The Downtown core is getting another Asian restaurant. Flame Ramen is coming to 61 S. Second, which I believe would be the space in One Commerce Square (near Second and Union) formerly occupied by Subway. Flame, a chain restaurant, has had its managers notice a lot of Downtowners at its Midtown location. They want to capture the 18-to-45 demographic down here.
Here’s a look at the menu from Flame’s Midtown location. Matthew Fite of the DM reports that the menu for the Downtown location will be smaller. Back in March, the DM had a look at a $10 Deal from one of Flame’s other locations: the Donburi rice bowl.
Reminder to restaurant owners/managers: If you update your menu, please make sure to get it current on
- your restaurant’s website
- review sites such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews
- social media, especially Facebook
Last night I was at a restaurant and a couple became unhappy when they found out they couldn’t get certain items that they’d seen on the restaurant’s website. They walked out after paying for their drinks. Granted, they were unnecessarily rude about it and it was probably good riddance – but still, that was a potential $40 dinner tab out the door.
Which brings me to the next point. RESTAURANT PATRONS: I have a pet peeve with you, too. Well, some of you.
If every little aspect of your dining experience doesn’t go exactly the way you want, you shouldn’t automatically assume it’s because the person serving you has an “attitude.”
Let me give a few examples.
- Unhappy a 20% automatic gratuity got added to your bill? It’s not because your server has an attitude and wants to bilk you out of extra money. An 18 to 20 percent auto-grat is the norm in Downtown restaurants these days. Without it, restaurants wouldn’t be able to retain good servers – too many people write “N/A” on the tip line or think $4 on a $66 tab is a good tip.
- Got told there would be a $3 upcharge when you asked to sub steak on the chicken burrito you ordered? That wouldn’t be because your server has an attitude. It’s because steak is more expensive for restaurants to purchase than chicken.
- Did it take 25 minutes to get your food out to you? I sympathize; that’s certainly not ideal. Hospitality expert Jon Taffer advises restaurants to aim for 10-12 minute ticket times. When those don’t happen, though, it’s likely because the kitchen is backed up – not because your server has an attitude and delayed putting your order in.
When I hear a customer accuse a server of having an “attitude,” I think of a psychological phenomenon known as projection.
Pretty interesting diagram I found on Facebook yesterday. I wonder if people who manufacture Crayola 64-packs have this memorized.
Cossitt Library innovator-in-residence Ena Esco will discuss social media marketing on her podcast Thursday, July 13 from 5:00-7:00 PM. She’ll be joined by Kelvin Woods. Topics they plan to discuss include strategy, content, and adopting a promotion mindset.
In other Cossitt Library news: At Explore MemFest on Saturday, from 1 to 4 they will have a Books & Backpacks giveaway. Come by to get a backpack filled with school supplies. There will be library card signups too.
Cordelia’s Market has announced the promotion of Brian Prather to general manager. An interview in the market’s blog shines a light on Prather’s background and experience. He loves local!
STIX, the fast-food Asian joint on Second, reminded its followers that they offer sushi classes, and that you can contact the restaurant to make a booking for your group. Participants
- learn how to make 3 different rolls
- sip on a specialty cocktail
- enjoy a ginger salad with signature dressing
- get to take home a bottle of ginger dressing or yum yum sauce
The Blind Bear has announced its Features (specials) for this week. They’ll have them today through whenever they run out, most likely Friday.
- Chicken tortilla soup – cup 6 / bowl 8
- Southwest stuffed shells – seasoned beef, cheeses, pico de gallo – 14
- Strawberry pound cake – house-made butter cake, Grand Marnier strawberries, whipped cream – 7
Y’ALL. I tried a bite of that strawberry pound cake and it is AMAZING. Do not miss it if you have a sweet tooth.
Southwest Airlines has announced its seasonal nonstop flight to Washington DC. It runs daily through September 4, departing Memphis at 8:25 AM CDT and arriving in DC at 11:35 AM EDT.
From Lifehacker: Stop looking at the temperature dial on your grill. It only tells you what the grill’s temp is at that one spot. Instead, buy a digital thermometer.
Today is National Pecan Pie Day.
It’s also National Eat Your Jello Day. SHOTS SHOTS SHOTSSHOTSSHOTS
Day game! L.A. Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies in NBA Summer League action at 2:30 this afternoon. NBAtv is the channel to watch.
The CA has a look at the hip-hop architecture summer camp for kids hosted in Memphis.
The Mistress Saved My Marriage – The Stage Play comes to the Cannon Center Saturday.
FreedomFest comes to the Renasant Convention Center today through Saturday. The event is about all the ways we experience liberty in our lives. It’s a celebration of “great books, great thinkers, and great ideas.:” The event is non-partisan and encourages open-mindedness.
Eight & Sand Lounge in the Central Station Hotel will hold Yacht Rock Night with Katie Orlando Saturday from 9 to 1.
That’s it for today! I expect to be back tomorrow with more news.