QNS<\/a> chatted with Hayes, who currently lives in Briarwood, about his unique content and food \u201cobsession,\u201d as well as his take on local culture.\n<\/p>\n \u201cAs a food-focused content creator, I\u2019m constantly seeking out new, creative and exciting experiences that allow me to tell stories through food. With a background in marketing and advertising, I bring a strategic edge to my content \u2014 blending visual storytelling with brand-driven purpose. And I\u2019m passionate about capturing the culture, flavor and energy behind every dish, while helping brands connect with audiences in an authentic way.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople connect with my content because I highlight the heart of the city \u2014 mom-and-pop shops \u2014 while also giving unfiltered, honest takes on trending restaurants and viral foods. Nine times out of ten, I knock my reviews out of the park, and that consistency has built real trust with my audience. They know\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0not just showing what looks good; I\u2019m\u00a0steering them in the right direction when it comes to where to eat, from neighborhood bakeries to the hottest spots in NYC.\u201d<\/p>\n Hayes added: \u201cYou can find me\u00a0all across\u00a0NYC, with an expanding presence in New Jersey and growing coverage across the U.S., as I continue to explore new food scenes nationwide.\n<\/p>\n QNS: Who are your followers and what do you talk about?\n<\/p>\n Brandon Hayes:\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0built a strong and engaged audience across platforms, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram and over 40,000 on TikTok. While\u00a0a large portion\u00a0of my audience is based in Queens, my reach extends across all of NYC. I make it a point to highlight every borough, giving a voice to both well-known spots and hidden gems throughout the city.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve\u00a0always felt like Queens\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0get the spotlight it deserves in the food scene. While it may not be as accessible as Brooklyn or Manhattan, it\u2019s still a true melting pot of cultures, and that\u2019s\u00a0what drives me.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0How did you first gain a following and what was your inspiration?\n<\/p>\n BH: I started this journey about seven years ago as a hobby, simply searching for the best coffee and donuts in NYC. What began as a casual passion quickly evolved, as I explored more of the city\u2019s food scene and discovered how much I loved connecting with people and the stories behind their businesses.<\/p>\n Over time, my appreciation for food grew into something deeper\u2014a shared respect for culture, craft and community. I combined that with my passion for photography, using visuals to tell those stories in an authentic way.<\/p>\n As social media shifted toward video, I adapted and leaned into it. That transition allowed my audience to connect, not just with the food, but with me, as the creator. Showing the person behind the camera helped build stronger relationships with my audience and elevated my content to a new level.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0What are your goals for your social media presence?\n<\/p>\n BH: My goal is to continue highlighting small businesses and sharing their stories on my platform. I want to use my reach to give exposure to businesses that may not have the marketing budget but have something special to offer. Being able to introduce these hidden gems to a wider audience and help them grow is what drives me.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0Tell readers what a day in the life of a popular influencer looks like.\n<\/p>\n BH: A typical day involves a lot more behind-the-scenes work than people might expect. I spend a good amount of time editing videos, studying trends, analyzing performance and understanding why certain content works and why it doesn\u2019t. There\u2019s also a lot of networking, responding to emails and building relationships with brands and business owners. On top of that, I\u2019m constantly looking for new ways to stay inspired and keep my content fresh and engaging.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0Describe your point of view.\n<\/p>\n BH:\u00a0My point of view is rooted in authenticity and community. I focus on highlighting real experiences, whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a mom-and-pop shop or a trending restaurant\u2014and giving honest, unfiltered opinions. I want my audience to trust that when I recommend something,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0genuinely worth their time and money.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0As influencer culture continues to shape trends, where do you think social media is headed?\n<\/p>\n BH:\u00a0Social media is constantly evolving, and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0hard to predict exactly where\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0going. My goal is to stay adaptable\u2014understanding trends in real time and growing alongside my audience, no matter how the landscape changes.<\/p>\n QNS:\u00a0How has AI changed your approach to social media?\n<\/p>\n BH: When used correctly, AI can be a powerful tool. I use it to help with things like creating titles, finding trending hashtags and identifying ways to improve my reach. It\u2019s all about using it to enhance creativity\u2014not replace it.<\/p>\n Hayes told QNS that he proudly supports Queens-based brands and businesses, making it a priority to spotlight the borough through his unique content.\n<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m\u00a0passionate about uncovering hidden gems\u2014the kind of places people often overlook, right in their own neighborhoods\u2014and bringing them to the forefront. And I love highlighting the wide range of cuisines that make Queens so special.\u201d<\/p>\n Brandon Hayes\n<\/p>\n IG: NYC_Cheatdayking<\/a>\u00a0(note underscore)\n<\/p>\n TikTok: Nyccheatdayking<\/a>\n<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image0-17.jpeg\")
<\/a>Photo credit: Brandon Hayes<\/p>\n