Here are two things that any local restaurateur can do. They're easy, and can have an enormously positive impact on your business:
(1) Buy local when you can, and
(2) Make sure you have a Web page and Email address for your business on the Internet.
LouisvilleHotBytes has been hosted by IgLou Internet Services since 1994. This has been a long and happy partnership, and in light of my experience, I highly recommend using IgLou (originally the Internet Gateway of Louisville) to put you on the Internet.
If you don't have a website yet, IgLou can set up a website with your contact information, your logo, several photos, a separate page with your full menu, and a customer contact page for a flat rate of $99.
In addition, for a monthly rate of just $14.95, you'll have real people here in Louisville host your website and setup and manage your Email and website for your company. IgLou also provides in-house computer maintenance and troubleshooting for small businesses throughout the Louisville area.
As a special arrangement with LouisvilleHotBytes, if you mention you read about them here, IgLou will give you your first and second month's website and email hosting service free of charge.
Give them a call at (800) 436-4456 or email hosting@iglou.com ... and tell them that HotBytes sent you. (To extend the offer, IgLou tells me that this offer is open to any business or individual in the HotBytes community as well.)
Because of our strong, long-running relationship with IgLou, I'm running this public service announcement and placing it at the top of forum pages for a week or two, because I think this offer is remarkable, and I want to assure you that they'll stick to it. If you don't have an online presence - or if you're not satisfied with your current service (up-to-date menus, anyone?), give IgLou a call.