Category Archives: Business Insights

News & observations on the business climate for restaurants, hotels and markets. Exploring business opportunities, unique business concepts, and tips on gaining market share.

Do You Have a Reservation?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 26, 2010
Driving home one day I noticed a cute new restaurant that had just opened in my neighborhood and I made plans to try it out. A few days later I arrived around 6 pm ready to savor their atmosphere, cuisine and alcoholic beverages. Stepping in, I noticed the place had a full bar and also [...]
Posted in Business Insights | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What is ‘Cause Marketing’ and Why Should I Care?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 22, 2010
According to Wikipedia, cause marketing or cause-related marketing refers to a type of marketing involving the cooperative efforts of a “for profit” business and a non-profit organization for mutual benefit. Do you have a special area of interest, such as saving the whales, that you’d like to promote? If so, cause marketing is an ideal [...]
Posted in Business Insights | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Why You Should Consider Using a Consultant When Getting a Liquor License

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 20, 2010
A recent article in the Washington Post illustrates why it’s important to have qualified representation when you file for your city zoning permits and your alcoholic beverage applications. Most neighborhoods empower community boards to ensure that residents rights are protected, which is a good thing. However, community activists are increasingly placing major roadblocks in the [...]
Posted in Business Insights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How the iPod May Revolutionize the Restaurant Business

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 16, 2010
iPod’s aren’t just about music anymore. There are two guys from Canada who think they can start a revolution in the restaurant industry using the device. Michael Benaroch and Emanuel Vintila, owner of Cluster Systems and Technologies, are now selling point-of-sale terminals to restaurants using an iPod Touch. Waiters enter the order on the iPod, [...]
Also posted in How To, Technology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Should a Sommelier Taste Your Wine Before You Do?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 13, 2010
A recent article in the New York Times reminded me of one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever experienced. I was on vacation in Vancouver B.C. and, not having made reservations, I found myself ducking into an unknown restaurant that, from the exterior, looked charming enough. My partner and I surveyed the menu and [...]
Posted in Business Insights | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Confessions of a Cook Turned Restaurant Entrepreneur

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 9, 2010
After fifteen years working as a chef in other people’s restaurant,  George Mendes opened his New York restaurant, Aldea, specializing in Portuguese food. He is at his restaurant for every service, lunch and dinner, six days a week. After one year in business, here are some of his insights for success: always satisfy the customer [...]
Posted in Business Insights | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Need a Fixed Bar to Serve Your Customers Cocktails?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 8, 2010
Answer: No. All you really require is a competent bartender, a state issued full liquor license and a portable bar. Bingo, you’re now offering your customers a full complement of alcoholic beverages. If your restaurant is too small to accommodate a fixed bar, the table-side cocktail service is made to order. “When you don’t have [...]
Also posted in Trends | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can a “Local Drink” Philosophy Make Your Customers Happy?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 7, 2010
The locavore, or local food, movement is all about eating local meats and produce. The idea is to eat food that is fresher and doesn’t have to travel great distances, making the dining experience greener. Locally produced craft beer and locally made wines are, of course, the natural complements to the local food movement. One [...]
Also posted in Trends | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Important are ‘Word of Mouth’ Recommendations to Your Restaurant or Bar?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 6, 2010
According to a consumer survey conducted during May and June by Market Force Information, the answer is simple. Critical. The results also confirm social media’s increasingly critical role in communicating with restaurant patrons. About half now indicate that they sometimes read online reviews and blog and tweet about restaurants. “Very satisfied” customers — those giving [...]
Also posted in Technology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are Celebrity Bartenders the Next Big Thing?

By Jon Mejia | Published: July 5, 2010
Do you remember Tom Cruise in Cocktail? Well, it seems that at least in New York, reality is now mimicking fiction. Bye-bye celeb karaoke DJ and hello Celebrity Bartender! I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make. Cocktail At selected bars around New York, bartender’s who have developed a following are encouraged to place [...]
Also posted in Trends | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment