Louise’s Column
Who should swallow the cost of rising food prices?
Food prices are currently at an all-time high and to make matters worse this is coinciding with one of the deepest global recessions for years. As a result consumers have less money in their pockets and are increasingly looking to vouchers and low prices in order for them to continue dining out. But where does this leave restaurants? Continue reading →
Should restaurants add calories to their menus?
I can’t help but wonder if the conflicting information on the effectiveness of this initiative isn’t the reason that it is only a voluntary scheme in the UK. I can understand the uncertainty that many restaurateurs feel in taking the decision to introduce calorie information to their menus. So, I have a suggestion… Continue reading →
Mobile mania – what’s app all about?
Do you have a smart phone? iPhone, Blackberry or similar? I do. In fact, if I polled ten of my friends (in the ‘thirty something’ age bracket), I’d be willing to bet that at least 7 out of ten of them have one. But ‘what does that mean to me?’ you may be thinking. Read on... Continue reading →
An appeal to all pen and paper diary users
How many diners does it take to fill a restaurant? Sounds like a simple enough question. The answer of course is not and depends on a huge range of factors. It doesn't need to be a headache, or a skill locked in only a few people's heads though! Continue reading →
Merry Christmas (don’t forget January!)
If you have found the time to read this article, I’m impressed. Before you drown in mountains of Christmas bookings and party-goers, (if you haven’t already) spare a quick thought for January. Continue reading →
What do you look like online?
Have you ever Googled your restaurant’s name?... If not, try it out. There are hundreds of websites that make it their business to be the best at listing everything from plumbers to florists, not to mention of course hundreds more that are dedicated to restaurants. Continue reading →
Peer power writes off the critics
Back in May, we polled 2,000 consumers about their opinions on the ever-debated topic of online restaurant reviews.
It’s no surprise to learn that the internet is yet again changing the way your customers are behaving as a direct result of what they see and hear...
Continue reading →
Restaurant marketing emails are the tastiest
Recent stats released by permission-based email marketing company Sign-Up.to revealed that restaurant marketing emails have the highest open (25.5%) and click-through (6.14%) rates after Government communications! Both figures were well above the all-sector averages of 17.98% and 3.56% respectively. However, good opening and click-through rates don’t necessarily guarantee an increase in business... Continue reading →
Are you an ostrich or a giraffe?
Social media forums have seen an explosion of users over the past five years. Customers, potential customers or just those wanting to share an opinion are talking about your restaurant, whether you like it or not. Continue reading →
Do as I say, not as I do
How do you search for a restaurant, decide where to go and make a reservation? Continue reading →
