Post #436974 by Bongo Bungalow on Sat, Feb 28, 2009 4:02 AM

As some of you know, I own 12 restaurants, (not tiki), and our sales were up last year and continue to be up. Escapism? Absolutely! But much of our competition is down-- way down. So what's the difference?

1.)My restaurants have a higher "escapism quotient" and, 2.)we are and have always been considered a VALUE. This is very important right now. While national chains and fancy restaurants and bars are scrambling to convince potential guests that they can be a value, our guests are already convinced that we are.

Factors that add to the "escapism quotient"? Themed decor, food and drinks they can't get at home. A strong emphasis on the alcoholic drinks is important.

We are concluding a deal to purchase five more restaurants. Tiki restaurants should be thriving if they are well run. If they aren't, then in times like these, guests will choose others.