A native of Illinois, Victoria Kent is the founder of Victoria Kent Public Relations (VKPR), a Chicago-based boutique public relations firm specializing in restaurants, hospitality and lifestyle brands.

Victoria has spent more than 20 years in public relations, with a career rooted in hospitality, food, beverage and lifestyle. A graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology, she began her career in publishing PR before joining The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, where she worked on local and national design-focused trade shows.

She later joined XA, The Experiential Agency, leading PR efforts for clients including The James Hotel, David Burke’s Primehouse, Japonais and Horseshoe Casino, before becoming head of public relations for Rockit Ranch Productions and overseeing communications for seven restaurant and nightlife concepts. Her work generated extensive local and national exposure, including five TODAY Show segments in just 13 months and placements with People, Cosmopolitan, the Los Angeles Times, Kathie Lee & Hoda and more.

In 2015, Victoria launched VKPR, bringing her hospitality expertise, media relationships and hands-on approach to an independent practice. Since then, she has worked with restaurants, hotels, chefs, bars, events and lifestyle brands throughout Chicago and beyond, helping clients turn openings, new concepts, menus, personalities and timely ideas into stories that get noticed.

Known for her strong understanding of what makes a story compelling to both media and consumers, Victoria specializes in strategic media relations, broadcast pitching, restaurant and hotel launches, influencer relations and creative PR campaigns. More than a decade after founding VKPR, her business continues to be driven largely by referrals and long-standing industry relationships.

Outside of work, Victoria is an avid secondhand shopper, traveler and food lover who is usually hunting for a great vintage find, trying a new restaurant or sharing what she’s discovered on Instagram at @SuperVickyChicago and @VictoriaKentPR.

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