I read an article recently that stated that 95% of independent restaurants don't have mobile sites a further 40% don't have online menu's. Thinking about this for a second, it is a startling statistic. We currently live in society of online shoppers, smartphone users, yet restaurant owners and publicans are not using the right mediums to appeal to the right audiences.
Is this because they don't know how to use this mechanic? Or is it because they don't have the necessarily time to facilitate the rewards it can bring. Someone would argue that this statistic could be false predicament, with many independents offering takeaway services, online presences may not be the right method whereas leaflet drops are key drivers in delivering their successes.
As a consumer and a regular visitor to independent restaurants it still amazes me that some restaurants still don't have a website to generate an online presence. What presence they do have on their websites is through review sites such as TripAdvisor and this certainly leaves them open from all angles to criticism regarding service and more importantly performance.
If the restaurant industry is continuing to suffer because of this new marketing theme, where does the future lie for these independents relying on new business for their success. With restaurant owners feeling the pinch already with rising supplier prices and budget increases with more and more independents closing doors on a daily basis the future looks bleak for restaurant owners.
