Restaurants Alternative to Living Social and Groupon

Jan. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- Sarasota, FL
There is nothing worse than an empty restaurant. Ask any restauranteur and they will tell you there can never be too many customers, unless it’s at a loss. The past few years have brought new ways for restaurants to find new customers, but was it at a profit or a loss? And what was the long-term relationship with these short-term, discounted minded consumers? I am referring to, you guessed it, the Living Social and Groupon discounts. We are creating a society of “buy only where there are discounts” instead of creating brand loyalty. The economy in the past few years has been prime opportunity for deal seekers and was great timing for the Living Socials, Groupons and countless other deals and discounts that have sprung up. In this age of digital media, Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Four Square and countless other social sites, restaurants are at a loss as to how to find new customers and create brand loyalty. The typical buyer only spends the amount on the deal and restaurants have to rely on those who don’t show up to make any money on their promotion. That is counter-intuitive to the purpose of bringing consumers into the establishment. Even Living Social has stepped up to it’s own plate and is in the beta stage with Living Social Plus, which still relies heavily on discounts and the businesses giving up a substantial portion of their profits to get customers in the door. There are countless articles about how these deeply discounted deals do drive business in, but at a substantial loss for the business. No amount of volume will make up for the majority of consumers that buy the deals and force the business owner to take a loss just to get consumers in the door.

With a new year comes new opportunity. Destination Cuisine, a new model for restaurants, gourmet shoppes and travel related activities will soon be announcing an alternative to the deep discounts. Forging new territory in response to business owners disgruntled attitudes and uncertain future, Destination Cuisine will provide a clear and concise model through the use of technology that will bring a natural progression of new customers and gain repeat business, all at a profit. Using technology to gain the customers, while at the same time putting the business owner in control of their profits makes for a win-win for both short and long term sustainability. The best part of the business model is that it is low cost and relies heavily on businesses participating in the new food and travel culture that has unlimited free opportunities for cross promotions. Essentially it allows businesses to do what they do best, whether it’s a bakery, restaurant or zip lining through the rainforest in Costa Rica, there will soon be a way for businesses and consumers to connect, whether it is discount driven or interest-related. Destination Cuisine plans to launch in early 2012 and encourages businesses needing profitable customers to sign up for the launch at http://destinationcuisine.com. Submitted by Laura Raymond, President, Destination Cuisine. For more information info@destinationcuisine.com or call (941) 809-2012.

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Destination Cuisine is your one way ticket to the best recipes, restaurants, chef competitions, destination dining, travel and dining discounts, gourmet shopping and more. This new, interactive site searches everything food and travel and launches January 2012. Sign up now for the launch at http://destinationcuisine.com or visit our blog at http://destinationcuisine.com/MyDestinationCuisine.com/