Restaurant Trade Area Research

Looking for revenue anywhere they can get it in this new normal - politicians in Omaha put a 2.5% tax on restaurant diners - forcing them to drive to other communities to avoid the tax.  http://www.ketv.com/r/25247993/detail.html

New Chicken Taco at Church’s Chickent - http://www.restaurantnews.com/churchs-chicken-on-the-go-with-the-new-crispy-chicken-taco/ - nice brand extension here for `on-the-go’ targeting too (did I see a burrito now offered at Hardee’s in Woodstock Ga?).

Wingstop Reaches 29 Consecutive Quarters of Positive Comp Store Sales  - http://www.restaurantnews.com/wingstop-reaches-29-consecutive-quarters-of-positive-comp-store-sales/

Will Arby’s and Wendy’s increase prices? - http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/10/01/are-wendys-and-arbys-going-to-beef-up-menu-prices/ – kinda a strange article to me as any beef price increases would certainly hit everyone.

Speaking of beef - Regional Chains Feed Hunger For Burgers - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38420989/ns/business-local_business/

From the in-case you missed it file - McDonald’s sss up 4.9% in August - http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-posts-strong-global-comparable-sales-august-up-4-9/

More about my services at www.squidoo.com/tradeareasurveys

My research at fast food restaurants has shown that it takes a `certain’ level - generally - for customers to say `I use this restaurant/brand the MOST’. And, even in the new normal of the Great Recession, that level is around once a week usage. Only about 1 in 5 customers don’t offer a FF restaurant they use most often when asked. A loyalty - often felt with justification and pride almost. “they are the friendliest here” “they know me here” “this is super convenient for me”.

Sometimes, operators need to literally `look’ for ways to develop that special relationship with their customer base. And, once again, ways exist around the margin to create that `special user’ - to develop a loyalty. And, here’s just one example (I have more) - let’s say your restaurant is one of those that likes to advertise or position later summer hours - how about a special `bounceback loyalty card’ that is ONLY given to customers AFTER 10 and for use ONLY after 10? The night-owl club. 20% all summer for those `special folks’ who visit after ten.

Occupying that special place for customers - generating loyalty - almost a must in today’s competitive environment.

Restaurant Links for today:

Wingstop Reaches 25 Consecutive Quarters of Positive Comp Sales - http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS111102+12-Oct-2009+BW20091012

Darden net income up, sales down in 1Q -http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2009/09/28/daily24.html Including Red Lobster off by nearly 8%.

Food Fight: Franchisees Caught in the Middle - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125492481356270841.html Important read of three minutes.

UPDATE 1-Ruby Tuesday posts higher profit - http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSN0739123320091007 However, sales were off 3%.

Sales meetings at YOUR store? It’s working for Panera Bread
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