On 7/30/2010 9:26 AM, ImStillMags wrote:
> I have a question for this group.
>
> I'm asking because I have three separate business plans and three
> separate concepts done for restaurants. Most of you know I've been a
> restaurant owner. The food business is my first love.
>
> I'm interested to hear from you, fellow foodies, about your thoughts
> on what constitutes 'your favorite place'.
>
> What makes a restaurant most appealing to you.

Good food, good service, decent prices.

> What is it that keeps you going back.

See above.

> What about the selection of dishes.

A modest selection of well done dishes is preferable to many dishes of
questionable taste and appearance.

> Breakfast

Hardly ever eat breakfast out, too lazy to get up and get dressed. (I'm
retired.)

> Lunch

Usually something light, not to heavy on the calories.

> Dinner

A modest selection of poultry, beef/pork/bison, and vegetable dishes.

> Bar

Don't drink so can't say. Screwed my liver up in my thirties.

> Staff.....talk about the ideal restaurant staff, servers, bartenders,
> hostesses, etc.

Staff who don't talk down to you, don't jabber on about their personal
lives, don't start the conversation by squatting by the table and saying
"Hi, I'm so-and-so, your server, what's your name?" Polite and courteous
does the trick. I don't want to be your buddy, just take my order and
then serve it in a timely manner.

> Decor

No kitsch, no theme, just a nice, clean, nice-smelling place to eat.

> Ambiance

One that I can recognize and nothing with Hard Rock, Country Living, or
California style, whatever that is.

> Location

Easy to get to, decent parking, no people of unknown origin hanging around.

> Surroundings

Nothing factory style, preferably mixed habitation.

> Is it one particular cuisine or a selection of dishes?

Depends on how we feel at that time so can't settle on one of anything.

>
> Really think about why you like a particular place and consider it
> your go-to place when you want to go out to eat.

Our favorite place is Pat's of Henderson in Lake Charles, LA, they have
a website. We can get steak, seafood, Cajun cuisine, and a variety of
dishes. The ambiance is fairly neutral, the place is always clean, no
loud music, wait staff is courteous, neatly dressed and polite, plenty
of well-lighted parking and the restaurant is easy to get to but not
surrounded by bars, homes, etc.
>
> Any thoughts you have are most appreciated.

You're welcome, hope this helps.