Hi Karen,
Having your Grand Opening on the day you actually open seems like the
logical thing to do - when you open your first business. Unfortunately, that
is probably the worst time to have such an even and to advertise for a big
crowd. I have opened over 50 new business locations over the past 25 years
as a professional in this area for an oil company and convenience store
chain. And even with their money, expertise and experience, we would never
think of highly promoting our first day open at a new location.
Stop and think about it for a moment... Your equipment and computer systems
are untested, in the real world. You are subject to delays that are beyond
your control, such as health, building and occupancy inspections. Your staff
are all new and unfamiliar with your business. And, it will be a 1st time
experience for 100% of your customers. All of these add up to uncertainty
and the poorest quality of service that you are likely to ever offer. You
want your Grand Opening and the hordes of customers that you will try to
bring in to experience your best face and enjoy the best experience your can
possibly offer - that's not going to happen on your 1st day open.
You might want to consider what is called a "soft opening" and scheduling
your Grand Opening at least a week later. That will give you a chance to
test out your systems and equipment, for your staff to become familiar with
the business and move up to a more comfortable level in dealing with
customers and for you to deal with last minute emergencies that may occur. A
short delay will make no difference to your customers, other than your them
to enjoy a better 1st experience.
Another reply also mentioned their perception of a "need" for a greater food
component. Keep in mind that this is only one person's opinion and that
opinion is based on their own personal experiences and skill set. For them,
it is likely a true statement, but it's not the only way to go. We have a
cafe that offers soup, sandwiches, wraps and other light lunch style foods,
as well as a large assortment of hot & cold beverages. We also have software
for sale and 22 computer stations. If I were to open another outlet, it
would contain the computer stations, a drip coffee pot, a couple of bottled
beverage coolers and a display case for candy bars and chips. For me, the
revenue is in the computer systems. In fact, I know of several locations
that do well and don't have as much as a single beverage or food product
available - they are 100% computer revenue driven.
Good luck with your venture, and I hope your opening (whenever) is a great
success.
Ron H
Digital U Cybercafe, Vancouver BC, Canada
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of from skyblu
> Sent: August 27, 2000 10:30 AM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [cc] grand opening ideas
>
>
> Hello Again,
>
> I have been replying to emails,and have never introduced myself
> and let you
> know about my cafe.
>
> My name is Karen, my family and I are opening our store in North
> Carolina,
> USA.
>
> Our store is 2250sf. We will have 20 networked computers, 6 arcade games
> and 1 pool table. We went with Windows 98SE on the workstations and will
> have linux on the server. I know we will have to download a
> million patches
> for the games, but from all that I know and have read and heard about, it
> beats WindowsNT hands down.
>
> Our grand opening/ribbon cutting is September 29th. I am not
> sure what type
> of door prizes to give out so if anyone has any good idea, please
> post them
> to the list so we can all take advantage. I am trying to stay
> away from all
> computer related items as some people may not have a computer and that is
> why they are at our store.
>
> We are not going to sell cooked food, just lots of snacks, and
> prepackaged
> sandwiches as our store is adjacent to a deli. I would like to sell some
> speciality coffees, but the machines are too expensive for us
> right now, so
> we will only offer coffee from a regular coffee pot.
>
> I would love to hear how some of you started, where and how you find your
> software. Right now we are planning on just buying a copy of
> each game we
> want for 8-10 computers and only offer it to that amount of
> customers at a
> time. First come, first served.
>
> Do any of you offer tournaments? We are planning tournaments and
> lock ins
> so if you are experienced send some advice.
>
> We are leaning toward the cybertime software program to monitor the
> computer, but are also working on an inside program we are
> developing. The
> software is a BIG expense for a startup, so we may have to pass
> on it for a
> few month! I am not sure it works with linux either.
>
> Well that's our store and story, would appreciate any tips and tricks you
> have learned through the years.
>
> Good Luck
> Karen
>
>
> ________________________________________________________________________
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>
>
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