A Cafe in Need is a Cafe Indeed

Dilbert artist and bay-area restaurateur Scott Adams poses a query to his readers: what can be done about the bone-crushing competition from chain restaurants? Just like Wal-mart, the Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang are putting the squeeze on locally-owned spots like his Stacey's Cafe in Pleasanton and Walnut Creek. So, to boost business, he's been trying to find a smart way to bring customers into his banquet halls, and he's turned to the internet for clever suggestions.

He writes,

In the past, we’ve tried comedy, live music, wine events, family nights, and various “get-something-free” promotions. ... In our perfect world, we’d find some sort of evergreen event that is self-organizing or involves existing organizations that meet on a regular basis over dinner or lunch.

... (The restaurant has a large bar and cocktail area, and an extensive wine list, if that helps.)

... You will be tempted to say the answer involves great food, service, value and location. That used to be enough. ... Advertising has no impact on restaurant business. ... So your answer should not rely on heavy ongoing ads.

I predict at least three excellent suggestions nestled within hundreds of snarky comments about celebrity restaurants.

Any ideas, readers?

Also, how weird is it that "restaurateur" doesn't have an N in it?