electronic publishing portfolio

La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner

812 NW Chipman Rd Lee’s Summit, MO

Phone: (816) 867-5309www.LaCasaPepe.com

La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’

Scott LaCombeOwner



La Casa de Pepe’ Mexican Cantina Scott LaCombe-Owner

812 NW Chipman Rd. (816) 867-5309 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 www.lacasapepe.com

March 13, 2009 Mr. Tj Blogumas 413 Ne Sexy St. Awesome Town, MO 64069 Dear Mr. Blogumas: I would like to thank you, Mr. Blogumas, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Mr. Blogumas, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Mr. Michael Giangreco 1234 NW Palm Lane San Diego, CA 00000 Dear Mr. Giangreco: I would like to thank you, Mr. Giangreco, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Mr. Giangreco, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Ms. Makenzie Green 1313 Saul Rd. Lee's Summit, MO 64085 Dear Ms. Green: I would like to thank you, Ms. Green, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Green, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Ms. Michelle Cacchio 5432 Nowhere Road Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Dear Ms. Cacchio: I would like to thank you, Ms. Cacchio, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Cacchio, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Ms. Anna Person 999 NW Kansas City St Kansas City, MO 64088 Dear Ms. Person: I would like to thank you, Ms. Person, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Person, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Ms. Becky Hand 8761 Poopy Lane Lee's Summit, MO 64086 Dear Ms. Hand: I would like to thank you, Ms. Hand, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Hand, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Ms. Alex Bennett 812 NW Chipman Rd Lee's Summit, MO 64063 Dear Ms. Bennett: I would like to thank you, Ms. Bennett, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Ms. Bennett, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Mr. Jacob McCaw 1313 NW Saul Rd. Lee's Summit, MO 64085 Dear Mr. McCaw: I would like to thank you, Mr. McCaw, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Mr. McCaw, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Mr. Rashone Mathews 240 S. Main Street Lee's Summit, MO 64091 Dear Mr. Mathews: I would like to thank you, Mr. Mathews, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Mr. Mathews, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure



March 13, 2009 Mr. Iason Gerdes 31 Hummelweg Kassel, Hessen 34125 Dear Mr. Gerdes: I would like to thank you, Mr. Gerdes, for your loyal support of La Casa de Pepe’ over the past few months. Our business would never be able to function with out loyal customers like you. I would like to inform you that we are having a large festival on May 5, 2009. This, as I am sure that you know, is El Cinco de Mayo. There is a ticket enclosed in this envelope with an invitation that includes the details about the party. You can bring: you, your family, two friends, and your friends families. This party will be our first Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and we want to make it the best ever. We will have an extraordinary buffet with foods from not just Mexico, but throughout the Latin‐American world. The entertainment will be a world famous Flamingo dancer, Juan Manuel. He will be offering a free lesson after the performance. Drinks will be half off at the party, and the buffet will be all you can eat. The party will cost $10 per adult, and $7 dollars for children under 18. We look forward to seeing you, Mr. Gerdes, and your family. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner Enclosure

La Casa de Pepe’ Customer Satisfaction Survey

At La Casa De Pepe’, we care about your dining experience. Please fill out this form and tell us what you thought about our food, the atmosphere, and the service your waiter or waitress gave you. If you turn this form in, you can get a free coupon for 20% off on your next purchase. Your name will also be submitted into a drawing at the end of June to try and win $100. Name (first Last and Middle Initial): Address: Sex:

Male Female

How was your dining experience? What did you enjoy the most about our restaurant?

What could we improve on the most? Was your server attentive and helpful?

Yes No

How did you feel about the atmosphere and layout of our restaurant?

Email Address: How many times have you been to La Casa De Pepe?

Did you view our food as authentic?

Yes

No

Maybe

Do you think that you will return to our restaurant? Why or why not?

Would you recommend our restaurant to a friend? Why or why not?

Scott LaCombe Owner

La Casa de Pepe’

Email Etiquette What is Email Etiquette? Email etiquette is the set of rules and guidlines used to properly format emails. The rules help create formal and concise emails.

Why use Email Etiquette?We use email Etiquette for many reasons. One reason is to make our emails look proffesional to the customer. Another is to protect ourselves from lawsuits. Also, by following these rules, you can create more effi cient emails that save you time and it saves us money.

La Casa de Pepe’s Email Etiquette rules.

Be concise and to the Point* - clients do not want or need excess information, but they do want complete responses.

Use Proper Spelling and Grammar- * I think this one is self explanitory. Use the spell check feature on the email please.

Make it personal- * clients do not want to get emails back from a

computer, they enjoy getting responses from an actual human being.

Do not overuse the High priority option- * this makes

your letter look aggressive and if overused, it loses its purpose.

Do not write in all CAPITALS-* this makes you look as if you are shouting at the client and can be very annoying to the customer.

Add disclaimers to your emails- * include dislaimers that the customer opens the email at their own risks and we are not responsible for any viruses. Also put that no employee is allowed to send deragatory statements while at work or using a work email.

Read the email before you send it-* another self expani-

tory one, mainly for spelling and grammar uses.

Scott LaCombe

Do not overuse “Reply to All”- * only use this feature when neccesary. Customers do not want to recieve emails that don’t apply to them.

Take care with abbreviations and Emoticons- * Try to avoid frases like “LOL” or “BTW” because some clients don’t know what these frases mean.

Be careful with Formatting- * remember that some client’s computers do not have the ability to read special texts and effects.

Do not forward chain mail- * Chain mail is never right about bad luck or the next computer virus. They can contain viruses themselves so please, just delete them.

Don’t copy an attachment or message without * permission- if you don’t have permissions, you could be infringing on copyright laws.

Do not use email to discuss confi dential info- * if you doh’t want it posted on the bulletin board, don’t send it on an email.

Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT-* only use these in actual Urgent or Important emails.

Don’t reply to spam- * if you reply, they will know your account is live, and will send you even more spam.

Return Letters Quickly- * customers usually want a quick re-sponse, usually on the same business day. If you can’t respond yet, send them a message that you recieved their email and will respond to them as soon as possible.

Grand Opening!La Casa de Pepe’

L a C a s a d e P e p e M e x i c a n C a n t i n a . 8 1 2 N W C h i p m a n R o a d , L e e’s S u m m i t , M O.

T u e s d ay, F e b ru a ry 2 4 , 2 0 0 9 f r o m 4 : 0 0 P M t o 1 1 : 0 0 P M .

J o i n u s f o r o u r M a r d i - G r a s / G r a n d O p e n i n g c e l e b r a t i o n , a n y o n e t h e r e

w i l l g e t a f r e e B u r r i t o a n d h a l f p r i c e d r i n k s !

( 8 1 6 ) 8 6 7 - 5 3 09www. l a c a sap ep e .c o m

Scott LaCombe Hr. 1

Movies!Movies! Drinks

DrinksTaco Eating Contest!

At 6:oo PM

Free Burritos!

Tasty food



Jordan Brennan 5678 Sesame Street Kansas City, MO 64721 Dear Mr. Brennan: I sincerely apologize for the unpleasant experience you had at La Casa de Pepe. It made me sick to hear about the treatment you received from my staff. I really appreciate your business and I am very grateful that you brought up the problem. I hope there is a way we can make this up to you, and that you will return to our restaurant. I am sorry that you were not seated immediately. As we are a new restaurant, some of our staff members are still trying to figure out our technology used for seating people. Our usual, experienced hostess just had a baby, so we have been training the new one, but it is difficult to learn so much in so little time. Of course, this is no excuse for an hour wait. I assure you that we have fixed that problem, and our hostess is now much more prompt and our waiting time has been drastically reduced. As for your waiter; we have received several of the same complaints about a waiter over the past week. We had a meeting with him, and we realized that he does not have the attitude that our company wants, so we had to let him go. We do not tolerate that kind of behavior and we are now placing surveys at every table, so that you can rate your waiter/waitress when you go to our restaurant, and we can keep track of their job performance. I was also disgusted to find out that someone had spit in your food. After a further investigation, we found out that your waiter was the one who spit in your food. I hope there is someway that we can make it up to you. Along with this letter, there is also a 50% off coupon. It has no expiration date, and feel free to use it at anytime. I promise you that your next trip to La Casa de Pepe will be much more enjoyable than your last. I am truly sorry for the service you received. Sincerely, Scott LaCombe Owner

Memo To: Employees of La Casa de Pepe From: Scott LaCombe‐ owner Date: March 24, 2009 Subject: New Management I am writing this memo to inform the staff of a change in the manager of our restaurant. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that that you have given me over the past few months. Our restaurant would not be functioning without our excellent staff. However, our current manager, Kristen Jacobs, will be leaving us shortly for personal reasons. I have been searching for a new manager, and I have finally found one, Juan Gonzalez. Juan worked for 12 years at a restaurant in Progresso, Mexico, and very few people in the world know more about authentic Mexican food than this man. He is 34 years old and an expert manager. When he managed the restaurant he worked at in Mexico, he brought it from a modest 2 and a half stars to an exquisite 4 star restaurant, yet the restaurant still maintained fair prices. Juan would like me to inform you about a few changes in our service. All employees will be given new uniforms (ones that look more like you would see in Mexico). Also, Juan will be given us a 2 hour training class once a week during April to inform us about Mexican mannerisms and traditions for serving and cooking food. I hope that all of you will greet Juan with a positive attitude and open mind. I am very excited to begin a new chapter in our restaurant!

MR SCOTT LACOMBE 410 NW FRANCES RD LEES SUMMIT MO 64063

MS BECKY HAND 1347 NW RODEO DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS CA 90210

March 6, 2009 Ms. Becky Hand 1347 NW Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, California 90210 Dear Ms. Hand: I went to your restaurant last week, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the regular California “Barbecue”, which, in my opinion never comes close to the Kansas City barbecue that I am used to. When I arrived, I saw a very interesting setting in your restaurant. You did an excellent job at creating a western atmosphere in the middle of Beverly Hills, California. When was seated, your server was very courteous and helpful. We never ran low on a drink and she was constantly checking on us to see if we needed anything. I decided to try your pulled pork sandwich. I was completely taking off guard when I tasted the magnificent sandwich. It was excellent, probably one of the best barbecue sandwiches I have ever had, and I have been to the famous Arthur Bryant’s and Gates barbecue in Kansas City, the barbecue capital of the country. Please pass on my praise to your chefs and servers, because they did an excellent job. Your prices on everything were also very fair. I was shocked when the meal for the six of us at the restaurant was under $70. I will make sure to recommend this restaurant to anyone I know who is going to Beverly Hills. I do have one question for you; when are you opening another restaurant near Kansas City? Thanks again for your wonderful service. Sincerely yours, Mr. Scott LaCombe 410 NW Frances Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

La Casa de Pepe’

Alex Bennett and Scott LaCombe

La Casa de Pepe’

WE ACCEPT

812 NW Chipman rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

(816) 867-5309

We Deliver!order online at:

www.lacasapepe.com

Coca-cola .................. 1.25Diet coke .................... 1.25Root-beer .................... 1.25Dr. Pepper .................. 1.25Sprite ........................ 1.25Sunkist ..................... 1.25

Sobre (sherbert) .......1.50Helado (ice cream) ..1.50Homeade fl an .........3.00sweet, creamy custard with carmel topping.

Empanadas ............3.00dessert burrito with apples, blueberries, cherry or boysenberry topping.

Sopapillas ..............1.00fried tortillas with honey

Bebidas (drinks)

Postres (dessert)

Mariscos Seafood

Camarones Ranchero ......................12.99Delicious shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes smothered with a spicy sauce.

Chimichanga de Lujo ......................13.95Flour tortilla stuffed with crab, simmered with onions, tomatoes, and spices. This masterpiece is topped off with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream.

Camarones Vallarta .......................13.45Combination of shrimp wraped in bacon, sirved with rice with mixed vegetables.

Burrito Cancun .............................14.45Flour tortilla fi lled with crab, shrimp, and chicken, sauteed with onions and to-matoes. Smothered in a mushroom sauce with cheese, sour cream, avacados. and sour cream.

Camarones con Jalepeño .................13.45Classic dish with tomatoes, jalepeños, and a mix of two delicious sauces.

Platillos MexicanosMexican Plates

Chile Verde ............................ 11.45 Tender chunks of pork simmered in a gree tomatoes sauce. Served with your choice of corn or fl our tortillas.

Arroz con pollo .................... 11.45Mouth watering chicken with tomatoes, green onions, and cheese, and simmer it all together. It is served over rice.

Flautas .................................10.45Two crisp fl our tortillas rolled and stuffed with shredded beef or chicken and topped with sour cream, guacamole, and red sauce.

AppetizersSuper Nachos .............. $7.95Chips, beans, cheese, salsa and choice of chicken, beef or pork. Topped with guacamole and sour

cream.Quesidilla ................. $3.45

Corn or fl our.

Super Quesidilla ........... $6.95Two fl our tortillas with melted cheese, grilled lightly and topped with guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

Jalapeno Poppers ........$5.25Six jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese. Served with dip.

Breaded Mozzarella .... $5.25Served with ranch-style

Guacamole Dip ........... $7.75Freshly prepared avocado dip with minced onions, tomatoes, cilantro and corn tortilla chips for dipping.

SaladsTostada Grande ..........$8.95A crispy, fl our tortilla shell fi lled with beans and your choice of beef, chicken or pork. Topped with salad, salsa, guacamole and sour cream.

Chicken Salad ..............$8.95Crispy greens topped with char-broiled chicken and your choice of dressing.

Seafood Salad ............ $12.45Crispy greens topped with fresh crabmeat, bay shrimp and sliced avocados with your choice of dressing.

Shrimp Louis Salad ..... $9.95Crispy greens topped with bay shrimp and sliced avocados, tomatoes and more with your choice of dressing.

Chicken Caesar Salad .....$9.458 oz. of grilled chicken breast on a bed of romaine lettuce, mixed with parmesan cheese and special dressing.

La Casa de Pepe’

The Pepe’ Times

A message from the Boss

Thank you everybody for all of your hard

working in preparing La Casa de Pepe’ for our grand opening on February 24. We are almost ready for our Mardi-Gras bash and we ex-pect a huge turnout. Please invite all of you family and friends to come to our gran-dopening, the more the mer-rier. I would like to remind the staff that even though we are not handling the food yet, you MUST wash your hands after leaving the bathroom. The health department does not have any fl exibility on this issue and neither do I. So far, this has not been a problem and I want all of us to begin this good habit now so that we will not have any problems when we open. Once again, we could not be where we are without your hard work and determination.

Scott LaCombe

Huge Turnout expected for Grand Opening

As many if not all of you know (I hope) ,our

grand opening will be held on February 24, 2008. The grand opening party will include half price drinks and a free burrito. We will also be having a taco eating contest that evening. If you are not working that night, you are strongly encouraged to participate in the activities. Because of our website and adds around town, we expect to have huge crowds attend-ing. How much is huge? Well I would consider huge anywhere above the 150 range, especially considering that this is not a restaraunt chain and we do not have a lot of money to publicize for the big night. We already have 22 competetors for the

taco eating contest (which is 10 more than we expected!). Thankfully , our advertise-ment specialists, have been cooking up the best ads they can think of, and we believe this economical strategy of advertisement is benefi t-ing us much more than we thought. Make sure to let everyone know about the event. Everyone is welcome. Invite your family, friends, your daughter’s second grade teacher, I don’t care, just invite people!If anyone ask you for menu’s

or more information. Just give them our website, www.lacasapepe.com where they can fi nd free menus and learn about upcoming events.

continued page 2

Scott LaCombe Hr 1 Pg 1

Man exciting events are happening here, and I know they will continue.I hope we can fi ll the house on our fi rst night and hit the ground run-ning with the best mexican restaurant in town !

Billy Smith

A New Mascot?A new controversy is

taking shape in our new restaurant. Some of our staff members want to change our mascot from our beloved Señor Pepe. Our current mascot is our logo and mascot. He is seen on every advertisement and document that our company sends out. He is also on all of our menus. People op-posed to the change, argue that the cost of changing our mascot on every menu would outweigh any benefi t of a new logo, if there is any benefi t at all, especially for a new restaurant that is just establishing its image. The worry that if a new logo is created, people will confuse our logo as being from a dif-ferent restaurant. People in favor of changing the logo believe that the change would add excitement to the image of the restaurant, because they think the cur-rent logo is too boring for a restaurant that advertizes a good time. They also be-lieve that it is not too late to change the logo, because the current one has not had enough time to stick. They hope that the new logo will create more excitement

and attract larger crowds. I personally believe that we can compromise on theis issue. Why can’t we use the currnet logo and then add the proposed one into the menu? Many companies have several characters represent-ing their restaurants. Ronald McDonald is not the only character McDonald uses, and the last time I checked, McDonalds was doing very well, even in these economic times. The proposed mascot is located under this article, and the current mascot is located on the front page. Please email me your feed-back about this issue at [email protected].

Richard Berkely

La Casa de Pepe’

Tacos: the New Health Sensation?Most of us view tacos

as greasy piles of beef slapped on to a hard shell with loads of cheese, toma-toes, beans, salsa, and many ohter things. While this view still exists at your local Taco

Bell, many restaurants are beggining to change to real tacos that are more nutri-tious and delicious. For ex-ample, beef is very unhealthy compared to other meats. Instead of using red meats, many restaurants are begin-ing to use chicken or even fi sh in some areas. Fish is a very healthy alternative to red meats, it is low in fat and high in vitamins. Also, many restaurants are using more natural cheese. Even though most of us love the regu-lar kraft processed cheese squares, who would not prefer cheese made naturally and with out preservatives. As for the beans, they seem to be here to stay. Beans are very high in protein and contain many good nutrients essential for human life. The new tacos also use tortillas made wtih whole grains. We hope you enjoy the new, healthier tacos.

Chris Tucker

Felicidades!buy a seafood item,

get on 1/2 off.

offer valid through

8/16/09.

Pg 2

Report over how the atmosphere/décor affects the customers

Prepared by Scott LaCombe Consultant on Interior/ Exterior design

Report Distributed April 9, 2009

Prepared for Owner of La Casa De Pepe

ABSTRACT

This report explains many choices in atmosphere and how they affect customer’s dining

experience. It examines how cool colors create a relaxing mood, while warm color tend to create

an exciting or aggressive mood. Also, lighting can make a room seem leisurely or business like

depending on what kind of light is used and how bright the lights are. The temperature of the

restaurant should range from between 70-75 degrees, and breakfast should have the brightest

lighting, while dinner has the dimmest. Flowers and plants tend to attract customers, and it was

suggested that the company rents plants from a local florist for periods of time, so they can trade

in the plants every few months. A dark brown and orange was suggested to create a relaxing, yet

vibrant mood, while also coinciding with the Mexican/ Southwestern theme of the restaurant. A

mix between booths and tables seems like a good compromise between all booths (which provide

a quiet experience) and all tables (which can’t fit as many people, but makes the meal feel nicer).

Also, it is very important to create an attractive entry way to draw in potential customers.

INTRODUCTION This report examines how the choices in color, exterior design, lighting, interior design,

and furniture choice and layout affect the customers’ mood. It also talks about how people are

attracted to a restaurant based on the design of the restaurant, and how different colors can

stimulate different attitudes from people and how they view their dining experience. The report

will also make suggestions about what choices in color, wall accessories, furniture, exterior

design, and lighting.

ANALYSIS OF RESTAURANT DÉCOR/ ATMOSPHERE

COLOR

Choices in color do affect how the customer feels during the dining experience. Warm

colors (red, orange, yellow, etc.) are very stimulating for excitement, while cool colors (blue,

purple, green) calm and relax customers. Cooler colors are also easy on the eyes, while warm

colors are very bright and vibrant. Blue and green also stimulate conversation, while also making

time seem to pass very quickly. Yellow and orange tend to make people feel welcome in the

restaurant and it makes them feel happier. Red tends to make people feel aggressive, while

brown makes a relaxing and warm atmosphere. Gray makes a more somber appearance for the

restaurant, and some people even view it as depressing. (Colors and Moods)

Lighting

Lighting is just as important as color in making a restaurant have an attractive

atmosphere. The cooking area should have bright lights to create a safe work area for the staff.

Many restaurants change the lighting depending on the meal. For breakfast, most restaurants

have bright lights to keep the customers awake, and to allow people to easily read the newspaper.

At lunchtime, they have moderate lighting to keep people moving and eating quickly. For dinner,

the lights are usually dimmed to create a leisurely atmosphere where diners feel like they can

take their time and are not rushed. Younger people tend to like dimmer lights, and as people age,

they begin to like brighter lights (because their eyesight is getting worse). Compact fluorescent

light bulbs can save you a lot of money over the course of several years, but they require a larger

initial investment. They last longer and use less energy to light the area. To create a fine dining

or romantic atmosphere, people use candles. Candles flatter most people’s appearance and make

the food look more appetizing to the customer. The movement of the candlelight also creates a

very attractive atmosphere for customers. Lighting on the outside of the building should be

bright for people to be able to easily make it across the parking lot without a fear of falling or

slipping. (Atmosphere in the Restaurant)

Climate Control

Climate control is one subject that most restaurants overlook. The temperature can affect

a customer’s mood just as much as anything else in the restaurant. The customer must be

comfortable to enjoy the dining experience. Younger people tend to like cooler temperatures, and

women prefer warmer temperatures over men. Generally, most restaurants keep the temperature

between 70-75 degrees with 50% humidity. It is very important to eliminate all drafts to make

the dining experience comfortable. Also, curtains are a great way to insulate the restaurant. If

your furnace constantly blows hot and cold air out of a vent, make sure that no customer is

sitting below or above the vents. People do not like a constant flow of air on them. (Atmosphere

in the Restaurant)

Landscaping

Landscaping can create a very attractive exterior appearance to attract customers. A well-

groomed garden can make a restaurant appear cleaner and nicer. Rocks and fountains can add to

the diversity of the garden. Many people suggest having a wide variety of flowers and plants to

create many contrasting colors to attract customers. It is also suggested having flowers of various

heights to create an interesting flower area.

Interior Design

Interior Design includes many of the above categories, as well as furniture and décor.

One of the most important areas to theme appropriately in you restaurant is the main entrance to

the restaurant. This area provides people who are passing by a quick “sample” of your restaurant.

Also, the choice of tables or booths can greatly affect someone’s dining experience. It is thought

that booths provide a more isolated and quiet area for people to talk with their own party, but not

be disturbed by traffic around the restaurant. Tables are thought of as more elegant, and provide

can fit larger parties by placing tables together. (The relative importance of food…)

Plants and accessories are very important to the overall interior design. Curtains can help

insulate the restaurant while also providing a cozy feeling to the restaurant. Knick-knacks and

other items can enhance the atmosphere of the restaurant, but if they are not themed properly or

if they look cluttered, the restaurant can appear tacky. Plants can help add color to the restaurant

and can absorb noise from conversations. Most business choose potted moderate sized plants, or

plants that are cut that can be placed in a pot. One of the more economical items is to rent plants

from a local florist. This provides the advantage of not constantly paying for new plants, and you

can change out your plants every few months to change up the look of the restaurant. Of course,

the plants and any accessories on the walls should be secured firmly to prevent any theft or

accidents from occurring. (Atmosphere in the Restaurant)

CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATION

In conclusion, the choice in atmosphere can affect what kind of customers you draw in,

how long they stay, and what their mood is while dining. I suggest the color choice of dark

orange and brown to create a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere to the restaurant. Also, I would

strongly suggest changing the lighting during meals, making breakfast the brightest, and dinner

the dimmest to create appropriate atmospheres.

I would also recommend renting plants from the local florist. This provides a cheap way

to acquire a wide variety of plant, and gives you the ability to change out your plants every few

months. I would also suggest creating an easy to maintain garden outside of the entrance. Try to

theme the walls of the restaurant with either American southwestern object combined with

Mexican flare. Try cactuses for plants, and use Aztec or Native American paintings or items to

hang on the walls. Also, try to use Mexican cultural items, like sombreros or huipils (Mayan

blouses). Make sure that you firmly attach everything to the walls to prevent theft or any

accident from occurring.

Using combinations of booths and tables is an effective way to utilize room and create a

comfortable dining area for customers. It is important to design your atmosphere around the

theme of your restaurant.

WORKS CITED

Quinn, Thomas “Atmosphere in the Restaurant” Michigan State University Extension. 1981

Michigan State University. 8 April 2009. < http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modtd>

Sulek, Joanne “The relative importance of food, atmosphere, and fairness of wait” Entrepreneur

August 2004. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration. 8 April 2009

< http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/120350580.html>

Nicholson, Mary “Colors and Moods” Virtual Training Center 2005. Bloomsberg University. 8

April 2009 < http://iit.bloomu.edu/vthc/Design/psychology.htm>

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