In this technological age, I get really irritated by restaurants that don't have their own website. Seriously, when I want information, I like to go directly to the source. Sometimes Yahoo or Google don't have all the facts.
I'm not saying that a restaurant owner needs to spend thousands of dollars to design a complicated, fancy website with Flash movies and animated graphics. I just want something simple with the hours of operation, address, phone number, and a sample menu. Heck, even a blog-style website or a public Myspace or Facebook page would suffice (not to mention, it would be completely free). Not only would this be great advertising, but it would allow patrons (like me) to know exactly when I can go and what I can expect.
This isn't a problem that I saw very often when I lived in Miami (It seemed like just about every restaurant, no matter how large or small, had it's own website) However, Memphis is a different story. There are several eating establishments that refuse to adopt the idea of the World Wide Web, including one very popular set of restaurants (Do, The Beauty Shop, and Molly Fontaine Lounge) owned by Memphis restauranteur Karen Carrier.
I'm sure this is a conscious decision, and maybe I'm missing something. So readers, tell me; is there a reason for not having a website? I really want to know
I totally agree! I will not go to a restaurant if I can't see their menu ahead of time and decide whether I want to eat there or not. Websites are mandatory!
Posted by: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie | January 23, 2009 at 04:30 PM
They're lame! That's the explanation.
Posted by: laura | January 24, 2009 at 06:10 PM
I'm the exact same way about... everything.
"Why doesn't this bar have a website!"
"Does this restaurant even EXIST?!"
"What do you MEAN your boyfriend's not on Manhunt.net!"
Posted by: The Blackout Blog | January 26, 2009 at 05:23 PM
I'm with you, Blackout Blog. Everything and everybody needs to be on the web. I can't stand googling something and *nothing* comes up! Even my dentist has a website!
Posted by: Carolyn | January 28, 2009 at 07:40 PM
I can actually take it or leave it. I prefer restaurants to have a website, but that won't stop me from going to them. Maybe I'm too old-school, or maybe I've just given up on Memphis catching up the the 21st century in the next 50 years, but it just doesn't bother me anymore.
Posted by: Nikki | March 16, 2010 at 05:15 PM