[FL Italian]

Just recently, here in Orlando, a new restaurant opened in an up and coming downtown location which features a, just opened, 20 screen movie theater and is around the corner from the new Performing Arts Center that is under construction. In essence, a great location to put an upscale restaurant.

The new owners are featuring a predominantly Italian based menu, with a few other twists. They are creating Caesar Salad, table side to give you an idea of the upscale portion of the restaurant. The dishes are also quite inventive (for those who want to look it up... The Black Olive).

What intrigued me the most was the Movie Dinner special. It features a 3 course meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) for $19.95 between 5 & 7 PM. The best part was you could have your appetizer and entree and come back AFTER the movie for your dessert! The beauty of this is that the tab is paid before the guest leaves so the increased profit potential comes after the movie.

If the guest does not return, the money spent on the dessert is now in the restaurant's coffers but if the guest does return, there's the option for additions like coffee, bar drinks, etc. Either way, the restaurant should win out on this one. The uniqueness of the concept will get guests to try it out, bringing them in the front door. The price offered for that type of dinner is also a great bargain, specifically in an upscale location.

I like the creativity and I 'm sure when the Performing Arts Center opens next year, they'll be doing the same with the theater and concert goers. I thought the concept was innovative so thought I'd pass it along. We're all struggling to do business so getting creative and looking at new concepts never hurts! It gets those 'juices' flowing...

[ED BUCHANAN]

FL. iTALIAN

This concept has been done in the NY theater district restaurants for at least 15 years.
I can tell you it does work. Most of them if not used that day give as a bar credit for the next visit within 6 monthes therefore maybe assuring a return visit.

[Gunnar]

its a brilliant idea for sure. wish I had a place to use it in.

[FL Italian]

Originally Posted by ED BUCHANAN

FL. iTALIAN

This concept has been done in the NY theater district restaurants for at least 15 years.
I can tell you it does work. Most of them if not used that day give as a bar credit for the next visit within 6 monthes therefore maybe assuring a return visit.

Just goes to show Ed when your out of an area for 20 years.. nobody tells you anything! However, it's still a great concept. The premise was being creative; not just in the kitchen and how can we think, shall we say, outside the box to get new ways to bring them in the door. There's enough creativity on this forum that someone will come up with another idea..

I do travel to West Palm Ed... we should meet up for coffee one of these days..

[ED BUCHANAN]

Originally Posted by FL Italian

Just goes to show Ed when your out of an area for 20 years.. nobody tells you anything! However, it's still a great concept. The premise was being creative; not just in the kitchen and how can we think, shall we say, outside the box to get new ways to bring them in the door. There's enough creativity on this forum that someone will come up with another idea..

I do travel to West Palm Ed... we should meet up for coffee one of these days..

anytime your in area e= me chefedb60@hotmail.com

[FL Italian]

Ed... I'll do that...

Doug