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Start your own viral marketing right here
September 7, 2008
Where is the innovation in our industry?
It's out in the markets, happening quietly at the "mom and pop" or the "small team of friends" level. One unit at a time, in small stores and empty spaces left behind by the tired outlets of companies which could no longer compete. Innovation is in the niche markets wedged between the old segments, waiting to burst forward in 2009.
At least I hope it is, and I want to hear about it.
Because it seems that many of our best, but mature, industry leaders have let innovation die in favor of the lowest common denominator of menus that all look alike, and trade dress that is barely distinctive, and advertising that is merely derivative of something done before.
I don't need to tell you the names of the fallen. Instead I would like to hear about the concepts of tomorrow that are growing in your neighborhoods. Including the one you have started and have gotten right.
So, here's an offer to start the new season of the American restaurant business. It's Fall 2008, the kids are back in school, the presidential election campaign is in full swing, and everyone wants to talk about "Change."
If you've started a "hot" restaurant concept that you think is ready to be "vetted" before it bursts on to the scene (please make sure you've at least licensed your name and logo before you brag!) or you know of one that is on your radar as a great new place that you'd like to plug, scroll down to the Comments section below, and tell us all why you think that this one will beat the odds. Include a website address so we can see what you've got!
Start your own viral marketing campaign right here.
Innovation is happening, at least I hope it is, and I want to hear about it.
Posted by Chris Muller on September 7, 2008 | Comments (5)
In response to: Start your own viral marketing right here
Smita commented:
In 2005 we opened 'Saffron Spot', an ice cream ans snack shop in Artesia, CA. We make our own brand of ice cream (Neemo's Exotic Ice Cream) and are well known for our ice cream and variety of Indian desserts like Kulfi and Malai Gola. Our ice cream flavors range from saffron and pistachio to to fruit flavors such as guava, chikoo (sapote) and jackfruit, which are all my own creations. We have pleased the most discriminating taste buds! You can google our name and see what people have to say about us. We are getting many requests for franchising. America, especially California is such a melting pot and people appreciate a variety of tastes and cuisines. You can check out our website at www.saffronspot.com
In response to: Start your own viral marketing right here
Nancy commented:
Several years ago I came up with a new food called "Pizzania" - a unique blend of pizza and lasagna. It started out as a product for our teenagers but soon everyone wanted some. We recently trademarked the name and just 6 months ago launched a business called NK Foods to market it. Sysco Corp. picked it up as a food service item and it is now being sold in restaurants, to caterers, schools, ski areas, etc. here in the northeast. The current version is meat, made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and lots of mozzarella cheese. It is superb! We've since had many requests for a veggie Pizzania, which is now in the works and will be available later this month, and more Pizzania branded products are on the drawing board. You can check out our website at www.pizzania.com.
In response to: Start your own viral marketing right here
Muller commented:
Great Start! Thanks to both Pizzania and the Safron Spot, both very interesting, and innovative ideas. Visit the websites!
In response to: Start your own viral marketing right here
Leslie Tillmann commented:
Thanks for the opportunity! I have a related new business, www.ColorWayArt.com, which is art prints for hospitality installations. Art is available in various colors, sizes and scale to order. Hope you can use it!
In response to: Start your own viral marketing right here
Dinersfeedback.com commented:
lol .. There is innovation in our industry but its not all about food .. Dinersfeedback.com lets restaurant owners connect with diners . Its not a review site like Yelp . Its the best way to get feedback from diners .