Do you have examples of restaurant and cafe blogs?

I've been building a list of them over the last two years, and it's still a very small number. Not foodie blogs, which are endless, but industry people.

One I discovered last month is Pilu, from a great Italian restaurant. I like it because they stick to photos with just a few words - how easy!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Russ Reynolds on March 22, 2008 at 12:24am

Now..if only they had an email sign up or an RSS feed. They could be building a real permission asset there!

Permalink Reply by Ken Burgin on March 22, 2008 at 12:54am

Wooohhh - now you're really pushing things...RSS - give a chef a break!

Actually, I just checked and if you scroll way down the bottom there's a link to the blog feed. I'm sure the position of it is a formatting option in Blogger, but most people don't get that far...

Permalink Reply by Judy "the foodie" Asman on March 26, 2008 at 9:47am

I like it. Excellent post, Ken. Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Nathan on March 27, 2008 at 4:17pm

Ken - Fohboh Member Tony runs the Visions restaurant. He's big into new media... even has twitter and other fancy tech on his site/blog.

Check it: Visions Restaurant

Permalink Reply by Judy "the foodie" Asman on July 29, 2008 at 9:20am

Ken, I've been giving this concept a lot of thought lately. I've seen one blog hosted by a tea house/ tea shop here in Orange County, Calif. but can't seem to find it now.

This is something I'd love to try for my clients as I see how well it's worked for me and other consultants I highly respect.

I can sense the sheepishness within the restaurant industry to give this concept a whirl. I mean, afterall, who wants to be the ginny pig?

I'd love for discussion to happen within this forum to research and identify ways that we know will make restaurant blogs effective. And what will define "effective?" Some things we won't know, and I supposed the answers will come through trial and error—as is the norm when using the Web for marketing.

Permalink Reply by Ken Burgin on July 29, 2008 at 3:23pm

Hi Judy - I think 'writer paralysis' is a part of it - 'what could I say that would be interesting??'. My brother helps his clients (different industry) start blogging by coaching them and writing the start of entries, mainly around their weekly calendar and funny things that happen. Once they get the hang of it, they're off - like riding a bike.

Chris Brogan has given us 50 easy topics on what to include in a newsletter or blog. His blog is worth following for this forum...

Permalink Reply by Ken Burgin on July 29, 2008 at 3:08pm

Matching website and blog (belt & shoes?)... One of my members just sent me his great resort website, and he's neatly incorporated a blog to keep the information fresh and up-to-date - see http://www.aquavue.com.au/best-cafe.html

Permalink Reply by Judy "the foodie" Asman on July 29, 2008 at 5:16pm

Thanks, for the tips and the matching blog/Web site, Ken.

I really like how the Aquevue blog presents the bay area as a destination resort from a personal perspective. It goes beyond talking about the cafe, while still leaving me intrigued on both the eatery and the area in general. Oh and how I love dolphins!

Permalink Reply by Judy "the foodie" Asman on July 29, 2008 at 5:20pm

Thanks, Joe, very nice and thanks for joining the group!

Telluride is sooo beautiful. I went there once about 10 years ago and flailed all over the place while I snowboarded. Silly me.

I really like how Dave's blog has fantastic photos that tell a story with little need for narration.

Permalink Reply by Irene Levy Baker on November 21, 2008 at 6:10am

Ken: www.alisonatbluebell.wordpress.com is a great restaurant blog. It's about the process of opening a new restaurant - from choosing the chef to picking fabric for the chairs. Disclosure: I ghost-write it for the chef/owner. All of the information is hers - we discuss it and then I write it up and post it for her. It's been a wonderful way to ensure two-way communications with her customers.

I just joined Fohboh yesterday and this is my first comment. If you have any questions about Chef Alison Barshak's blog for her newly-opened second restaurant, Alison two, just let me know.

Permalink Reply by Ken Burgin on November 21, 2008 at 11:11am

Nice work with the blogging and use of Flickr. And a smart operator to use a 'ghost' to make sure the words reach the screen...keep it up! Do you also have a matching Facebook and Twitter presence?

Permalink Reply by Irene Levy Baker on November 21, 2008 at 12:01pm

We do not have a Facebook or Twitter accounts. Yet! We do have websites: www.alisonatbluebell.com and alisontwo.com and regularly publish email newsletters linking to them.

That being said, I do think there are a lot of opportunities for restaurants using not only blogging but also facebook, my space, twitter and other social networking sites. They allow you to reach your audience directly.

Normally, you pitch a story (restaurant opening, new prix fixe, pumpkin martini recipe, whatever ) to the press. The reporter may pick up your story. His story may make your key points - and it may not. Social media allows you to get your story directly to customers AND potential customers. Plus, it's free. It doesn't get any better than that!