10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in....

10 Long Standing Los Angeles Mom and Pop businesses

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Enjoy these 10 Los Angeles mom and pop businesses!

Founded in 1781, Los Angeles derives from Spanish, and it means “The Angels.” So its no surprise that it’s often referred to as the “City of Angels.” And despite the fact that the city is primarily known for being the center of the nation’s film and television industry. Los Angeles’ mom and pop businesses have also been a driving force in keeping the city’s economy humming. The many unique stores, restaurants and other establishments speak to the style of LA, and have for years.

Here are some of the oldest, most notable Los Angeles mom and pop businesses in operation.

1. Canterbury Records

Even in this digital era, Canterbury Records in Pasadena continues to attract a clientele looking for records, CDs and more. Open since 1956, the store is a fixture in LA and carries albums in virtually every music style you can imagine. Leonard Gordon started this small business, and his four children continue to own and operate it to this day.

2. Corrigan’s Steakhouse

>Visitors to Corrigan’s Steakhouse can enjoy beef, seafood, pasta and more while enjoying the restaurant’s collection of memorabilia from Western movies. Much of the memorabilia comes from Ray Corrigan, who starred in many Westerns produced during the twentieth century in Hollywood and who operated Corriganville, a popular tourist destination during the 1950s.

Ray’s son, Tom Corrigan, opened this restaurant in 1982, and he continues to run it. In fact, Tom is frequently seen in the dining room, wearing a black Stetson and moving from table to table chatting with the restaurant’s patrons.

3. Distant Lands

Lovers of all things travel-related will want to check out Distant Lands, which has been in operation since 1989. Originally just a bookstore specializing in travel-related books, Distant Lands has expanded into a full-scale travel service operation.

Today at Distant Lands, in addition to finding books about your favorite destination, you can also get travel gear and even plan a trip through the company’s travel agency. Adrian Kalvinskas opened the store nearly 30 years ago, and today he continues to manage the operation. His wife and his mother also help run the shop and its various services.

4. Dr. Strange Records

Open since 1997, Dr. Strange Records is one of the newest and more unusual mom and pop businesses on our list. This store specializes in punk rock music and related accessories and memorabilia. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of books, videos, DVDs, stickers, posters, shoes, clothing and more! All of which are centered around the punk rock theme.

The store’s founder and current owner—Bill Strange—has even started a record label in order to produce and distribute new punk rock albums.

5. Fugetsu-Do Confectioners

Since 1903, Fugetsu-Do Confectioners has been meeting the demand for Japanese confections in the Los Angeles area. Located in Little Tokyo, this sweets shop specializes in mochi, which are small rice cakes made with a sweet type of rice and can be eaten with a variety of different condiments.

Since 1980, the shop has been run by Brian Kito the grandson of the original founder and owner. The shop sells traditional mochi as well as non-traditional, which includes ingredients such as peanut butter.

6. Iliad Bookshop

Dan Weinstein comes from a family that has owned and operated many independent bookstores, so it was natural for him to open a book shop of his own in 1987.

Since then, the Iliad Bookshop has offered one of the most impressive selections of new and used books in LA. Weinstein continues to own and run the bookstore today, and you can find just about any title you are looking for in the store’s vast inventory.

7. Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Q

Known throughout LA for its Memphis-style BBQ, Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Q has been serving customers since 1984. Originally started by Jim Neely, the restaurant today is owned and operated by Jim’s sister who is continuing the family tradition.

People come to this mom and pop business for the food, not the ambiance, as the restaurant is little more than a few plastic tables and a serving window. But the BBQ is so good that diners keep on returning month after month, year after year.

8. Kip’s Toyland

Kip’s Toyland has been open in the LA Farmer’s Market since 1945. It continues to offer a number of different toys for boys and girls. This family-owned-and-operated store is perhaps the oldest toy store still in operation in Los Angeles.

Irvin Kipper, who opened the store in 1945, continued to serve customers until his death in 2016, and his family continues to operate the shop. Three generations of Kippers, in fact, have worked there, and the store continues on as one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists and residents alike.

9. The Musso & Frank Grill

Opened in Hollywood in 1919, The Musso & Frank Grill has offered the same basic menu for nearly 100 years. Original owners Frank Toulet and Joseph Musso sold the restaurant in 1927 to Joseph Carissimi and John Mosso. Both of them had recently immigrated to the U.S. from Italy.

Mosso’s family continues to run the restaurant to this day. During it’s early history, Musso’s Back Room frequently saw visits from actors such as Jimmy Stewart and Charlie Chaplin as well as authors such as T.S. Elliot, John Steinbeck and Aldous Huxley. Today, the restaurant still gets its share of famous visitors, but it’s also a favorite haunt for those who don’t have starring roles on the silver screen.

10. Styles Ville Barber Shop

Stop by the Pacoima neighborhood in LA and you can visit one of the oldest African American-owned businesses in Los Angeles. Opened in June 1958 by Freddie Carter, Styles Ville Barber Shop is today run by Carter’s grandson Greg. Although the surrounding neighborhood has changed a lot since Styles Ville first opened. Men continue to flock to this mom and pop business to receive an outstanding haircut.

Check out even more mom and pop small businesses in New York, Chicago and Dallas![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

3 Female Powerhouses in the Marketing World

3 Female Powerhouses in the Marketing World

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Who are three women that are female marketing leaders?

The marketing world moves at a dizzying pace. It’s a sponge that absorbs the latest technology, social trends and consumer habits. Then marketers touch this sponge with that magic wand of imagination to bolster a brand’s image and bring in new customers.

Unless you’re directly in the advertising industry, you probably don’t think too much about the creative minds and intrepid leaders behind the billboards, the commercials, the banner ads or the subtle brand mentions and references in any number of outlets.

Today we’re going to take a look at three women who are leaders in the marketing world and who exemplify how marketing brings together both the analytical and creative sides of the brain.

 

1. Andrea Van Dam, CEO of Women’s Marketing

For almost two decades, Van Dam has worked her way up through the ranks at Women’s Marketing Inc., an agency that specializes in high-growth industries that matter to women. Since she was named CEO in 2014, she has brought a transformative vision to the agency. Where once the agency was more focused on fashion and beauty, Van Dam has expanded their expertise to other categories that affect the lives of women. Under her leadership, her agency has proven that it excels at taking great ideas and exciting ventures and growing them into international brands.

Below Andrea discusses how busy today’s Millennial moms are, and how they can manage balancing work, family, and personal satisfaction.

2. Barbara Jones, Founder and CEO of Blissful Media Group

Ten years ago Jones saw an emerging opportunity and decided to take advantage of it: the rise of so-called influencers. For those who don’t know, an influencer is someone with a significant social media or blog presence who talks about anything from motherhood to adventure travel. Jones saw an opportunity to connect brands with influencers and create a new marketing space, and that’s what she did with Blissful Media Group.

And just to make you feel a little more in awe of her accomplishments, she also owns and runs Blissfully Domestic, a women’s digital magazine that focuses on home, food and life. She is also the founder and CEO of One2One Network, a networking service that connects influencers and brands with content, strategy and digital services to reach female consumers.

 

3. Karen Kaplan, Chairman and CEO of Hill Holiday

Everyone loves a story of humble beginnings, and Kaplan’s story of how she started as a receptionist looking to earn enough money for law school and ended up running the show is one such story. For over 10 years, Kaplan has been president of Hill Holiday, where she has been recognized as a dynamic leader responsible for the agency’s significant growth, and is regarded as one of the most influential women in advertising.

Check out some of the work they’ve done by simply clicking the image below.

While the advertising world is still very much a man’s world, there are hundreds of powerful, influential women making inroads, bringing fresh, intriguing vision to this constantly changing space.

If you liked hearing about these women check out “”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in Chicago

10 Long Standing Chicago Mom and Pop Businesses

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Enjoy these 10 Chicago mom and pop small businesses!

The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago, boasts such an impressive skyline that it’s hard to believe that the metropolis was once a humble farming town. Before the major corporations and the skyscrapers that house many of them were built, mom and pop businesses dotted Chicagoland, from the suburbs to downtown and the Loop.

Considered the railway hub of the U.S. and one of the country’s greatest cultural melting pots, Chicago has worn many hats since its incorporation in 1837. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of Chicago’s city center and small businesses. A total of 18,000 buildings, but the city was rebuilt to become more vibrant and culturally significant than ever.

Today, the Windy City is a long-standing mecca for deep-dish pizza, blues music, and baseball. It also remains the home of a wide variety of family owned small businesses, many of which are now famous Chicago landmarks.

1. Shinnick’s Pub

The building that this well known pub sits in were both resurrected at the same time in the late 1880’s. This mom and pop went through several owners who tried their luck owning the pub until, in 1938, George & Mary Shinnick took it over after prohibition. Ever since that day i t has moved through generations of Shinnicks, and is now owned by the third generation of siblings. Nine of them to be exact.

 

2. Belmont Barbershop

For an old-fashioned shave or haircut in a decidedly unpretentious environment, Belmont Barbershop is your best bet. Independently owned since 2005, the Roscoe Village neighborhood mom and pop shop is one of Chicago’s best. So, if you’re ever in the area and find yourself in need of a cut, look no further!

 

3. Cone

One of the youngest businesses on this list, Cone is a family owned gourmet ice cream parlor that serves up sweet treats with a distinctly Irish flair. Born in Ireland, owner and founder, Sean McGuire, opened his West Loop shop in 2013. The family-friendly treat shop’s menu features European-style soft serve and hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches for the kids, and liquor-infused delicacies for adults. When you dine in at the 1047 West Madison Street eatery, you can have a pint of Guinness to complement your soft serve waffle cone. Or you can even choose a dash of Irish cream or whiskey as a sundae topping. Slainte!

 

4. George’s Hot Dogs

The Chicago-style hot dog is nearly as famous as the city’s deep dish pizza. The Chicago dog is a virtual meal in itself – a classic beef hot dog in a bun, topped with relish, white onions, yellow mustard, sliced tomatoes, and a pickle spear. Over the years, hot dog stands have become ubiquitous across Chicago, but few have enjoyed the longevity of George’s. The Damen Avenue restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1948. George’s Hot Dogs offers daily specials and has garnered a variety of awards from far-flung publications and websites. That includes the likes of GrubHub and The Chicago Tribune.

 

5. Medina Lawncare

Established in 1967 by Carlos Medina and his two brothers, Medina Lawncare is a true to form family owned business. Medina Jr., now second generation owner of the landscaping company, had been working for his father since the age of 12. It was 20 years ago that he decided to take it over to keep the business in the family, and he hasn’t looked back since. If you’re in the market for some beautiful landscaping with deep rooted history, look them up!

 

6. Windy City Hardware

Truly a mom and pop business, Windy City Hardware has become a sort of community center in Bridgeport since its opening in 2008. Husband and wife, Jerry and Windy Masterson, serve as the hardware store’s small business owner team.

Even though the shop is small, they expanded Windy City Hardware to encompass bike gear and repair services after noting a high neighborhood demand. Their shop, at 3364 S. Halsted remains to be one of Bridgeport’s go-to bike repair shop.

 

7. Twin Anchors Restaurant & Pub

Locally owned and operated since 1932, Twin Anchors is world-famous, yet decidedly unpretentious. Housed in a classic brick 1880s building at 1655 N. Sedgwick Street, the restaurant was reportedly a favorite of Frank Sinatra. The Twin Anchors menu features sandwiches, burgers, baby-back ribs, and salads.

 

8. Home Team Pizza

Chicagoans take their pizza seriously, so it’s no surprise that several pizza shops are counted among the city’s longest standing mom and pop businesses. The owners of Home Team Pizza have made Chicago their home for several generations, opening the West Ohio Street eatery in 1975. You’ll find wood oven-baked pizza, salads, sandwiches, decadent desserts, and more at Home Team Pizza. They  also offer a convenient delivery option seven days a week.

 

9. Hagen’s Fish Market

Since 1946, Hagen’s Fish Market has been the go-to place for Chicagoans who love fresh seafood. Located at 5635 W. Montrose Avenue, Hagen’s is steeped in tradition, offering natural hardwood smoked seafood prepared using family recipes. Those recipes remain closely guarded by the Hagen family. At Hagen’s, you can pick up fresh fish to prepare at home or try out the restaurant’s famous battered shrimp, cod, and perch.

 

10. Daley’s Restaurant

Although it carries the name of two of Chi-Town’s most notable mayors, Richard J. Daley and his son Richard M., Daley’s Restaurant was actually named after its founder, John Daley, a former iron worker originally from Ireland. John Daley established his namesake restaurant in 1892; and today, Daley’s is considered the oldest restaurant in Chicago. The Daley’s building at 809 E. 63rd Street is actually the second incarnation of the renowned diner. In 1918, a pair of Greek immigrants took it over, and have kept it in the family ever since. And keeping the name that has carried it through the years.

For even more small businesses with a deep-rooted history in their city here are 10 more mom & pops in New York!

10 Long Standing Mom and Pop Small Businesses in New York

10 Long Standing New York City Mom and Pop Businesses

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Enjoy these 10 New York City mom and pop businesses!

Keeping a company afloat for the long term is the dream of every mom and pop small business owner. The ability of a small business to endure through recessions, as well as a changing modern landscape and fluctuating market demand, takes perseverance, business savvy, and a loyal customer base. This is especially the case for New York City mom and pop businesses.

New York City’s small businesses have been hit hard in recent years, trying to endure in the face of rising rents and national chain stores. However, despite the closures of many mom and pop businesses across the Five Boroughs, small companies remain the heart of NYC’s economy. And in mid 2017, New York City topped Biz2Credit’s list of Top Small Business Cities in America, beating out the tech hub of San Jose, as well as top dogs Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. In celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day on March 29, we’ve put together a list of 10 long standing New York City mom and pop businesses that have stood the test of time. When you’re in the Big Apple, hit up one of the following small businesses and keep your money in the local community.

1. Harris Levy Fine Linens 

The business, which opened in 1894, has depended on sacrifice, luck and -most importantly – on family members. The shop was established on the Lower East Side. It has weathered more than 100 years of economic ups and downs as well as dramatic shifts in the neighborhood. Harris Levy specializes in fine and luxurious linens and is one of the very few shops that remain in the neighborhood. It’s currently owned by Bob, the fourth-generation of the Levy family, and can found on 98 Forsyth Street.

2. S’Mac NYC

S’Mac (short for Sarita’s Macaroni & Cheese) has been a major player in the NYC culinary circuit since opening its doors in 2006. Customers can build their own macaroni & cheese at this quaint East Village eatery, which also ships nationwide. S’Mac is the brainchild of husband-and-wife and small business owner team Caesar and Sarita Ekya, and the restaurant operates seven days a week.

 

3. Di Palo’s Fine Foods

The corner deli is a NYC tradition, and many of these small shops still exists throughout the city. Di Palo’s Fine Foods at 200 Grand Street remains one of the most popular. A Little Italy institution, Di Palo’s is known as the best place to find artisanal cheeses and fresh deli meat. The mom and pop shop opened more than 100 years ago, and the lines still stretch out the door during the busiest parts of the day.

 

4. Morscher’s Pork Store

Morscher’s Pork Store is another perfect example of the neighborhood deli. Located in Ridgewood, Queens, since 1957, Morscher’s still utilizes Old World smoking techniques developed in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Morscher’s was founded by Joseph Morscher, and his family still runs the mom and pop deli.

 

5. Economy Candy

You can’t find many places like Economy Candy anymore. When you step inside the Lower East Side shop, you’ll be transported back in time to when candy was a special treat, sold by the pound. Economy Candy has been around since 1937, and it’s been family owned for three generations. The shop also stocks a variety of snacks and specialty items, including dried nuts and fruits, gum, and novelty toys.

 

6. Schaller & Weber

Since the opening of its doors in 1937, Ferdinand Schaller and Tony Weber have been master craftsman of cured meats and sausages. This long-standing establishment keeps the charm of an old German-style shop. It even manages to win awards at European fairs for their homemade meats. So, if you feel that inner German meat connoisseur starting to rise up, head over to 1654 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side. I’m sure they’ll have something for you, Prost!

 

7. Dizzy’s Diner

When hungry in Brooklyn, head to Dizzy’s Diner, established in 1997. The eatery serves up tasty comfort food for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. It even boasts a delivery menu if you can’t make it to 9th Street. Breakfast is served all day at Dizzy’s, with lunch items available beginning at 11:30 p.m. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options can be found on Dizzy’s menu, including their version of huevos rancheros and delicious homemade granola.

 

8. Animal Fare

A top-rated pet supply store in the heart of Brooklyn, Animal Fare is just minutes from Prospect Park, where it has stood for nearly 25 years. The shop is co-owned by Barbara Librowski and her sister-in-law Helen. They are both animal lovers who still work each day at the counter. At Animal Fare, you’ll find a large selection of pet food, treats, and toys. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, Barbara and Helen are happy to order it for you. Located at 153 Prospect Park SW, Animal Fare is closed on Tuesdays.

 

9. VideoGamesNewYork

Once known as Saint Marks Games, VideoGamesNewYork opened on East 6th Street in 2006 under its new moniker. The independently owned video game shop remains one of the longest-standing stores of its kind. They offer free in-store diagnostics as well as new and used mainstream and indie games for all systems, apparel, and more. VideoGamesNewYork employs knowledgeable team members who are passionate about video games and personalized service. They give New Yorkers and visitors a shopping experience that’s light years from that offered at sterile chain stores. The shop opens at 10:00 a.m., 365 days a year.

 

10. Turntable Lab

Founded in 1999 by a trio of best friends and music lovers, Turntable Lab has endured through a changing music industry landscape, and remains a “DJ shop” at its core. The storefront on East 10th Street features DJ equipment along with clothing and vinyl records from all genres. The Turntable Lab team consists mainly of current and former DJs and producers. Including artists DJ Dopeshoes, DJ Jedi, All City Sound, and P-Love.

This is just 10 of many small businesses that have and continue to make New York City amazing to both locals and visitors! Here are 10 more mom and pops that are holding their own in Chicago!

4 Common Challenges to be Aware of

4 Common Challenges to be Aware of After 1 Year in Business

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No matter how you look at it, owning a business for one year is a huge accomplishment. You’ve gone through the legal paperwork, filed taxes, signed a lease and a million other things, not to mention you’ve paid your bills! But many common challenges will start to pop up after those 12 months.

This is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time when new challenges will arrive. To prepare you, here are four of the most common difficulties small business owners face at the one-year mark.

Staying true to your vision

Running a small business is like going through an obstacle course. You may have a path picked out, but navigating the various hurdles, monkey bars, slides and ball pits will ultimately determine the path you take. Many opportunities, as well as problems, may arise during your first year, but stay focused on your original goal and on the thing your business can do better than any other.

Maintaining the momentum

A new business generates buzz and gets people talking. This is a gift for the owner. However, that initial buzz fades out quickly. A challenge many small businesses face is in keeping that momentum alive. To do this, they might have to get creative with marketing efforts, network with the right people, participate in the community and have a robust social media presence. These things might not be directly connected to your day-to-day operations, but are essential parts of a successful marketing effort.

Here are some of the small business marketing trends to be aware of in 2018.

Managing cash flow

One of the most common growing pains small businesses experience is in properly managing their cash flow. This can come in various forms. Whether it’s keeping proper accounting records, paying invoices on time (or getting paid on time), or juggling purchases and inventory, many small business owners are not prepared for some of these more knotty difficulties.

Learning to let others handle it

Your business is your child, and it’s hard let it grow up and out of your sight. Almost every business owner struggles with the problem of when to delegate a task or let someone else handle an important aspect of the business. After a year in business you’ll probably be on track to expand and grow. Success means there will be more work to do, and if you don’t learn how to delegate, you will be stretched beyond capacity.

For many, the first year in business is one of the most exciting — and challenging — years of their life. But it’s only the beginning. With new challenges come new opportunities for growth, job creation and the formation of a company culture.

How SBA Loans Work

How Do Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans Work?

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Next up in the “How It Works” series let’s take a look at how  SBA loans work

Every business is unique.

What works for one may not work for another. With a range of choices, each with its own unique requirements and mechanisms, how do you identify which type of financing is best for your business and your needs at this time? You should start with the basics with a full understanding of your situation.  You need to be clear about what you want/need versus what your business can take on. Whether you want capital immediately, or sometime later in a lump sum, or phased over time, take stock of your situation and needs first and then consider your financing options.

Let’s take a look at one of the most frequently used business financing options available to small businesses:

How SBA Loans Work – Small Business Loans through SBA

Government-backed Small Business Administration (SBA) extends aid to all small businesses via loans that help them to not just start up a business but to also sustain and grow that business. While the agency itself does not provide financing, it makes affordable loans available through SBA approved lenders like banks. These loans are designed to meet very specific business purposes, so it is important to understand each of these options before applying for an SBA loan. Though cheaper, you may find it difficult to qualify for these loans. Many individuals are disqualified due to  insufficient collateral, low credit scores or falling within an unqualified category.

SBA loan programs are designed to meet major financial requirements of varied small businesses. These include microloans, real estate loans, equipment loans, and basic loans under the 7(a) program. You can use the loans provided through the 7(a) program for a variety of purposes – setting up a new business, acquiring a business, purchasing equipment and machinery, or as an influx in working capital, among others

How SBA Loans Work – Eligibility

The general small business loans from the 7(a) program are the most popular among all SBA loans. Since these loans are guaranteed by federal agencies, lenders can offer businesses very lucrative and flexible terms for these loans. It is no secret that the 7(a) loans through the SBA are by far the best way for any small business to get financing if they are able to qualify.

To be eligible for 7(a) loans a business must be for-profit; operate within the United States; show a business need for the funds, and – most importantly – show proof that you’ve exhausted all other avenues and financial resources before applying. This means, you will need to have used your own personal assets, reached out to family and friends, and be able to show that you applied for and had been declined by a traditional lender. It’s no wonder, then, that most small businesses find these loans out of their reach. In fact, a 2016 Forbes report points out that, “The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration has cited industry estimates that 80 percent of small business loan applications are rejected.”

How SBA Loans Work – What you should know 

  • Lowest cost option for small businesses looking for financing to start up or grow a business.
  • Offered by traditional and alternative lenders and backed by government guarantee.
  • Multiple types of loans and grants depending on business type and need.
  • Businesses applying for a loan must first use other resources including personal assets.
  • Personal guarantee required by business owners or top management of the company.
  • Long application and funding process compared to alternate financing options.

SBA loans may be a good option when:

  • Working capital is needed to expand the business over the next few years.
  • Consolidating loans from multiple lenders.
  • Hiring new employees or opening a new location.
  • Recovering from declared disasters.
  • Your business is impacted by NAFTA.

SBA loans may not be an option when:

  • Working capital is needed immediately for a very short term.
  • Consolidating loans will require the company to take a loss.
  • Business owner cannot provide a personal guarantee.

Besides the general 7(a) loans, the SBA provides 7(a) loans to cover special situations like companies conducting business in underserved communities and companies looking to expand export activities. There are also microloans up to $50,000, and special programs to help businesses recover from declared disasters. To learn more about SBA loans visit their website right here. Many traditional and alternative lenders also help businesses navigate through the process of applying for these loans.

Want to learn more about your options? Here are the pros and cons of the revenue-based financing.

11 Best Ways a Restaurant Can Go Digital

11 Best Ways a Restaurant Can Go Digital

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Today’s restaurant guests are hungry for great food, good times…and technology? Yes, 73% of diners agree: tech improves their restaurant experience.

Beyond delighting guests, going digital can streamline operations and supercharge profits. Four in 5 restauranteurs believe that tech increases sales – and provides a competitive advantage.

Ready to dive into the digital world? From TV marketing to touchscreen menus, online ordering to loyalty apps, these are the 11 best ways a restaurant can go digital.

The #1 Best Way to Go Digital – Implement a Digital POS System

This is number one for a reason. A digital POS system can function as the heart of your operations: powering and simplifying everything.

1) Build the Right Foundation: Use a Digital POS System with Restaurant Tablets

Today, the top digital POS systems – like NCR Silver, Toast, and Square – include mobile capabilities.

That means you can use mobile devices like touchscreen tablets to take orders and even process payments. For maximum ROI, give guests even more control. Put restaurant tablets in their hands so they can order from a digital menu, securely pay, and even play games. Throughout the guest visit, some tablets even power custom tablet marketing and TV marketing messages.

Maximize In-Venue Marketing Opportunities: From TV Marketing to Loyalty Programs

The right digital tools – loyalty apps, TV marketing, and tablet marketing – can drive sales within your four walls.

2) Launch a Loyalty App

Want 81% of guests to continue doing business with you? Create an awesome loyalty program. Today, “awesome” means mobile: Over half of the 81% of customers would prefer your loyalty program on their smartphone.

It’s easier (and more affordable) than ever to build a mobile loyalty app. Without knowing any code, you can create your own app with online app makers like Appie Pie and AppInstitute. Or, check with your POS provider. Some, like Toast, offer loyalty apps.

The key is to get guests to sign up for your loyalty app when they’re on premises. That’s where TV marketing comes in…

3) Try TV Marketing…

In a sales slump? Change the channel on your profitability with TV marketing.

Chances are, you already have TVs in your venue. With the right TV marketing partner, your TVs can turn into customizable, eye-catching digital signage in a few clicks. In addition to inviting guests to sign up for a loyalty app, many restaurants use digital signage to promote high-margin menu items. Why? It’s all about the impulse buy.

One study found that after viewing menu items promoted on digital signage, 70% of adults made an “unexpected purchase.”

Not only does digital signage drive sales, it’s a visual cue to guests that you’re embracing the tech they crave. With dynamic graphics, TV marketing creates an exciting, upbeat atmosphere.

4) …and Tablet Marketing

Meet the cousin of TV marketing: tablet marketing. If you bring in restaurant tablets for guests, you can easily configure digital ads to run on tablets.

Like TV marketing, tablet marketing drives impulse buys. Immediately after seeing tablet marketing messages, guests can order promoted menu items right on the tablet. Savvy restaurants use both TV marketing and tablet marketing to promote:

  • A surprise extension of happy hour
  • “Super” limited time offers, like $2 craft beers for 20 minutes. You can pre-schedule TV marketing and tablet marketing to run at set dayparts
  • Upcoming events at your restaurant
  • A free appetizer or dessert for joining your loyalty or email program
  • New revenue source! Some venues resell their tablet marketing and TV marketing ad space to other local businesses.

From an operational standpoint, TV marketing and tablet marketing deliver serious cost savings. You eliminate print costs for table tents, posters, and banners. Plus, you can make real-time changes to digital signage – both TV marketing and tablet marketing. If you sell out of a special dessert? No worries, it’s simple to stop the ad.

Digitally Enhanced Dining

Let’s address the elephant in the dining room…Bringing tech to the table won’t depersonalize the guest experience. Tools like TV marketing and loyalty apps only enhance what’s already great about your restaurant.

In fact, the latest tech can amplify the personal element that your restaurant is known for. Here’s how:

5) A Personal Touch with Touchscreen Menus

TV marketing and tablet marketing aren’t the only benefits of going digital with restaurant tablets. You can bring your menu to life, giving guests more options than even your best server (or printed menu) could present.

Guests can click on each menu item to see extras and add-ons, so they can build out their perfect burger or salad. It’s a personal experience that pays off, especially for millennials: 54% of them are more loyal to businesses that empower them to create something unique to them.

The best restaurant tablets utilize customer facing ordering technology, so guests can order – and reorder – from your digital menu at their pace. Most restaurants report an increase in sales – and order accuracy. Plus, your waitstaff has more time to bond and chat with guests, instead of running orders to the kitchen.

6) Digital Payment: “Put it On My Tab(let)”

When guests are finished with their meal, they want to pay their own way – on their time. For 39% of the smartphone-carrying crowd, that means making NFC payments. To accept NFC payments like ApplePay and SamsungPay, you need restaurant tablets equipped with an NFC payment reader.

For less tech-savvy guests, they can simply swipe their credit card or insert an EMV (“chip”) card directly into the restaurant tablet. Their card stays with them at the table – so there’s no worries about an unsavory server taking their information. Again, your servers are freed up from running cards to the POS station. Instead, they can focus on building guest relationships.

Elevate the Guest Experience

So, you’ve implemented TV marketing, launched a loyalty app, and brought tablets to the table. Go the extra mile. Delight guests with digital games and best-in-class wi-fi.

7) Today’s Arcade is Tableside

Skip the old school arcade. It takes up space, and pulls guests away from the table (and the chance for more sales). But you can still put fun at every guest’s fingertips…

The same restaurant tablets that power digital menus, order, payment, and TV marketing, also serve up 24/7 access to a digital arcade. For example, Buzztime tablets put trivia, card games, and even poker in the hands of every diner.

On-tablet entertainment is the best way to add value to the guest visit. Wait time becomes play time. Games are social, and bring everyone together – from strangers at the bar, to big families out for dinner.

It’s not just fun and games, a Nielson study showed that Buzztime on-tablet entertainment can drive spending by 21% more table check on average.

8) Why Free Wi-Fi is a Win-Win

It’s a fact. Guests love free wi-fi.

But they want it to be secure, and fast. So, use a reputable service like Yelp Wi-Fi. You’ll get something out of the deal, too! Yelp Wi-Fi captures guest emails, birthdays, and other information in exchange for use of your wi-fi. Yelp states that up to 80% of guests return more frequently if you offer them free wi-fi.

Too many restaurants deploy free wi-fi but skip one important step: alerting guests! Encourage them to use your free wi-fi with tablet marketing and TV marketing messages.

Hit Refresh on Your Website

Most restaurateurs think of their website as a marketing platform, but it’s a direct sales machine with these 3 add-ons.

9) Online Ordering

Just like TV marketing, online ordering is another digital win-win: streamlining operations and wowing guests. Free your staff from taking lengthy phone orders and let your website do the work. In fact, guests would prefer it that way. A recent study by Fast Casual found that 93 percent of guests ordering for a group would rather place an online order – instead of calling.

Your digital POS system may have an online ordering component, or check with your website developer.

Don’t forget! When guests are dining with you, remind them that you offer online ordering with TV marketing and tablet marketing.

10) 3rd Party Delivery

Noticing a trend here? Guests want to do things their way. Sometimes that means staying home – and getting your food delivered to their doorstep. Worried about the extra overhead of hiring drivers? Instead, deploy one of these 3rd party delivery services.

Also explore putting your menu on GrubHub.com, a 3rd party website where guests can order, pay, and select delivery for your food. As an added bonus, GrubHub integrates with POS systems like Breadcrumb and Micros. GrubHub claims restaurants see a 50% increase in monthly orders after a year. Again, alert guests you’re on GrubHub with in-venue TV marketing.

11) Online Reservations

Last but not least, going digital means accepting online reservations on your website.

In 2017, Toast POS asked 2,000 diners which technological feature was most important to their dining experience. Online reservations came out on top – with only 5% of respondents stating it “was not important.”

Just as many POS systems include tablets and TV marketing tools, some offer plug-and-play online ordering systems for your website. Or, ask your POS provider which 3rd party integrations they accept. For example, OpenTable, a guest favorite for booking online reservations, plays nicely with most digital POS systems.

A little tech goes a long way in the restaurant biz. You don’t need to tackle all 11 steps at once. Focus on urgent needs. Looking to increase per-check sales? Try TV marketing to drive impulse buys. Struggling with repeat business? Launch that mobile loyalty app. With the right tech, you can bring a new level of efficiency and profitability to your operation – and delight guests along the way.

About Author:

Trusted by thousands of bars and restaurants in North America since 1984, Buzztime integrates trivia, card, sports games and live events with innovative tablet technology. While we don’t take ourselves too seriously, this is pretty serious business.

Don’t forget to check out even more on how you could improve cash flow with “What Surge Pricing Could Mean For Your Restaurant.”

How It Works Revenue Based Financing

How It Works: Revenue Based Financing

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Are you looking for small business loan and alternative financing options?

This is by far the most frequently used option for small business financing. Revenue-based financing allows small businesses to take financing against their continued business success. The oldest form of revenue-based financing is the popular Merchant Cash Advance (MCA). This option truly aligns the interests of both parties. That’s because the financing partner only gets paid if the small business continues to be viable and successful.

It is no wonder then that merchant cash advances continue to see a healthy increase

A 2016 report on Merchant Cash Advance/Small Business Financing Industry by Bryant Park Capital notes that, “the volume of merchant cash advances provided to U.S. SMEs has steadily increased over the last couple years, projected to reach $15.3 billion in 2017, up from an estimated $8.6 billion in 2014.”

Not surprising, considering quick upfront capital can make a huge difference to any small business. Typically, revenue-based financing provides a lump sum of cash to a small business. This is with the understanding that it will dip into a fixed percentage of the future sales. It’s a great option for any small business owner who is looking at short-term financing (between 6-18 months), cash flow and working capital.

A few years back, merchant cash advances were limited to those businesses that received customer payments via credit or debit cards – like bars, nail salons, restaurants, retailers, and other forms of B2C companies. But now, with advancements in the system, merchant cash advances can work for almost any type of small business.

While merchant cash advances give your business that financial backup, it’s also important to know that it directly impacts your daily/weekly cash flow. Good lenders ensure that the funds they advance to merchants ensure healthy growth in the business even when daily/weekly remittances are being taken from the business’s revenue stream. Uninformed merchants can easily fall prey to unscrupulous lenders who can overburden a business’s cash flow. Therefore, small businesses applying for a merchant cash advance should first make an objective analysis of whether this service is best suited for their business.

What you should know about revenue-based financing

  • Quick access and faster approval of the application.
  • Much lower credit score requirement compared to a traditional loan.
  • Qualification does not require secure assets.
  • A fraction of the company’s daily/weekly sales goes toward its outstanding financing amount.
  • Supports payments to be processed against both credit card and cash payments (ACH).
  • Instead of fixed monthly payments regardless of the business performance, the remittances are tied to the success of the business.
  • Flexibility of daily/weekly payments with the ability to true-up payments against the actual performance of your business provides peace of mind and extra cushion when times are lean.
  • There is an immediate impact on your business cash flow.

Revenue-based financing may be a good option when:

  • The small business will not meet SBA loan requirements.
  • There is an immediate need for funding.
  • The company does not have enough collateral for traditional long-term loans.

Revenue-based financing may not be an option when:

  • The funds will provide only temporary reprieve but cause irreparable harm to cash flow.
  • The business already has a number of outstanding loans or advances.
  • Your credit score is below 550. In this case, alternate options like Factoring may be more appropriate.

It’s important to remember that unlike other traditional loan options, which are usually backed by a collateral or federal guarantee, this financing type presents a great risk to the alternative lender. That is why it is a more expensive financing option compared to traditional loans. Businesses should therefore thoughtfully consider when this option makes sense for them and carefully vet the alternative lender.

3 Successful Women-Owned Businesses with a Humble Beginning

3 Successful Women-Owned Businesses with a Humble Beginning

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Happy Women’s History Month!

The business world has changed. We’re not talking about some hot new app that promises to disrupt an industry or shifting trends in manufacturing. No, we’re talking about a more radical change: The boys club, as the upper echelon of the business world was commonly called, has finally got some competition. Now we see even more women-owned businesses popping up than ever before.

Increasingly, female leaders are making their presence known – starting companies and leading businesses to record profits and rates of growth. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 9.4 million firms in the U.S. are owned by women, generating $1.4 trillion in sales.

These are exciting numbers, and though we’d love to talk about each one of these companies, here are a few of the most interesting businesses owned by women.

Orangetheory

Boutique workout studios are like craft breweries: They’re popping up everywhere!

By far the most successful of these has been Orangetheory. The origins of this business go back to 1996, when founder Ellen Latham was laid off from her dream job and started teaching Pilates from a spare room in her home. This humble business model evolved, and in 2010 she founded a fitness studio franchise. Her business integrates the latest technology with science-based cardiovascular and strength training workouts. In 2014 the company reported $87 million in revenue. In 2016, $738 million.

Getting laid off might have been the best thing that could have happened for Latham!


 Video courtesy of Orangetheory

 

Pinnacle Technical Resources

Nina Vaca is something of the poster child for the American success story.

Born in Quito, Ecuador, her family moved to the U.S. when she was young. She worked for her father, attended college, and with a mere $300, started an IT staffing business that in 2015 would generate over $1 billion. Today, her Dallas-based company, Pinnacle Group, provides IT staffing and workforce solutions for some of the biggest companies in the world.

Additionally, Pinnacle Group makes an increased effort in providing opportunities for education, and supporting children diagnosed with cancer. Through these efforts they support and sponsor entrepreneurial education to high school students. As well as provide resources to local families whose children are battling the disease.


 Video courtesy of Pinnacle Group

 

Akorbi

In an increasingly connected world, the need for people and businesses to understand each other has never been more important.

In 2003, Claudia Mirza founded Akorbi, a translation service company, right from her home. Over the years, her company evolved, or rather, it exploded. And we don’t use this term lightly. Providing a range of multilingual business solutions to companies around the world, Akorbi experienced a 1,267 percent growth rate from 2012 to 2016. That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider that politicians are hoping the U.S. economy hits a growth rate of 3 percent.


 Video courtesy of Akorbi

So, what do all of these businesses have in common? Well, along with their wild success, they have humble beginnings. Sometimes a spare bedroom and a few hundred dollars is all you need to become a top player in the business world.

Here are even more woman-owned businesses we’d love to share, enjoy!

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