Savoring Memories: The Impact of Ryan Vansylvong's Legacy on Sonny's Tavern and its Publics

Publication Date

2024

Authors

Ella Cox, University of New Hampshire, Durham

Abstract

This essay explores the life and passing of Ryan Vansylvong, a dedicated chef at Sonny's Tavern in Dover, New Hampshire, whose untimely passing has dramatically influenced the restaurant's ethos and patrons. The narrative intertwines authentic anecdotes, tributes, and expressions of grief to inspire communal resilience and empathy, nurturing a culture that resonates with staff and customers. This paper analyzes how disseminating memories and stories can lead to the convergence of fact and fiction. Using fictional elements can make conveying factual information more compelling and relatable, enhancing audience engagement. The profound impact of Ryan's legacy is a testament to the power of nurturing emotional connections, inspiring trust, and cultivating loyalty in a professional setting. This paper is a case study of a business's honesty and loyalty to the public that inspired reciprocal support in their time of need, alluding to an ideal in public relations that embraces the complexity and breadth of the human experience.

Recommended Citation

Cox, Ella (2024) "Savoring Memories: The Impact of Ryan Vansylvong's Legacy on Sonny's Tavern and its Publics," Comm-entary: Vol. 20: Iss. 1, Article 15.
Available at: https://scholars.unh.edu/comm-entary/vol20/iss1/15