By David
Posted July 23, 2009
Likes: 3

Like (Vote as many times as you'd like)

Lately, I've heard about several kosher restaurants that have gone out of business. It used to be that I would hear about restaurants changing hands, new owners, new management, etc. But now, they're just gone. Adios, amigos.

Some of my friends attribute the closing of restaurants to the bad economy. Fewer patrons are now able to afford to eat out as often as they used to. When things are tight economically, going out to eat is something that is easily forgone.

Maybe that's why at noon on a Sunday, there are almost no customers at some kosher restaurants in the L.A. area. Sounds reasonable, except... On the other hand, many non-kosher restaurants are much busier at the same time. And, no, there isn't a real price difference between the restaurants of which I'm thinking. It must be something else.

The more successful restaurants seem to cater to families. They offer good eats for adults, and they also offer a children's menu of simple kid favorites like mac and cheese, spaghetti, etc. Maybe hot dogs and plain burgers served without lettuce and fancy sauces. All this is served in an atmosphere that is attractive to both adults and children.

True, some of the top restaurants are often more muted and elegant. They serve sophisticated gourmet dishes that are delicious. Yet, if you have your kids in tow, all the good food in the world won't be enough to provide a pleasant dining experience if the children are bored and restless.

The more successful restaurants seem to offer a casual, colorful, eclectic environment that offers enough visual stimulation to children that they feel that the experience of dining is fun and entertaining.

Young children especially don't really care about culinary sophistication. They care about having fun. And if the restaurant includes a small, inexpensive toy for young children, then the kids will drag the parents back week after week. For the fifty-cent toy, the restaurant will get a loyal party of 4-6 people returning many, many times.

Of course, when the kids are occupied and enjoying themselves instead of slinking towards the exit door, things are much more enjoyable to the adults, too.

That's why I highly recommend that restaurants try to provide a fun experience for the entire family. Don't skimp on décor, and don't reach for ultimate muted sophistication if the target market is the entire family. If more restaurants really catered to the entire family of diners, maybe fewer would have to close.