Okay, here is another way to get ideas. If you had this cafe, what would you do?

[dawn_mo]

This is your virtual cafe. I am upstairs at a trendy decor/antique/diy/outdoor garden stuff business, adjacent to an major antique mall, that sits behind a gas startion that is a major stopping place for travelers, since it is right off a main interstate. People go in the gas station and buy pre-made sandwiches and pizzas. Some of the travelers are tired and want to stretch their legs and wander into the store. I cannot advertise at the gas station, but I do have a large outdoors marquee that I could use. How do I get people in?

What would be the best advertising venue? I know I have a great opportunity, but marketing is what is necessary. Take out picnic lunches, etc. ? I have a great location, however it is upstairs, but they do have an elevator. I know I have a fit here, my customers are so loyal and repeat. How do I get the word out there?

 

[melissa-dallas]

Is the marquee where they'd see it BEFORE they bought the gas station sandwicj?

 

[anna_x]

Yah! Use the marquee to let them know about FRESH sandwiches!

I love your idea of picnic food to go.

 

[cheezz]

How about mentioning a free cookie/brownie with every fresh sandwich

 

[steve2-in-la]

"Two for one" (while they last)

 

[cheezz]

Do you have an online site? You know, where you could post a menu and info.

You could put that on the marquee with 'check our daily specials online at..... Homemade soups, sandwiches, small bites, picnics-to-go'

 

[Paul]

how about quick easy to remember : Eat.at/Dawn_MO

or Eat.at/(insert whatever you want)

 

[joe]

Is it practical to change the marquee daily, with your specials? If not, I still think the marquee

is your best bet. I don't think you need to offer free things, just tell them you're there.

 

[anna_x]

I wish you were along the I-5. We have to go up and down in a couple of weeks.

Your place would be the perfect break.

 

[michael-in-phoenix]

GIMME MO' CAFE - LET GREAT FOOD DAWN ON YOU!

 

[heather_in_sf]

"Fast FRESH hand-carved sandwiches TO GO!"

Also a sandwich board with signs like "fresh salads & warm cookies" "You know you want one"

That would inspire me to miss the gas station ptomaine food!!

 

[dawnnys]

Heather's idea is perfect. Simple, mention FRESH and TO-GO, and I might

even throw "homemade" in there. "Come on in" be too folksy? Would "gourmet" discourage them?

 

[dawnnys]

Cold soda, hot coffee, etc.

 

[angak1]

"Fresh" anything would pull me in. also boxed lunches to go.

 

[Marg CDN]

That's the first thing I thought of as well. The before part

 

[Marg CDN]

and a menu that changes every day. Might get more repeats, give people something to live for.

 

[Marg CDN]

Sorry, just to be clear, I was thinking, hit them with an announcement while they are still on the

road, well before they turn into the station. Give them time to believe that they are hungry.

 

[cheezz]

HA! Means more when you know the backstory, but still cute smileys/smile.gif

 

[mariadnoca]

I agree, the words Fresh and To-Go would get me there.

Time to Eat! Fast Fresh Sandwiches, Soup, Salads To-Go