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Managing Your Restaurant Blog (part 2)

Now that you know why you need to set up your blog (see our previous post), and you know that it is easy to do, you are probably trying to figure out what you could possibly write about to keep people interested – and to make them want to come into your establishment. Fortunately, it is quite easy to find topics about which you can write.

For starters, you will want to use the blog as a form of advertising, naturally. However, you don’t want it to come off as simply being an ad for your restaurant or bar. For every post that you write about the specials and dishes offered at your place, you need to have other types of posts to keep readers coming back. It can’t be all about your restaurant or bar. What does that mean? The following suggestions can make some great blog topics.

Consider all of the different events that happen in your town. Is there a big high school football game coming up? Is there a concert in town? Where are some good places to visit for those who are new to town? There are plenty of other ideas as well. Consider adding a gallery of images to your blog. You can have images that show the outside of your establishment, images of the inside and of the restaurant seating layout and design, pictures of your staff, and pictures of your town. You might also want to post about things such as special events that you are hosting, including any costume parties, wine tastings, etc. It is a subtle form of advertising that can draw people to your place. (more…)

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Managing Your Restaurant Blog (part 1)


Photo taken by "Clix"

Everyone is blogging today, even us, our 10-year-old nephew talking about the latest video games and our elderly aunt that blogs about the cozy mysteries she reads.

If you are a bar or a restaurant owner, you might not think that you would ever need to have a blog of your own. After all, what would you talk about in your blog? How do you even start one?

Today, we’ll show you why you need to start blogging for your bar or restaurant right now. In our next post (Part 2), we’ll talk about the things that you can post to keep reader interest high.

Is Blogging Important?

You might think that because you have website for your restaurant or bar that you don’t need to have a blog too. People will just be able to look you up by using your website, right? While a website is certainly a tool that you are going to need in your arsenal of digital promotion, it certainly isn’t the only web presence you are going to want. Your website is likely a static page that has information about your location, your phone number, the food or drinks that you have, and perhaps a few pictures of your restaurant layout and furniture. This is a good start, but you need to do more, and blogging is the answer. (more…)

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Restaurant Safety Tips – Fire

No ire image - by Kriss Szkurlatowski

In previous posts we discussed the importance of design on the success of the restaurant. But there is another aspect that many people don’t think about too often: Safety.

We all want to think nothing bad will ever happen but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prepared for it in case it does. And we do hope it doesn’t.

So here is an important post about an unpleasant subject that we all need to keep in mind at all times, and even more so when restaurants are involved.

Restaurants are some of the most fire hazardous places in the world, especially in the kitchen. The fact that a restaurant is usually a busy place with many costumers makes it even more dangerous.  That’s why it’s very important to install fire extinguishing systems in all restaurants.

The importance of the restaurant seating layout in a case of a fire

If you’re a restaurant owner you must realize that the way you design your restaurant seating layout, as well as the placement of the other restaurant furniture, could be a matter of life and death. First of all, to ensure a safe way out if a fire starts, make absolutely sure that the path to the restaurant’s main door isn’t blocked by anything! You must realize that when a fire breaks loose and the fire alarm starts ringing, people usually panic and seek the way out of the burning structure. Therefore you must ensure a clear, safe path for them to do so!

Wood and Fire don’t mix (more…)

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Get your customers to come back

The recession is hurting many businesses, including restaurants. Losing customers can severely hurt any restaurant, but with a few changes, you can draw them back and keep them coming for more. Customers want a place that has a comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff. The two things a restaurant must offer are great food and great service at great prices. Before you start cutting staff, try these tips.

  1. Offer coupons. Coupons can really pull some people into your restaurant. Ruby Tuesday sent BOGO coupons in the mail and had people come in just to use the coupon. This was effective because it allowed customers to dine with someone and save money. If you’re near a campus, offer student discounts. If you don’t already, advertise new military or senior citizen discounts. You can also partner with another business in the area and allow them to offer coupons to your restaurant if they use that business’s services. (more…)
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Feng Shui and Restaurant Furniture

This is the last part of our Feng Shui Tips (for now) and this time the main focus is on the restaurant furniture and their placement.

Basically, using Feng Shui can make your restaurant more inviting, welcoming, and pleasant for customers to dine in useing both the laws of Heaven and Earth to help improve life and atmosphere by receiving positive Qi which means “life energy”. Furniture are an integral part of Feng Shui. Colors, materials, and furniture are all going to change the dining experience in your restaurant.

The entrance to your restaurant is considered the Mouth of Qi. What you have near the restaurant entrance and what is visible by the entrance will affect your Feng Shui. The entrance should be vibrant and easy to find and access. The style of your restaurant needs to match the energy of your cuisine and the dining experience you’re offering. The signage and menus should use colors and styles that convey that to your customers.

Tables should not be near doorways or between access routes to the restrooms, kitchen, or back areas. This makes moving about difficult and dampens the experience. Toilets and restrooms should not be visible from the entrance way. You must think of the visual clues customers expect when they first walk into your restaurant. The restrooms are not one of them.

For your restaurant seating layouts, find a way to maximize comfort, mobility, and capacity. Your restaurant seating should mix different items like booths, bar stools, and tables to create an atmosphere of versatility and comfort. When placing chairs and tables, take care to notice the distance between a chair and the next table. There should be enough room for two people to pass by without bumping into furniture. A person should also be able to sit without being grazed by other customers walking past. (more…)

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Using Feng Shui Colors in Your Restaurant

In the previous post, Feng Shui for restaurants, I wrote about several things that you can do to improve your restaurant’s atmosphere and appeal. This time I want to focus on colors.

Colors are especially meaningful even when it comes to food. People assign meaning to colors through cultural experiences. Colors also have energies that express different emotions and evoke different feelings in people.

When looking to use feng shui to find new colors for your restaurant, take time to understand what type of cuisine works well with certain types of colors. You should use warm colors for the interior of your restaurant and menu and a yellow-based lighting instead of a blue-based lighting. Yellow and warm colors bring more light and positive energy to your dining area. These colors also encourage appetite.

The colors for your restaurant should match the type of dining experience you’re offering. If it’s a family-style restaurant, have colors that attract not only the parents, but the kids as well. Restaurants with lots of tie and suit clientele should focus on sleek colors that reflect functionality and formality. Romantic restaurants should use lots of warm colors with heightened emphasis on reds, pinks, and whites. (more…)

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