The Indiana Restaurant Association (IRA) says enough with the food recession blues - Fork the Recession and dine out!

No matter your age, gender or financial status, nearly everyone is giving something up in an effort to cope with the recession. An overwhelming 82% said that dining out would be easy to abandon. Discounted menus at mid- to high-end restaurants suggest restaurateurs are finding ways to entice customers back.

According to the NRA, 75% of customers said they would support full service restaurants more frequently if they offered discounts for dining on less busy days of the week. In a Restaurants & Institutions 2009 New American Diner study, approximately half of Americans say they are taking advantage of restaurant coupons or special deals more often.Restaurants from quick-serve to fine dining are responding with discounts to lure diners. Local restaurants are following this trend by creating their own discounts on three course meals, multiple dinner deals, and beverage specials.

To assist consumers find specials, the Indiana Restaurant Association is helping restaurants spread the news about their specials by listing details on the IRA website and several social networking sites including Twitter and Facebook.

Lets face it, people need to eat, and sometimes we like to treat ourselves and eat something a little above and beyond the normal fare. Even in recessionary times, consumers can only hold off for so long before they eventually give in to at least SOME of lifes temptations and finer things.

A roundup of restaurant deals and discounts to court recession-weary consumers can be found at www.indianarestaurants.org/restaurantspecials.asp. Follow @INrestaurants on Twitter for the latest updates.

Mom’s the Word! Indiana Restaurants Offer Budget Saving Deals on Mother’s Day

Making Mom feel special on Mother’s Day is a tradition that has been taking place for many years and Indiana Restaurant Association (IRA) members have taken the initiative to create special menus that will appeal to anyone who is looking to make Mom feel special on Mother’s Day weekend May 9-10, 2009 without breaking the bank.

The National Restaurant Association research shows that Mother’s Day is the single most popular day of the year to dine out, with nearly four out of 10 Americans (38 percent) doing so up from 30 percent in 1996.

Restaurants are taking extra steps in today’s economic conditions to provide Mothers with more value for their money. Here’s a sample of what just a few restaurants are dishing up for Mother’s Day Weekend:

Kelties Restaurant provides hands on training for families with children who need etiquette lessons. There will be Brunch with delectables such as egg dishes, fresh seasonal fruits, and homemade pastries desserts with our signature chicken strudel, fresh fish and beef tenderloin. A dinner buffet will be served with specialties such as shrimp scampi, blackened salmon, beef tenderloin and so much more.

Propylaeum has a vintage atmosphere and will provide a Brunch Buffet for $30.00 or $18.00 for children between 6 and 12. This extravagant buffet will included carved meats, salads and entrees, with appropriate side dishes and a dessert buffet.

Scotty’s Brewhouse will offer a free dessert for every mom and kids 12 and under eat free.

“We wanted to give something special to Mom’s, so not only are we giving a free dessert to every Mom; but, we have “sweetened” the deal by also giving a free scratch off lottery ticket,” said Scott Wise, President/CEO of Scotty’s Brewhouse. “We felt, with 5 restaurants and the hundreds of moms we will see, our chances of making a few lucky families leave with a full tummy and full pocket of cash, would be a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day.”

The Association’s Holiday Dining survey indicates that dining out on Mother’s Day is more common among larger households. Almost half (44 percent) of adults, in household consisting of three or more individuals, ate a Mothers Day meal at a restaurant last year, compared to about one-quarter (24 percent) of one person households.

Not only are restaurants providing special meals, hotels are also helping consumers save big on Mother’s day by providing affordable spa treatments and room specials.

West Baden Springs Hotel is offering a Mother's Day Hotel Package starting at $349, which includes an inclusive of a manicure, pedicure and breakfast in bed. Customers will get to enjoy luxuriously appointed rooms and rejuvenate in world-class spas.

French Lick Springs Hotel will offer a Mother's Day Hotel Package starting at $99. It includes an overnight stay and a deluxe continental breakfast for two the next morning.


To see the full list of restaurant specials visit http://www.indianarestaurants.org/mothersday.asp.

###

The Indiana Restaurant Association (IRA) is a full-service membership association with more than 1,600 member restaurant properties and industry-related services companies. IRA provides member companies the best government and public relations program, member benefits, education, and information services. Member companies can be found online at http://www.indianarestaurants.org/.

Local Indiana Resource for Biodegradable Take-Out Containers?

We recently received this question from a member restaurant and thought we'd share the answer!

I've spent the entire day researching biodegradable take out containers. Any ideas? Our rep claims there's no call for it "around here". Seems as though .25 each is the goin' rate on the Internet. Anything local? I just can't believe no one else wants them!

Well, search no more because Indiana Restaurant Association associate member, Acorn Distributors, carries a full line of green biodegradable foodservice products including take-out containers!

Acorn Distributors
Jennifer Rosenberg
5820 Fortune Circle West Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Office 317.243.9234 Ext. 2044
toll free 800.783.2446
cell 317.339.3618
jrosenberg at acorndistributors dot com
www.acorndistributors.com

Sales Manager
Dan Bellman
317.243.9234 Ext. 2039
dbellman at acorndistributors dot com

Alcohol Tax Increase AND Hospitality Taxes Proposed to Fund CIB Operations

An increase in hospitality taxes is now a real threat.

This Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will be considering an amendment to HB 1604 which increases the excise tax on Alcohol by 100%, the food and beverage tax .25% and the innkeeper's tax 1% to help fund the Marion County Capital Improvement Board shortfall caused by the Pacers, Colts and Convention Center operating losses.

In and effort to gain support for the idea, the anticipated $42 million increase in alcohol taxes would be distributed statewide to cities and towns throughout Indiana on a population basis for economic development initiatives. Only Indianapolis' portion ($8 million annually) of this increase would go to the Marion County Capital Improvement Board.

Not only would this give Central Indiana the highest combined hospitality tax rate in the country, the increase in the alcohol tax would come at a time when the casual and fine dining segment are already struggling.

Any new funding for the CIB would have to be authorized by the Indiana General Assembly before they adjourn on April 29th. We only have a few days left to let our legislators know how we feel about this issue.

Please use our legislative action center at http://capwiz.com/la to contact your legislator to let them know how you feel. A typed or handwritten letter on your letterhead in your own words would be even better. Remember that you can contact your Senator and Representative where you live and where your business is located.

Ask your employees, suppliers, friends and customers to support your business by doing the same thing.

This is a true emergency. Please get started today - before it is too late.


Sincerely,

John Livengood
President


Click here for a list of legislators and their hometown numbers.

Click here to find your legislator.

Upcoming Hoosier Hospitality Conference Boasts New Topics and National Speakers

Over 500 restaurateurs, hoteliers and tourism professionals will be “Creating Hoosier Hysteria in Hospitality” at the 2009 Hoosier Hospitality Conference (HHC) at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Historic Union Station in Indianapolis on March 24 and March 25. This year's conference boasts exciting national speakers and hot new topics that are affecting the restaurant and hospitality industry today.

With more than 25 industry-focused educational sessions that focus on marketing, sustainability, technology, trends, and government relations, we can proudly say that HHC is Indiana's only all industry educational and networking conference for hospitality leaders.

During HHC 2009, special guests and industry experts will ignite excitement into the restaurant and hospitality industry. National speakers Chris Moyer, from the National Restaurant Association, and Costas Christ, from National Geographic Adventure, will give attendees the necessary knowledge to keep current with industry trends.

Other guest speakers will present topics such blogging, branding, marketing and technology. A silent auction will take place that will benefit the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau scholarship program, and the Indiana Hospitality & Tourism Foundation to prepare high school students who want to enter the restaurant and hospitality industry.

HHC is brought to you by the Indiana Restaurant Association (IRA), the Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association (IHLA), the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureau (AICVB), and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD).

View the full list of speakers, session information and register online at http://www.hoosierhospitalityconference.com/.

HB 1207

The Indiana Restaurant Association is opposed to HB 1207 but we are not opposed to providing nutritional information to restaurant customers. We support federal legislation know as the LEAN Act that would provide a uniform set of rules nationwide. Most of our members that would be affected by HB 1207 are national companies or small businesses affiliated with a national brand and they need to have the same requirements for all of the states in which they do business. The LEAN Act would cover more Indiana restaurants than HB 1207, provide more flexibility in how the information is delivered, and give small businesses protection against frivolous lawsuits. We hope the Senate will not move HB 1207 forward but will instead support our efforts to pass federal legislation that achieves the same end.

John Livengood
President/CEO
Indiana Restaurant Association

Devour Downtown Focus on Channel 13

McCormick & Schmick's own Scotty Kennedy talks to Channel 13 about the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association's exciting event Devour Downtown Winterfest taking place January 19-31, 2009!

Follow Devour Downtown on Twitter

Become a Fan on Facebook

Join the Email List

Indianapolis Chef Regina Mehallick Publishes First Cookbook

Since 2001, Chef Regina Mehallick has been garnering praise and shaping Indianapolis' culinary landscape from her restaurant kitchen at R bistro.

Just in time for the holidays, Regina has gathered 52 of her favorite recipes in her first cookbook, Regina's Seasonal Table: Recipes to Savor Throughout the Year.

Like at R bistro, Regina's Seasonal Table focuses on Midwestern USA's bounty and recognizes the joys of eating seasonally. The 124-page book includes more than 100 beautiful photos and four seasons' worth of good eating geared toward the home cook. Recipes include Indiana watermelon with prosciutto de Parma and Gorgonzola; Seared beef tenderloin bruschetta with roasted peppers and red onions on Asiago bread and arugula salad; and Ruby red trout with wild rice succotash and Pernod sauce.

You can pick up a copy of the cookbook at R Bistro or call 317-423-0312 to place an order and have it mailed to you!

Deceptive Letters Circulating to Indiana Businesses

A letter mailed to Indiana businesses, that would appear to come from an official government source, should be ignored. Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita announced today the letter is deceptive and does not come from his Business Services Division. Secretary Rokita and his staff are working with federal law enforcement to determine who is responsible for these letters and ensure they are stopped.

The letter has been received by at least one restaurant corporation that reported it to the Indiana Restaurant Association.

The letter solicits a $125 annual fee and claims it will be used for record keeping and processing of a company's annual minutes. It gives the appearance of coming from a legitimate government agency and cites fictitious state law. It also includes a "return by" date. The return address on some of the recent letters mailed to Indiana businesses goes to a box at a Mailboxes, Etc. store close to the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.

"I will not tolerate an attack of this nature against businesses in Indiana," said Secretary Rokita. "My office has actively engaged the U.S. postal inspector who has jurisdiction in this case and will advocate aggressively for Indiana's businesses, large and small."

Secretary Rokita is concerned businesses may be confused and believe responding to the letter takes the place of business entity reporting that is legitimately required by state law. Businesses operating in Indiana can now securely submit these reports online through the INBiz portal found on the Secretary of State's Web page, www.in.gov/sos/business.

Businesses wishing to check the validity of any mailing from Indiana's Business Services Division or any division of the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State should contact the Business Services Division Help Line at (317) 232-6576.

Scams Hitting Indy Restaurants

Jeff Wright from Agio has sent us news that the old “Dry Cleaning Scam” is circulating again. The receipts are copies, but look more sophisticated than previous versions of the scam. This version is from Henderson Nevada and was actually sent via mail which is considered a federal offense.

If you receive such a scam via mail send along with the envelope to:
Fraud Inspector
7188 Lakeview Parkway West Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268

This follows a recent scam where a man using a chef's jacket and business cards managed to eat and drink at a number of area restaurants using the name of the chef at Rick’s Boatyard Café.

Mike Hibbeln is the executive chef at Rick's Boatyard Cafe. He first learned there was a problem from a worker at Jillian's downtown. She said a man came in wearing a chef's jacket and ran up a $60 tab and said Hibbeln would take care of it.

Hibbeln said the man calls himself "Bill Matthews" and is using Hibbeln's business cards to further his scam. The man actually picked up the business cards from a display at Rick's Boatyard.

"From most people who've called, he uses the same deal. He tells them ‘This is the guy I work for. I need to go pick him up at the airport. I locked my keys in my car, I need $75 to get a locksmith so I can get in my car and pick up my chef.' And people are giving him like anywhere from $20, $30, $40," said Hibbeln.

Hibbeln said he also heard from a couple who Matthews had approached out in front of the Conrad Hotel, but they were smart enough not to take him up on his offer of a free meal. Hibbeln says he's hearing from callers that the scammer is a white man about 6'3" with medium-length black hair.

Anyone with information regarding the case should call metro police at 327-6621.

Adopting a policy to handle customer complaints at the time they occur can eliminate most problems while identifying those people who have truthful claims. Have documentation such as a daily journal or incident log where management records potential customer problems including date, time, table location, server, customer name and a description of the incident, even if the customer insists everything is taken care of satisfactorily. Once you have the journal and your staff is trained on its use, adopt a policy of only addressing customer complaints that are logged in the journal.

For more information please contact Debbie Scott at the Indiana Restaurant Association office, 317-673-4211 or email dscott at lmvconsulting.com.

OpenTable iPhone App

OpenTable, the leading supplier of reservation, table management and guest management software for restaurants is stepping out in a big way with the revealing of their new iPhone App. It's free and is said to be even better than the website, because it utilizes the iPhone's GPS and tells you the nearest 20 restaurants!

Read it first on Geek Sugar

Texting, Tweeting, Wikis...What??

The Millennial workforce making you feel behind the times with their talk of texting, tweeting, wikis and blogs? A recent article, How Not To Act Your Age, at CNNMoney.com gives you all the low-down you need to avoid looking old at the office.

Yelp Snapsot

Puts things into perspective. Yelp, being only 4 years old, is definitely something to take note of...especially for restaurants, who compose 34% of the reviews on the site. On the bright side 4-star and 5-star reviews top the chart for the most kinds of reviews made on yelp - a lot less bad mouthing and a lot more good word-of-mouth publicity!

Other interesting stats in the chart pictured above: 4 million reviews, with 34% restaurants, 23% shopping, 8% beauty and fitness, etc. Users are 51% male and 49% female, and 65% have a college degree.

Tech Crunch shares this and more info about Yelp in light of the recent Citysearch beta launch.

Downtown Indianapolis Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the time of year to gather around friends and family to enjoy good company and great food. This year, Downtown Indianapolis, Inc has compiled a list of the area's wonderful restaurants that are open on the Thanksgiving holiday.

Industry of the American Dream

The National Restaurant Association is looking for the next face of diversity for their 2009 Faces of Diversity Awards. This exemplary award, created by the NRA and PepsiCo Foodservice, celebrates individuals in the restaurant industry who are living the American dream.

The 2009 Faces of Diversity Awards application is now available.
Apply online or download the PDF application now! [3.3 MB PDF]

Check out the 2008 American Dream Award Winners:

Eddie Flores

Henry Garcia




Nicole Jackson

View more winner videos and more online at http://www.youtube.com/restaurantdotorg.

Delicious Revolution: Are You Going?

Photo by Thomas Heinser





When & Where: Tuesday, Dec 2 at 6:30 pm/Tobias Theater at the IMA (Sold out)
World-class chef, "eat local" advocate, and food educator Alice Waters visits the Indianapolis Museum of Art to ignite a conversation about learning, creative living, health, and sustainability. As the founder of the Edible Schoolyard garden project in which students grow and prepare their own food, Waters shares her vision for “a revolution in public education…When sustainability becomes the lens through which they see the world.” Savor Alice’s message of the pleasure, beauty, and power of food. Before and after the talk, browse informational booths and enjoy tastes of local food provided by the students of Ivy Tech Community College. Certification Renewal Credit Eligible

This event is sold out. Call 317-955-2339 to be placed on a waiting list. If tickets become available Monday, December 1, those on the waiting list will be contacted in the order received.

Learn more about Alice Waters
Learn more about Delicious Revolution

______________________________________________

Tickets are sold out! So tell us, are you one of those lucky ticket holders?? And what do you hope to learn from going?

Fish for Fishburn Event Today

Debra Scott, Executive Vice President of the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant & Hospitality Association (IDRHA) speaks to Wish-TV Channel 8 about the chapter's fundraising event taking place today!

What Restaurants are Doing to Conserve

The National Restaurant Association's Conserve environmental initiative is designed to initiate and inspire actions that improve a company's bottom line, but also are good for people and the planet. Conserve explores conservation efforts being adopted by restaurants around the nation and offers suggestions and resources to help you reduce the cost of running your operation -- both to your bottom line and the environment.

The NRA Conserve: Solutions for Sustainability website hosts everything from resources, success stories, tips and tools to an overview of environmental issues, webinars, and upcoming event information.

An excellent resource for the restaurant industry!

Indianapolis Restaurants Get Fishy For a Good Cause

THE INDIANAPOLIS DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION (IDRHA) ANNOUNCES “FISH FOR FISHBURN” NIGHT AT NUMEROUS RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2008 TO BENEFIT WOUNDED IMPD OFFICER JASON FISHBURN

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – Officer Jason “Fish” Fishburn was seriously injured on July 10, 2008 while attempting to arrest a homicide suspect. Jason survived, but his wounds will require expensive long-term rehabilitation.

“The members of the Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant and Hospitality Association are pleased to host this fund raising event for one of our local heroes," said Debra Scott of IDRHA.
“Officer Fishburn represents what is best in our community and he deserves our community’s best effort in supporting him.”

Participating restaurants will display green “Fish for Fishburn” signs this week and patrons will receive check presenters informing them that proceeds from certain seafood items on the menu will go to the Jason Fishburn Fund.

“The level of support and volunteerism for Jason by our community has been wonderful,” said Danny Overley, President of the Professional Police Officers Credit Union, which manages the Jason Fishburn Fund. “Having the local restaurant industry come together for one of our officers means so much to Jason and his family and is inspiring to his extended law enforcement family.”

Participating restaurants to date include:

120 West Market Fresh Grille
120 West Market St.
Reservations: 317.972.0600
Website

Agio's
635 Massachusetts Ave.
Reservations: 317.488.0359
Website

Dunaway's
351 South East St.
Reservations: 317.638.7663
Website

Elbow Room
605 N Pennsylvania St.
Reservations: 317.635.3354
Website

Harry & Izzy's
153 S. Illinois St.
Reservations: 317.635.9594
Website

J Gumbo's
15 East Maryland St.
Reservations: 317.522.2666
Website

McCormick & Schmicks
110 North Illinois St.
Reservations: 317.631.9500
Website

Mo's
47 S. Pennsylvania St.
Reservations: 317.636.5418
Website

Oceanaire
30 South Meridian St.
Reservations: 317.955.2277
Website

One South (Hyatt)
One S. Capitol Ave.
Reservations: 317.632.1234
Website

Palomino
49 West Maryland St.
Reservations: 317.974.0400
Website

Pullman Restaurant
123 W. Louisiana St.
Phone: 317-236-7465
Website

Shula's Steak House
50 South Capitol Avenue
Reservations: 317.231.3900
Website

Slippery Noodle Inn
372 South Meridian St.
Reservations: 317.631.6974
Website

St. Elmo Steak House
127 S. Illinois Street
Reservations: 317.635.0636
Website

Basey's Downtown
419 S. West St.
Reservations:317.637.4514
Website

Yat's
1280 US Highway 31 N. Greenwood
Reservations: 317.865.9971

5363 N. College Ave.
Reservations: 317.253.8817
Website

Qdoba
9 N. Meridian St.
317.822.0386

907 Indiana Ave.
317.423.3932
Website

Cash donations to the Jason Fishburn Fund may be sent to:
PPOCUATTN: Jason Fishburn Fund
1502 E. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46201

NRA Conserve & Eco-Story Hosting Lighting Webinar

Webinar: Focus on Lighting – From CFLs to LEDs and Beyond

When: Thursday, November 13, 2008 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time

Panelist(s) Info:
Richard Young, Food Service Technology Center
Mark Shoemaker, Eco-Story
Scott Shippey, Chipotle

Duration: 1 hour

Description: Richard Young of the Food Service Technology Center is back following Conserve’s first webinar and education session at NRA Show 2008, “5 Things an Operator Must Know About Energy Efficiency,” to present the benefits of selecting the right energy-efficient lighting for your restaurant. Innovations in lighting technology are continually introduced and it can be hard to keep up, but Mark Shoemaker of Eco-Story will explain the finer points of new lighting technologies and will give us peek into the future of lighting for the restaurant industry. In addition, Scott Shippey will anchor this webinar by sharing results from Chipotle’s new lighting initiative.

This webinar is brought to you by NRA Conserve and Eco-Story.