Allow me to set the stage. It's January...the dead of winter in the Midwest. Occupancy isn't what anyone would call acceptable. Residents pretty much stay home during the week...especially on frigid Monday nights. Thus, restaurants and bars could be excused if they elect to close on Mondays. Ain't nobody downtown.
Except...there is a 300-person convention in town on this particular Monday night. And, with that background, I have a few questions.
I've never run a hotel...but why would the HQ hotel restaurant and room-service be dark with a full house?
I've never run a restaurant, but why would the coolest culinary spot in town (and just a block away from the HQ hotel) be dark on this particular Monday?
I've never run a strip club, but why would such a nightspot (a block in the other direction) be dark on this night (and, oh yeah, the attendees at this convention skewed 80% male)?
Just because it's Monday night? Really?
Are we that married to our schedules that we can't see the opportunity that 300 visitors in a town bring to a bottom line? Maybe they all don't need to go to a strip club...but, ummm, they all gotta eat.
Like I said, I've never run a hospitality business. But, I'm pretty damn sure I would have found a way to be open and benefit from the dollars that were burning a hole in 300 visitors' pockets.
And, have a big smile on my face Tuesday morning as I made my deposit.
Just a thought...
Wherever you are, I don't want to be there.
Posted by: Tim Morrissey | January 24, 2012 at 08:08