One Salem man has combined his business expertise with his love of Salem and all things media into a new business — Social Palates. 

John Andrews, formerly the head chef and general manager at Vic's Station, now calls himself a "PR handyman," and he's taken on his new job with a love for business and the community.

"What I'm trying to do is really shed a spotlight on Salem, which in turn is benefitting my clients," he said. "I have a customer perspective and I also have a back of the house perspective…I can look at it from both sides of the fence."

And that perspective, according to Andrews, shifts depending on the client. 

"Each client has a very specific set of needs," he explained. "Every client is different." 

And though needs may range from creating a more "visceral" experience with photos, connecting with customers by highlighting them on Facebook or even managing press so that business events and announcements are getting the most exposure with the local media (like Patch), Andrews said he's also wiling to serve as an advocate for businesses at organizations like the Chamber of Commerce.

With business owners and managers so worried about taking care of what's inside the four walls of their businesses, Andrews said he's able to "manage everything outside those four walls," to give businesses "more time to do things right."

While helping restaurants and shops with their online health and relationships with the community, Andrews said he's also very aware of what's going on in Salem as a whole. With this awareness, Andrews hopes to help his clients, and by helping clients, Andrews hopes it makes for a better tomorrow for his city.

"Last year, people started looking at Salem. This year, they've been paying attention. Next year will be the greatest we've had," he said. We've got to get ready now."

For more on three of Andrews latest projects, check out the Session here, the Sky Party here and Scary Mary here.

For more information on Social Palates, check out the business Facebook page.

Also be sure to check out tons of great photos from John Andrews (and add your own) to our pics and clips section.