Quote:
Originally Posted by laketrout
... Do people know the failure rate of restaurants, it is pretty high & add to that a crap economy.
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You do need to be careful about turning business away. Many years ago, a former GF and I went to a small new restaraunt in Amherst. We did not realise this place was going with the "Formal Dining" style and while we were dressed nice, we definitly did not meet their standard. Since we were at the door before we saw the small sign advising something about 'formal wear required,' and it didn't look crowded, we went in anyway.
The place was 1/2 to 2/3's empty but the hostess (perhaps thinking she had a polite phrasing for throwing us out) advised us that 'all space was reserved for the evening and they could not accomodate us today.' Unfortunatly she said it loud enough for everyone in the dining room heard and most looked over and apeared to be uncomfortable.
This was the 3rd or 4th place to try "Formal Dining" in this area. None of them lasted 6 months. You do take a risk for being too exclusive. Even if the people who visit you meet your target market they may wish to dine out at times that they don't. That is a lot of missed business.
I'm glad I'm only a customer and just get to pick where I want to go, not need to guess what atmosphere potential diners are looking for today.