administrative a-sister,” Molly Lou Conrad, and my sound-and-prop expert, Kim Konefsky of The Theme Factory of Philadelphia.

I put it all together, add lots of door prizes and then get the word out, and voilà: an entertaining evening. I like to say, “All you have to do is come and have fun!” So I make it really easy for my guests to have a good time, socialize, network for business, and meet new friends.

I seriously LOVE this part of my business!

Please stop by the Events web page and our event photo collection to whet your appetite for a second helping of Franks & Beans…

The Franks–Tobi’s Communications Services:

I research, write, and produce e-mail newsletters, blogs, ghost-written magazine articles, press releases, brochures, and more.

I also do proofreading and editing.

I write for a national trade magazine called Long-Term Living Magazine. Not many people know that I have an extensive background in long-term care as a result of a book I wrote, published by Wiley/Jossey-Bass in 2000. It’s called Adding Value to Long-Term Care.

And finally, I produce events for clients as a way to familiarize the people in their target audience (who might not know about them) with their store or service offerings.

BAW: Who makes a good client for you?

TSC: For my events: women who want to have a fun night out with other women. They can come with friends, or they can come solo and meet new friends. For my communications services: a mid-sized company that needs to grow its business.

I do all the work, my guests have all the fun. Well, I do have SOME fun while running these energetic evenings!

Lately, men have been asking me to include them, so the Psychic Dinner on 7/14 is also open to men and couples.

BAW: What is your ultimate “happy moment” when working with your clients?

TSC: I have so many happy moments at my events, but I’ll share just two. The first is when I see two women who each come solo, meet, and exchange e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers by night’s end.

The second happens at the end of an event. This is when the women come up to me (like they’re in a receiving line at a wedding) to tell me how much fun they had. These two scenarios happen consistently. In both cases, it means I’ve successfully had a small part in making their night a happy one.

BAW: If you could relocate Franks and Beans Events to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

TSC: Call me crazy, but I love Florida. I despise winter, and living in the Sunshine State would be my best hope for avoiding cold weather. All I need is air conditioning and a picture window facing the beach to make me happy.

But my husband refuses to live there because of the heat–he prefers the change of seasons. Since we have family (locally) with whom we are very close, we’ll be staying put in New Jersey…

BAW: What are your favorite books (or who are your favorite authors) to read, and why? Please share generously!

TSC: Above all other reading matter, I love biographies and business books. I greatly admire all of the Malcolm Gladwell books. I also adore Paco Underhill (Why We Buy; Call of the Mall; and What Women Want). And I really enjoyed Martin Lindstrom’s Buyology–Truth and Lies About Why We Buy.

Perhaps you notice a trend developing here?!?

 

Do you have fond memories of the Girlfriendz Magazine events previously hosted by Tobi Schwartz-Cassell? Looking to ignite your weeknight “mojo” for both business and personal purposes? Well then, look no further than Franks and Beans Events for your event-planning-and-attending needs!

To communicate directly with Tobi Schwartz-Cassell, Master Chef at Franks & Beans, please call her (856-751-2997) or send her an e-mail (tobi@franksandbeans.net).

Ladies (and now gentlemen), don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of Tobi’s fabulous Psychic Dinner shindigs. As mentioned, the next one is July 14 at Illiano Cucina Mediterranea (the Village of Taunton Forge shopping center) in Medford, NJ.

Please check the Eventbrite invitation (or contact Tobi) regarding current seating availability.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like the Franks and Beans Events page on Facebook, connect with Tobi Schwartz-Cassell on LinkedIn, and see what other delectable events she’s cooking up on Twitter.

6 Responses to South Jersey Spotlight on Franks and Beans Events

    • Hi Bonnie,

      Thanks so much for reading Tobi’s guest post! If you’re interested in attending the 7/14 Psychic Dinner, reach out to Tobi directly via any of the links in this post.

      Regards,
      Lori

  1. I’ve been to a couple of Tobi’s events and always had a great time. Although I went with a few friends, I can imagine just going out to dinner by yourself can be boring….so….a dinner and event together is not only entertaining but really does give you an opportunity to interact with others at your table. I know we all introduced and conversed with each other at our table. Great idea Tobi….wishing you much success! And interesting article, also…

    • Hi Donna,

      My very bad for not replying until now! Tobi Schwartz-Cassell is definitely the “hostess with the mostest” in South Jersey; I hope you continue to attend her Franks and Beans events. Thank you for stopping by the Moonlight Blog.

      Regards,
      Lori

  2. Bonnie and Donna, thank you so much for your kind words! And of course, thank you Lori for featuring me in your SJ Spotlight! Donna, which events did you come to? Better yet, please email me directly and let me know. I have another question for you. I’m at Tobi@Franksandbeans.net. Thanks again Bonnie, Donna and Lori!

    • It’s always a pleasure to deepen our connection, Tobi–online, offline, you name it! I’ll see you when next I see you…

      Regards,
      Lori