Trans-fat bans, foie gras suspensions, nutrition information required on menus; do any of these topics push your buttons? The National Restaurant Association has just created a new place for you to discuss your concerns, express your opinions, and make your voice heard. This new group is called the Restaurant Action Network, and here’s what the NRA says on the site’s homepage:
“The Restaurant Action Network is a political advocacy program that NRA members use to help represent the interests of the restaurant community at all levels of government.”
At their new site, you can find out what political issues are affecting the hospitality industry, read the facts, and discover ways to take action. There are even “legislator scorecards” to give you an idea of how your state and national representatives vote on the issues that matter to you. It only takes a minute to sign up (though if anyone from the NRA reads this, I sort of resented having to choose a prefix), and you’ll be up-to-speed on all the latest political news in the restaurant world.
And now I’m switching topics to give a big virtual “high five” to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. (This info came to my attention in an NRA email highlighting an article in the Boston Herald.)
Fleming’s has come up with a great way to draw in budget-conscious customers who are still looking for a great meal: recipe suggestions for leftovers. (Now, maybe this is “old hat” for some, but I’ve honestly never heard of such a practice.) Each to-go bag includes a note signed by the chef, directing the patron to a website dedicated to putting those leftovers to use—and probably getting a second really great meal out of them. And their leftover recipes are anything but boring: Spicy Thai Beef Noodles with a Cilantro, Mint, and Ginger Sauce, anyone? As a bonus for Fleming’s, this secondary site will increase their brand recognition and probably generate traffic to their main website as well. That could all lead to more repeat customers and even some new ones.
And while I’m a fan of small portions, the thought of giving leftovers a fresh taste is making me reconsider, especially when I’ll be getting two meals for the price of one. Oh, and here’s another bonus—if I want to show my true foodie colors and come up with my own recipe for leftovers, Fleming’s invites me to post it on their site. (Sweet!)
What other marketing ideas have worked for you or someone you know, especially in tough economic times? Please post them below.
