Successful Restaurant Websites

We just love these happy stories.  This article discusses how restaurants have taken advantage of social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and more, to connect with customers.  How else these days can you market to your customers one-on-one for free?  These restauranteurs leverage the benefits of social networking sites to great success.

“If people can really look to all the different options that Myspace and Facebook have, they can find so many opportunities to promote their business,” said Arturo Barajas.

Barajas owns Mosaic Tapas bar in Ocean Springs. He uses several sites, from Facebook, Myspace, High Five to Spanish-language sites.

He created a profile on each site, and started connecting with customers before his business even opened. Now, he stays in contact with over two thousand potential customers, and he lets them know what’s happening at his restaurant.  Barajas said the tool is extremely valuable to his small business.

“We have to think about ways to make the best out of what we have,” Barajas said.

Barajas gives the social networking sites alot of credit for the success of his business.”

Social Web Sites Pack Big Punch For Some Businesses

The modern business must have a Web presence that communicates its brand and basic information to target audiences. Despite that 89% of Internet users research restaurants online, thousands of restaurants still have little or no online presence. It’s essential that restaurants develop and maintain a basic website. You may say that your business does not need a website, that it’s too expensive or you don’t have time to create or maintain it. But when the purpose of a website is to deliver value to your customers, who in turn generate business, a website is essential. In the same way you satisfy customers when they visit your restaurant, you should satisfy their informational needs online. For the restaurant owner or manager, there are many benefits of having a website. Here are a few:

1. To generate awareness, exposure and extend your brand.

Your website lets people know who you are and gives potential customers a feel for your restaurant, menu and atmosphere. You also have the opportunity to demonstrate to customers why your restaurant is the right choice for them. Remember, first impressions count. A smart, simple design will help you convey the professional-yet-appealing image you want.

You have options when it comes to creating a website. The least expensive method is to (of course) do it yourself. With some software, a reference guide or two, and your dedication, a person with basic computer skills can have a simple website up within a week or less. You may also decide to use a single provider who can handle everything from domain registration and renewal to hosting, site design, development and maintenance. Be sure to ask them if they use search Engine Optimization best practices when they build their sites and if they will help improve the search results placement of your site once it launches.

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UK hospitality company Caterersearch.com will announce the winners of its inaugural hospitality website awards on November 17. The nominees for independent restaurant websites are ethical fine dining restaurant Alimentum, Andrew Fairlie at the Gleneagles Resort, and Sam’s Brasserie.

Some quick initial thoughts:

While the Alimentum homepage is cluttered and doesn’t present a clear path through the information, we like how their rotating ‘food for thought’ feature introduces visitors to their values and vision in an informative and attractive way.

The Andrew Fairlie site is sexy but has some slightly confusing navigation elements and is sure to drive visitors completely bananas with its looong intro and soundtrack.  Then again, maybe it loads more quickly if you’re in Scotland.  A general comment to web designers around the world:  Spare me the closeup photos of a napkin rings.   They’re just silly.

We thought Sam’s video piece on the homepage gave a really nice feel for the restaurant and took no time to load.   We also liked their use of quotes and the prominent contact/map information at the top of the page.

Who do you think should win?