Restaurant Survives Despite Opening Same Month That Recession Began

Nov. 2, 2009 - PRLog -- (Baltimore, MD)-- According to the National Bureau of Economic Research the current recession began in December of 2007.  That was the same month that Ciao Pizza Bistro, first opened its doors to visitors of the mixed-use development Quarry Lake at Greenspring in Baltimore, MD.  With their space's lease signed at the height of the real estate bubble and elevated rents, it became clear that the odds were stacked against the Italian bistro concept.  Despite the grim forecast, Ciao became a local favorite. Although the restaurant has survived in these challenging times, Ciao continues to feel the burden of lagging sales. Amid new reports of a strengthening economy, Ciao's optimistic owner is now more motivated than ever to persevere.  

"The truth is that the recession has taken a big bite out of our original bottom line projections, but we're empowered knowing we have weathered this storm and are stronger and more confident knowing we did," says owner Gennaro DiBenedetto.  Ciao is focusing their attention on new marketing and advertising initiatives hoping to drive guest loyalty, build their guest base and increase sales while promoting and enhancing Ciao's brand image.  The initiatives include new varying monthly events, a loyalty-building email marketing program, a snail mail monthly newsletter (for guests without internet) and various forms of social media marketing. Their revamped website debuted today at http://www.ciaopizzabistro.com/ and will provide guests and potential visitors with a more enhanced glimpse of the restaurant's unique personality and style.  

The updated look of the website creates a clearer brand recall impression for guests who have visited Ciao and experienced the warm and inviting environment. The site provides a taste of the restaurant's food and ambiance using new color schemes and user-friendly links helping the customer to easily navigate throughout the site.  New features include a VIP E-Club sign-up form, submission of guest reviews and the future ability to make reservations online through their collaboration with the popular online reservation site OpenTable (http://www.opentable.com). This feature will be available by the end of November.  Guests can also check in for current promotions and submit their comments or questions. Monthly newsletters will be posted that discuss topics like the healthy benefits of family dining, local news and events and much more.

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About Ciao Pizza Bistro
Ciao Pizza Bistro is a family-owned Italian restaurant located in the Quarry Lake at Greenspring development in Baltimore, MD. Ciao provides an atmosphere bright with natural light and warm vintage touches that make their interior truly unique. With emphases on excellent food, superior service, and genuine value, Ciao Pizza Bistro's mission is to exceed their guest’s expectations on every plate, at every table and with each meal time after time. For more information, visit: http://www.ciaopizzabistro.com

About the Owners
Husband and wife team Gennaro and Stefanie DiBenedetto are partners in MONTE Restaurant Development Group where Gennaro takes the lead on menus and back of house operations and Stefanie designs the marketing collateral and web sites (along with running her own business Shagbag, http://www.shopshagbags.com). The Group now owns ten restaurants in Maryland and Virginia. For more information about MONTE, please visit http://www.monterdg.com/.