by Joao Bicalho
Staff Writer
Come hungry, treat a friend and leave happy.
Thanks to its “2 for 1” offer and several participating restaurants, including most of the food court, lunch time on Tuesdays at the Landing has become popular — and they are a good way for Downtown workers to save money.
Among the participating restaurants are Benny’s Steak and Seafood, Bourbon Bayou, Koja Sushi, Twisted Martini and Vito’s Italian Cafe. At the food court: American Hero’s, Apple-a-Day Deli, Flamer’s, Great Wraps, Meyer’s Latin Flair and Sbarro.
Michael Chambliss, director of marketing, seized the opportunity and made it all happen.
“We actually came up with the idea months and months ago,” said Chambliss.
Chambliss and Omni General Manager Scott Stuckey were brainstorming some marketing ideas and “picking up on each other’s brains,” he said.
Chambliss passed the idea to the merchants at the Landing later on and the result was surprisingly positive.
“They loved the idea,” said Chambliss.
Meal prices vary, he added. There are both fast food and seafood restaurants that are part of the Tuesday promotion.
“All the merchants have picked up,” said Chambliss, who has been noticing an increase in sales during the promotion.
As a marketing tool, it has been effective because it is attracting more people to the Landing, he said.
Erfan Raffii, who co-owns Flamer’s and Rio Burritos with his wife, Kim, has been noticing the changes after the promotion started.
“On Tuesdays we have a 15-20 percent increase on sales,” said Raffii.
Both restaurants share a common kitchen and for that reason only Flamer’s is participating, he said.
The boost in sales on Tuesdays has been helpful, he said. Raffii hired more employees to work once a week for that reason.
With the economy slowing down, it is a good opportunity to bring a friend to eat for the price of one, he said. At Flamer’s when someone buys a sandwich and two drinks, they get a sandwich free.
Raffii said the marketing plan was well-executed, but the best tool is still word-of-mouth. As soon as more people hear about it, Raffii figures Tuesdays will get even busier.
Jack Fountain, a city worker for the Landing, said he sometimes eats at the Landing. The promotion was a good opportunity to save money, he said.
“You get your money’s worth that way,” said Fountain.
And he knows exactly why he is saving money these days.
“Gas prices,” said Fountain.
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