I doubt it, as most of the folks down here would not/could not justify spending the $$ on a highpriced steak. Sure, the upper class would, but I do not believe that they would make enough of a profit to remain in business. Just my opinion.
Jake
Jake
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jake:
I doubt it, as most of the folks down here would not/could not justify spending the $$ on a highpriced steak. Sure, the upper class would, but I do not believe that they would make enough of a profit to remain in business. Just my opinion.
Jake<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It sure would be fun for those special occasions wouldn't it?
I doubt it, as most of the folks down here would not/could not justify spending the $$ on a highpriced steak. Sure, the upper class would, but I do not believe that they would make enough of a profit to remain in business. Just my opinion.
Jake<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It sure would be fun for those special occasions wouldn't it?
IF such a chain came to Costa Rica... it could become the PREMIER DINING SPOT. I could see execs, and VIPS choosing to dine there.
The problem with this brand is that it is not a "well known" brand amongst the locals, so it would take time before word got out, and people started telling people. Maybe you could make arrangements with the big 5 star hotels, or with travel agencies.
In Costa Rica, more and more food options are being made available, and I cannot see the Restaurant Industry slowing down anytime soon. It seems the tourism industry keeps all these food chains thriving, but fact is all Ticos seem to love eating out... and they don't mind spending more than a full day or two's salary on a meal.
Considering the construction of MEGA CONVENTION CENTER is in the government's plans, more and more execs from all around the Central America region will continue visiting.
This past Sunday I went to have lunch at Los Anonos BBQ in Escazu. They recently renovated, and expanded the restaurant's size, doubling their seating capacity. Even so, I still had to wait for at least 20 minutes just to be seated! Maybe I should have walked... but you know... we weren't the only ones waiting. There were at least another 4-7 families waiting ahead of us. The food was worth the wait.
The problem with this brand is that it is not a "well known" brand amongst the locals, so it would take time before word got out, and people started telling people. Maybe you could make arrangements with the big 5 star hotels, or with travel agencies.
In Costa Rica, more and more food options are being made available, and I cannot see the Restaurant Industry slowing down anytime soon. It seems the tourism industry keeps all these food chains thriving, but fact is all Ticos seem to love eating out... and they don't mind spending more than a full day or two's salary on a meal.
Considering the construction of MEGA CONVENTION CENTER is in the government's plans, more and more execs from all around the Central America region will continue visiting.
This past Sunday I went to have lunch at Los Anonos BBQ in Escazu. They recently renovated, and expanded the restaurant's size, doubling their seating capacity. Even so, I still had to wait for at least 20 minutes just to be seated! Maybe I should have walked... but you know... we weren't the only ones waiting. There were at least another 4-7 families waiting ahead of us. The food was worth the wait.
I don't think it would do well either. The cost of doing business in Costa Rica is HIGHER than in the states when import taxes and high cost of construction materials are figured in. On top of that, the cost of leasing or buying a site will surprise you, and not in a good way. Ticos do enjoy eating out because there's not much else to do in San Jose, but I doubt they could support a high end restaurant. You'll end up having to come up with a $4 "executive" lunch menu like Tony Roma's did to keep their wheels spinning.
At best you'd make a modest profit, but you could just as easily lose your ass after a lot of hard work. If the economy in CR goes bad like it could, it wouldn't have a chance because the demographics can't stand it. I'd take a pass.
At best you'd make a modest profit, but you could just as easily lose your ass after a lot of hard work. If the economy in CR goes bad like it could, it wouldn't have a chance because the demographics can't stand it. I'd take a pass.
They had some unspecified legal complications with bringing Wendy's to CR. These details have been worked out though, and I remember seing an article in a CR newspaper that they we're open to consider potential franchisees for CR. I believe they wanted a $4 million franchise fee for starters.
Yeah I agree Country, Wendy's is amazingly loved. I heard from some people in Mexico telling me how delicious it was and how glad they are to have it there. They pay almost $5 just for a frickin hamburger and gladly do it. They treat it like a nice night out taking the kids. Amazing stuff, they can't believe it when I tell them the only reason why they are doing better in the US is because of a 99 cent menu. In Mexico 99 cents won't buy you a single thing on the menu!
I think that is the thing about Latin American countries that I have seen. People in them just LOVE anything American. The more American you make it, the better it seems to do. They have some Chili's in Mexico and they do gangbusters. They charge more for the food than in US restaurants and even more ridiculous is the menus. The menus are completely in English, except the prices are in pesos, yet that doesn't stop anyone from coming in. Think about that one. In the US, if you go to the most Mexican neighborhood in a city and hit its local favorite Mexican restaurant, maybe 2% of the clients are people that don't speak enough Spanish to get by. Still those 2% warrant that everything on the menu and on the walls are translated completely in English, less the occasional gringo gets turned off and leaves. You go to Mexico (and CR it seems) and the people think it is cool, adds to the American flavor of the place.
For that reason Mortons or the other places would do well if they differentiate themselves as an American chain. The quiet, understated elegance of Mortons wouldn't work half as well as just some nice pictures of Chicago everywhere and some family-friendly accomodations. If there is one thing I have learned from travelling to 6 countries in Latin America it is that restaurants that are overly American and cater to families are like hitting the lottery. Wendy's indeed would fit that well.
I think that is the thing about Latin American countries that I have seen. People in them just LOVE anything American. The more American you make it, the better it seems to do. They have some Chili's in Mexico and they do gangbusters. They charge more for the food than in US restaurants and even more ridiculous is the menus. The menus are completely in English, except the prices are in pesos, yet that doesn't stop anyone from coming in. Think about that one. In the US, if you go to the most Mexican neighborhood in a city and hit its local favorite Mexican restaurant, maybe 2% of the clients are people that don't speak enough Spanish to get by. Still those 2% warrant that everything on the menu and on the walls are translated completely in English, less the occasional gringo gets turned off and leaves. You go to Mexico (and CR it seems) and the people think it is cool, adds to the American flavor of the place.
For that reason Mortons or the other places would do well if they differentiate themselves as an American chain. The quiet, understated elegance of Mortons wouldn't work half as well as just some nice pictures of Chicago everywhere and some family-friendly accomodations. If there is one thing I have learned from travelling to 6 countries in Latin America it is that restaurants that are overly American and cater to families are like hitting the lottery. Wendy's indeed would fit that well.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by WildBill:
I think that is the thing about Latin American countries that I have seen. People in them just LOVE anything American. The more American you make it, the better it seems to do.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They love EVERYTHING about American culture....food, clothes, movies, music, sports, etc. The only thing they hate about it are the Americans themselves, but that's another thread.
I think that is the thing about Latin American countries that I have seen. People in them just LOVE anything American. The more American you make it, the better it seems to do.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They love EVERYTHING about American culture....food, clothes, movies, music, sports, etc. The only thing they hate about it are the Americans themselves, but that's another thread.
Well, from my understanding Wendy's WILL be here in 2005. So, we shall see.
Jake
Jake
Tico,
I feel your enthusiasm, brother. I just wish we could get an In N Out Burger down here.
Jake
I feel your enthusiasm, brother. I just wish we could get an In N Out Burger down here.
Jake
Jake, they can't even get In N Out to come to Reno or Seattle, where they would have two hour waits for a Double Double. That company is tight as can be, I think they like mayors and councilmen on their knees begging before they will grant the lucky city a location. Not franchised so its not like they care about profits I guess.
FATBURGER....YUMMMM!!!
Judge,
I been hitting the gym almost everyday since Jan 1st....but an In N Out down here and I would be there instead of the gym!
Jake
Judge,
I been hitting the gym almost everyday since Jan 1st....but an In N Out down here and I would be there instead of the gym!
Jake
