StayTuned's blog

Gift Card Usage Up in 2010

So maybe there' a trend there. Consumers are using them more so put them in a store. Did you notice that that sentence had a rhyme and if you read the article below you might make an extra dime? Actually, don't get hot under the collar -- you can actually make many a dollar.

While check average is down slightly, people are using those gift cards daily and, well, nightly ......StayTuned!

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Supermarket

So the past several years people have not been eating out so much. So, where do they go? Why of course, they stay home. Not exactly. See.......they FIRST go to the supermarket. So take a few minutes and read about why people do what they do and what they like about their local supermarket. Incorporate that or highlight your restaurant features to better compete.

Remember, the competition is everywhere.......not just restaurants. ......StayTuned!

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Holding the line on pricing?

Coupons, coupons, coupons -- seems like everyone is doing that. I mean who doesn't reduce prices to pull in customers? Well, everyone is not Cracker Barrel. Read how this company held firm on pricing with confidence of what there value is to the customer.

Remember, you are what you think you are worth. Hold onto your view of value. ......StayTuned!

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Ahhhhhhhhhh Could there be a recovery coming?

Well it sure looks like a recovery or people just tired of home cooking -- either way, there is an increase in the numbers for dining out. Yes! So, start thinking about the changes you might need to make soon -- oh sure you should always buy more equipmet -- but we are talking about the capture of market share that you might get.

First, understand what is going on then you can make a move. ......StayTuned!

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If there is enough wind........

OK OK OK........most places don't have the wind for it.....but if you do, consider a wind turnbine. It can save you some energy costs but more importantly it will endear your business with the environmentally friendly crowd -- who like to eat out too!
......StayTuned!

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They are amazing

Technology users - iPhones and all those other device thingee jobbers that everyone else uses are all the rage -- and guess what -- you are missing out if you don't seek them out.

First, those folks that are punching teeny-tin buttons with their thumbs tend to do what? No not buy arthritic meds - They eat out more often than the average person. Hmmmm.

But it won't be like that forever

Sure confidence is down. People are not as optimistic about the future but you need to know that things are likely to change and when they do what do you do?

First, learn about the trends. Then act on them. Here's one -- young adults are going to be going out more when things come around. Yep not the middle aged -- the trendy young ones. Are you poised to win them over? Well, I guess we'll answer that later but for now click below and learn more about the trends
......StayTuned!

Face it - Mom's Rule

First the facts: Mom is staying home more. Mom is not optimistic about the economy also. So what to do? Surveys show that Mom is big on Coupons (read more to see where to place them) and she is huge on value -- Also, Mom is less sweet on sweets but she is more likely to order dessert than a drink and least likely to go for the appetizer.

What to do? Win Mom's heart. Read how to do it!
......StayTuned!

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Salt in your wounds

A big push is in the works by the US federal government to regulate the use of salt in restaurant foods. The National Restaurant Association and others are working diligently on the issue but it still might be a reality.

What can you do at your restaurant? Look now for ways to reduce salt. Plan ahead. Look at menu changes and look at training changes. Keep on top of the issue or else it will be on top of you.

......StayTuned!

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But the news isn't all good

April saw another increase in spending in the industry based on information gathered from credit card transactions. That certainly is a good thing. Keep in mind though that there are a few other pieces of information for you to think about.

First, April was not as good as March. Yes, the rate of growth was not as good.