Margie Tosch's Page

Ty,

Glad you are getting such a great response! Sometimes we just hit the right nerve and everybody stands up and pays attention!

I must say that the response to this piece has been tremendous. Funny how when we step back from the mechanics of what makes our industry tick and get to the (pardon the pun) "heart" of the matter, how we all remember why we are in this crazy business anyway.
Thanks for the great feedback my friend. It's a pleasure being in your company.
Ty

It's been strange here. There is a smattering of closings but I think because the word "recession" was in the wind, people started adjusting early with cutbacks.
We ourselves had no closings, some cut backs (nothing to hardcore) but interestingly enough, our online sales continued to grow! (must be that great marketing, LOL)
We definitely saw a drop in breakfast sales. people seemed to be weighing the "do I eat lunch or breakfast" question. B'fast definitely lost.
I can see it physically on the trains though. Less people traveling, more people bringing lunches/b'fast.
When will it end? Who knows.
Calgon Take Me Away! LOL (oh I dated myself with that reference!)

Hello there Margie!
I got your note about "the subject line" and dropping the name of the article in verses "New Blog Up". You would think that being in marketing I would have caught that, Hahaha!
Thanks for making that point my friend, moving forward you know exactly how I will be sending that out :)
How are things in the wine country this season? Are you seeing major differences with the current financial trends?
Stay in touch!

Hi Margie,
Thanks for your comments and no we are not abandoning the surveys, as you say they have a value for what they provide and we rely on them as a means for folks to provide feedback and make comments. We are looking at ways to have conversations with our guests face to face to get the full impact of their feelings and thoughts. We have all the online and digital means of contact covered and will continue to support those as an important part of the dialogue, but as your article suggests, that one on one interaction is important and shows that you value customer input. Finding the right venue and timing is what we are working on with our loyalty program investigations. The more input we get the better we will be.

Thanks again for your comments.

Truth is stranger than fiction!
Paul

Hi Margie,
Welcome!! With your online experience, I am sure you will find this site both interactive and informative. Enjoy!
Debra