They learned long ago that customers are,  for the most part, unwilling to speculate with their hard-earned dollars on menu items they aren’t familiar with.

Accordingly, many have been slow to explore and espouse the opportunities available in the Social Media arena.

Jeffrey Kingman spoke  about the possibilities at  Portland State University’s Digital Marketing Conference Ignite presentations.

(Ignite presentations explained HERE.)

See also the links to the others who spoke at the conference. They are listed below the two videos.

The possibilities seem endless, and the task daunting, but, they are indeed the future.

Let me give an example:

While in Boston with friends, doing museums, lunch time approached and one of the group pulled out her phone and asked what kind of food we were wanting.  After consensus was reached, she manipulated her phone for a minute and had a well regarded review of a nearby restaurant, directions to it, the menu, prices, and made a reservation.

If your restaurant isn’t in that loop – you haven’t a chance at that business.
FohBoh has a great community of food service professionals that I have found to be very willing to offer help and advice for those of us that want to explore social networking/marketing.

Here are a few terms with links that you will find helpful:  (if I can be helpful, just call).

SEO

Guerrilla Marketing (VERY budget friendly)

Social Media

Videos Always helpful

On a recent trip our group was in front of the art Museum in Chicago trying to decide where to eat. One IT savvy member used her cell phone to locate pizza places within 3 miles. The results led to menus, directions, reviews, transportation alternatives, and ratings.

That was then.

This is now

The above video features QR codes.

It’s a pretty good bet we will be seeing these everywhere very soon.

Here’s a link to Googles page about getting a “Favorite Places” decal.