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

Fresh, To go or eat in, seasonal, and if local then definitely use that.

The other key thing is to get your customers to go out there and rate you on things like Yelp, Four Square, Google, Trip Advisor, etc. I use these when traveling and I love to find places like yours - getting pictures posted as well as sample menus (with pricing) usually is a plus for me.

 
Glossy postcards with shop logo, photo, hours, number, distributed at local B&Bs/hotels?

Are you in Rocheport, Dawn? For some reason, I keep thinking I know where you're talking about--if it's within two hours' drive of Columbia, I've probably been there. (I did my M.A. at Mizzou.) smileys/smile.gif

 
I think Eat-in would be a good idea to include with To Go, if I just see To go I might think

it's only take-out and I might want to sit a'spell.

 
Make sure to put your phone number on the marquee, and see if

you can encourage some customers to give you a few good starter ratings/reviews on Yelp. Many people use this to find a spot to eat while traveling in unfamiliar areas.

 
Can you set up an old washtub filled with ice and pre-made sandwiches downstairs?

Might be a way to snag the folks that don's mosey upstairs--which is probably 60% of their foot traffic. I'd add a sign, join us upstairs for made to order sandwiches and salads. (or something like that.)

Also, have you put an A-frame sign on the street? I'd put one going in both directions...about 1/4 to 1/2 mile before the entrance (so people have time to slow down.)

Is there a Chamber of Commerce that promotes the area? Perhaps you could take them a party tray so they can sample your goods and know you make good stuff...then recommend you. (I knew a cookbook author who took in a bunch of samples to the entire publishing office. This way the people on the business end of selling her book had a better idea what it was about, the flavors, and were more passionate about it. Genius!)

Also, where are all these people staying? Any cute B&B places? I'd get to know them too so they could say something like, "If you're headed out of town, hit the antique market, and be sure to try the Upstairs Cafe. Their food is remarkable."

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top