A couple of days ago I proposed the inquiry as to why most of my friends and I, whom have lived in this area for five years, have never treated ourselves to most of the eateries in the downtown Cortland area. Although I have already written on this subject—I feel that it would be advantageous for me to take the next step; let me analyze this situation.
What brings people to a restaurant? I’ve narrowed it down to three major factors.
§ The food.
§ The service.
§ The atmosphere.
There are indeed other aspects that would dictate the popularity of a restaurant, but, I feel that the three main facets are listed above. Sure if the food is priced effectively more people would come. But if the food is incredible, I’m sure that the cost would become less important.
If the cooking is marvelous, but the server is rude and spills it on the floor—I guess it wouldn’t matter, right? That’s why I would label service as of the utmost importance as well.
Also, we are kidding ourselves if we don’t appreciate the significance that the atmosphere of a restaurant portrays. You wouldn’t take your mother to a topless bar to eat. I’m sure it would be awkward for a young man to take a couple of his buddies to a shirt-and-tie restaurant after drinking at the ball game all day. People don’t like to feel out of place.
From what I’ve heard, the restaurants that are located in downtown Cortland don’t serve crappy food while the rude waiters trudge through the unpleasant atmosphere. I would say that there are some decent places to eat that aren’t getting the attention that they deserve. Why is this? Well I’m convinced that advertising has a lot to do with it. I didn’t even know that the Community Restaurant was on Main Street until I was a junior!
I think that it is more imperative that we address ways that we can progress this situation. It feels weird to say it, but I really do think that a publicity stunt is one option. Some of the most memorable restaurants that I can remember going to have all had a story line. The Rainforest Café has a theme that is pushed throughout all aspects of the business (can you imagine a restaurant like that in our city!?). Bugaboo Creek is another. In my hometown there is a little bistro called the Egg’s Nest that has a vintage theme. The antique filled walls bring people from miles—despite the mediocre food!
It’s obvious that restaurants, such as the ones on Main Street, aren’t going to change their business’ to implement some silly theme because some college kid recommended it. Alas, there are other, more reasonable, solutions.
If none of the major aspects (which are discussed above) are tainted in the restaurants in town—then it would seem that recognition is the major cause. I have some ideas of how we can get some of these restaurants some acknowledgement…
How about a night where the Tuscan Grill has a student ID night? What if the students of SUNY Cortland were able to pay using their connections account (I think some of the pizza places have implemented this already). There are always coupons! How about a special for families? Think about the possibilities on family weekend!
I understand that most of what I’m suggesting deals with the college community. But, like I said before—I’m going to be honest. SUNY Cortland creates and brings a lot of revenue to the city of Cortland. I don’t know if I would believe that it would survive without the school/students.
This is something that most people understand, and something that everyone must realize. As a community we must use all of our ammunition to help us create a better quality of life… That’s it for now, folks. Cheers.
--Ray
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