Restaurants and Institutions

Dennis Lombardi

Win-Win
May 20, 2008

There are two win-wins that seem to be foremost in my thoughts right now. 

The first is that my blog, as you can see, is now on R&I’s site.  I am looking forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with them as well as reaching more of the industry.

The second win-win, could--actually should--involve you and your restaurant(s). 

This second win-win is the Great American Dine Out this September 21st to 28th.

As an industry, we are supporting “Share our Strength,” a charitable organization that desires that no child in the U.S. go hungry. You can contribute a small percentage of sales for the week or a fixed amount; they have a lot of flexibility in their program. Even noncommercial concepts such as college, universities, as well as industrial and office locations can (should) participate.

This is really a win-win: let me cite a few ways that come to my mind.

• In spite of the hard economic times, there are many doing far worse than we.  What better way for our industry to help than help feed children, right in our own neighborhoods, that are now going hungry. 
• Your restaurants have a ready made special event to help build sales in what is typically not a high traffic week.  The more you promote the event, the more you encourage guests to join with you in doing the right thing.  Promote it enough and you will increase your bottom line, in spite of the modest contribution you are making to a great cause.
• You create something that can energize the store managers and crew.  Create a modest prize for the units with the largest positive change in their year over year sales for that week.  Have some fun while creating positive energy around the event and building your own profits.
• You are demonstrating to your customers that you and your brand give back to the community in a way that is visible to each and every guest who visits your restaurant.

So please, do all of us, but more importantly, yourself and some hungry children, a big favor; step up to the plate (pun intended –sorry) for this event. 

Contact  Sheila  Bennett  (Phone 768 333 7384  or  e-mail: Sbennett@strength.org)  to find out details and how you can participate.

Do the right thing; it’s always a win-win.

Posted by Dennis Lombardi on May 20, 2008 | Comments (0)