Getting Noticed

Chalk “Graffiti”

To create local buzz, owner Christal Spata used a cardboard stencil to chalk her pizzeria’s logo (with city permission) onto area sidewalks. The mysterious “chalkings” grabbed pedestrian attention and prompted the local newspaper to post curious photos on their Facebook page. Best of all, the “evidence” washed away harmlessly in the next rainstorm, leaving walkways clean for the next artist!

Christal Spata, Owner Valeo’s Pizzeria Kenosha, WI

Wedding After-Parties

Destination weddings are increasingly popular in Wisconsin, from rustic barns to upscale halls. So in early spring, Jane Schradle visits local venues to share hot samples and menus. As a result, a late-evening delivery of Jane’s pizza is often preplanned into the reception as a hot snack to keep dance parties rolling.

Jane Schradle, Owner Lake Country Pizza Turtle Lake, WI

In Vino Veritas

To reinforce their restaurant’s dedication to wine appreciation, the LoGiudice family tastefully paneled a wall with etched wooden wine crates from high-end wineries. This celebration of premium vintages also subtly demonstrates that fellow patrons know and enjoy “the good stuff” by the crateful.

Gaetano LoGiudice, Owner Cucina Family Style Ristorante East Quogue, NY

Celebrating Young Artists

When youngsters arrive at The Fishn’ Pig Restaurant, servers actively promote the monthly coloring contest, which faithfully awards T-shirts, free food, and other fun prizes. The walls tastefully display last month’s entrants, including winners from three age groups. Actively promoting their monthly contest and keeping displayed art current allows The Fishn’ Pig to:

1) Demonstrate a genuine interest in its youngest guests.

2) Give fidgety kids something fun to do while they wait.

3) Make winners (and their proud families) feel like VIPs when presenting their prizes!!!

Sydney Moineau, Marketing The Fishn’ Pig Farmville, VA

Take a Kindergartener to Work Day

Back when her own kids attended a nearby school, restaurateur Paula Spataro hosted her first of many kindergarten field trips to her restaurant!Students see the kitchen, step into the chilly walk-in, and hear how food is prepared. In the dining room, they receive small pressed-out dough rounds on parchment marked with their name. Paula ladles a little sauce onto each round, which the kids spread with spoons before adding cheese and fresh veggie toppings. Then, as the pies bake, the youngsters color small pizza boxes. After enjoying a warm slice of their own pie, the kids take the rest home in their decorated box! As a result, Paula hears plenty of praise from proud parents!

Paula Spataro, Owner Emo’s Restaurant Revelstoke, BC