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Dining St. Louis: Special Spotlight
New Research Helps Restaurant Operators Plan Ahead to Weather Economic Challenges
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), April 27, 2008 - The National Restaurant Association and Deloitte LLP has released the 2007/2008 Restaurant Industry Operations Report, new research that can help restaurateurs plan ahead and adjust to changing economic conditions. Understanding how to modify budget items, how costs of food/beverages, utilities, labor costs and other items are allocated, and monitoring profit margins in similar operations can give operators and managers an edge when it comes to adapting to a challenging economy.
"As the cost of doing business increases over time and fluctuates over periods, America's restaurants are implementing a number of innovative strategies to adjust to their economic environment," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research and information services for the National Restaurant Association. "By monitoring and adjusting their budgets, restaurant operators can effectively respond to new challenges. For example, under current conditions, operators may want to allocate more to marketing efforts to drive traffic."
Consumers are keeping the restaurant industry in a sustained growth mode, even as overall economic conditions experience a downturn, as dining out is an essential part of Americans' lifestyle. Set for its 17th consecutive year of growth this year, the $558 billion industry is feeling the squeeze of elevated energy and wholesale food prices but is weathering these challenges.
"Elevated gas prices, higher food costs (wholesale and menu), and other factors likely will cause consumers to become more discriminating in their spending," said Steven Steinhauser, Director, Restaurant Industry Practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Nevertheless, consumers continue to demand the variety, convenience, and socialization restaurants provide. The ability of dining establishments to provide customers with an assortment of food and beverage options will be essential to competitive differentiation in the upcoming year."
The Restaurant Industry Operations Report analyzes restaurant-operator income statements based on information collected from more than 700 restaurants nationwide. It includes data on sales, gross profits, operating expenses, seat turnover, employees per seat, pre-tax income and much more. The results are expressed as amounts per seat and as ratios to total sales, the most common bases used in the industry, as well as by location, menu theme, affiliation and sales volume. Individuals who purchase the national report will also receive regional and/or state operations reports, which allows for geographical differences to be taken into account.
The data processing was performed by Deloitte amp; Touche LLP, and the report was published in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association. More than 700 questionnaires were received from restaurant operators, which form the basis of this report. This unique study of the operating results of restaurants principally in 2006 includes specific financial information on full service restaurants segregated by average check of less than $15 per person, average check per person $15 to $24.99, average check equal to or greater than $25 per person, and limited service restaurants.
Bissell Mansion Restaurant & Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Presents
"Flaming Saddles"
May Through July 2008
The year is 1899. Gold is discovered in the city of Tombstone, Arizona. Overnight, this savage no man's land mushrooms into a thriving metropolis where the latest Paris fashions can be bought from the back of wagonss. So it you stray too far outside the town limits, you can be scalped in style.
Before long, the earliest example of organized crime emerges in Tombstone. Over 100 thieves and cutthroats band together to form the "Cowpokes Gang." Brothers to the death, the only law and order they acknowledge is that of their leader, Doc Holly Day, the sheriff. The Cowpokes are Tombstone's judge, jury, and executioners. Gunfights are a daily occurrence, and the murder rate rivals that of today's big cities.
It's not surprising that when the heroine of our play, June East, telegrams Wyatt Burp for help, he bites the dust too. But will we let this stop us from having a good time! Heck no! John Payne is on the way, riding a "Flaming Saddle," to bring peace to Tombstone as only a Major Payne can.
So come to the Bissell Mansion, y'all. Whether you're a Cowpoke, saloon girl, speculator, or Faithful Indian Companion, you'll find a wealth of laughs. Like Doc Holly Day says, "It's only funny 'til someone dies - then it's hysterical."
This interactive comedy, murder mystery is presented with a 4-course meal to DIE for! Make your reservations now by calling the Bissell Mansion at 314-533-9830 or 1-800-690-9838.It would be a CRIME to miss out on this much FUN!
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point your PDA to www.diningstl.com/mobile
Bissell Mansion Restaurant
and Dinner Theatre
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