The first week was good, the second week was gangbusters with a conference that was in town. Thanksgiving week....well, let's just say that next year I'll probably close and go visit my kids. It was completely dead. I opened on Friday on the advice from one of my staff members who insisted the Bayou Classic would bring hoardes of people into the area. True dat....but they all ate at Popeyes and McDonalds. Brunch on Saturday was nice and steady.
Opened this Monday to a very nice day, busier than the previous two Mondays. Yesterday was horrid weather and a power outage which affected business. Today is cold for down here and I'm very slow. We did have our first two bike deliveries today!!
I worry about paying the leases and rents. I send staff home when I see it's not busy enough to have them all. Lou comes in to help rather than have staff on the payroll.
Advertising is one of the biggest expenses. But, I have to advertise, so I do. I have some nice steady customers already ( a very nice group of coast guarders, usually 5 at a time), some office people from around the corner, hotel people, etc)... but I'd like to be busy everyday.
I get a bit discouraged when I have a dead day. I know the area is wonderful, everyone says so. I just have to be patient for the word of mouth factor to take effect.
I think of ways to improve sales, other than promotions. I may actually open later and stay open longer. I may open on Sundays.. I know if I can just make it to Mardi Gras I'll be alright, but I worry about everything in the mean time.
I know the food is great, I hear that all the time. I know the place looks great, because I hear that too. I just need more asses in the seats.
Consistently, that is... The busy days are great, I just need more of them.