excerpt:
"Think what a Web site could do for a restaurant: It could inform potential customers, like myself, of the restaurant's dress code, wine list, opening hours, ambience, reservation policies and menu (with prices … though we know most chefs think their culinary creations are priceless and talking about money is pedestrian, I’d like to know in advance how much a meal is going to set me back).
I could put my e-mail address on a mailing list via the Web site, and the restaurant could send me an e-mail update periodically: “Chef’s Special Today: Sea Scallops!” “Every Tuesday Night: A Complimentary Glass Of Wine With Every Entrée.” “We Have Added New Low-Carb Menu Items!” A more sophisticated restaurant Web site could even allow diners to book their own reservations and automatically e-mail reminders the morning of the reservation date.
The restaurant could post coupons for slow, early-midweek nights to tempt diners: “Every Monday And Tuesday: 15 Percent Off All Entrées.”
source: "Do Restaurants With No Web Sites Have Something To Hide?" by Tracey E. Schelmetic (May 18,2006)
You want a web site, but you don't have the programming skills or the money for software, web designer, and a hosting service, no problem. The one thing that will cost you money is your domain name (e.g. http://www.your-name.com) which can cost you as little as $10 a year.
There are many ways to put an acceptable restaurant web site for $10 in less than 24 hours. While web design may impress some customers, many times people are looking for general information about your web site.
For restaurant owners who would like to test the web waters before making a bigger investment, or for those stretching dollars, we will be posting a small guide to get your restaurant online with a fast, cheap (in cost, not look), and effective web site.
