CeCe's Page

Thanks Paul!
The best part is....each one of those titles belongs to its own personality! I'm "Multi-faceted"! lol !
I truly hope my post helps others. The best part of my "Internet Marketing Experiment Project" was that my results were accomplished with a Marketing Budget of $0 ! I used my home computer (we DO have a POS System & Internet access at the restaurant) and donated my off hours! I just systematically went to each site listed in the search results for our restaurant on the major search engines, exploring each aspect of our business (product & services). My epiphany was this: Even if you are not talking about yourself on the Internet, someone else is!

What I got most from your post is that you have a very sharp mind; and I like and respect that! So a compliment from you means ALOT to me! Thanks again.
Have a great day, Paul!
CeCe

Sorry, Howard, I'm experiencing some glitches in my internet explorer program on this site for some reason today. Thank you for the invite, and I'm honored to have you as a friend! I truly believe that friends make good food taste great! I sincerely am looking forward to getting some feedback from other professionals in our industry. Personally, preparing delicious dishes for our wonderful customers / friends is my passion. They always are so appreciative and give us rave reviews! BUT..... (I almost feel as though this topic is taboo, but I have to go there anyway.) I am desperately seeking ideas to bring more customers in, or existing customers back more often! With the economy as bad as it is right now, we've seen a 30% to 40% slump in our gross sales since August '08. We have had one or two new restaurants open in the area, and we did experience the typical 6 week pinch while folks tried out the new place in town. But, our loyal customers came back as the novelty wore off. So, we honestly can't attribute the decline in sales to our welcome competition. Our food distributors here in Central Florida tell us restaurants are closing up at a very alarming rate due to the economy. We have a top notch serving staff- VERY sweet and friendly girls, who know no strangers; only friends they haven't met yet! We really can't do Early Bird Specials due to the fact 40% of our customer base is retirees who eat early (that would put us out of business in no time!) Our cuisine is Italian, Greek, and Pizza, seafood, pasta, wings, gyros, grinders; and we serve lunch and dinner. (see menu @ www.foodfinder.net) I've been blanketing the internet listing sites, etc. Thought about an off-the-menu Chef's Special feature changing weekly. PLEASE- ANY AND ALL IDEAS for marketing are welcome. I have a lovely staff- they are like family. Due to local lay-offs in the area, at least half of my employees are the only bread winners in their homes right now, and some have small children. Pride aside, I have to do whatever it takes to stay open, for them! Thank you sincerely- with a full & heavy heart, CeCe