Roadfood = Boatfood?

This is kind of out there, but I'd like to get some opinions please . . .

I have found a small dockside restaurant now available for lease for the 2008 boating season. The place is in a fairly remote and hard to find location by land, but it's one of only three dining destinations directly accessible by water on a busy 67,000 acre lake that's part of the Tennessee River system. Of the other two, one is part of a state-owned resort, the other a very popular patio restaurant/bar located in the only sizable city on the lake.

The place I've found is located at one of five major Marinas that service the lake. So it has a lot of marina foot traffic as well as traffic off the lake, plus a lot of major new upscale waterfront condo development and vacation rentals within walking distance.

It was operated this past summer as a pretty decent standard-fare bar and grill, but apparently did little to no advertising. I only discovered it myself on accident while visiting the marina. But I have since talked to several boating friends who say it was a frequent destination for those who knew of it, and especially did a good breakfast business from transient boaters overnighting at the marina. But aside from that, apparently not many people knew it existed.

I see a lot of possibilities here, including maybe even an on-water delivery service to waterfront homes or even raft-up parties (within a limited delivery area. People could call in their GPS location by VHF radio or cell phone). I can also see live music on weekends, and several planned events to attract people off the water.

The problem I see would be how to cheaply and effectively get the word out to the boating community. I'd need to have that solved before I'd even think of signing a lease. The rest would be easy: just serve good food and drink (and good times)in a cool tropical/nautical inspired atmosphere.

Put up flyers at public boat launches on the lake in question and marinas (with permission of course). Perhaps include sample or take out menus as well with directions from land and lake. You could also put flyers up at area bait shops and boaters supply stores. That should expose you to a good portion of the waterborne community. Hang some menus on mailboxes too. Offer coupons to get first timers in. Just a few ideas.

Simple. Local/regional fishing and boating newspapers and magazines, local fishing and boating clubs, bait shops and chandleries. Most of them welcome blurbs about places that have to do with boating.

I say, dive in. If your food and service is good, they will come, with a good marketing plan you would do great I'll bet. Oh yeah, perfect the best Bloody Mary within 500 miles!

Boaters love to have a great BM in the morning!

Is it Barkley or Kentucky Lake? If it's either one, contact fishing guides and tackle shops.Offer guides discounts, or even freebies if they bring clients at full price. You might even want to make deals with houseboat rental companies.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

Is it Barkley or Kentucky Lake?

Actually it's Wheeler Lake in North Alabama. The restaurant is formerly The Grill at Bay Hill.

quote:

Originally posted by SimonD

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

Is it Barkley or Kentucky Lake?

Actually it's Wheeler Lake in North Alabama. The restaurant is formerly The Grill at Bay Hill.

Ah, OK. Wheeler Lake also has guides and bait/tackle shops. Let them know, and offer incentives for them to send/take their clients/customers. Let them know you're friendly to fishermen.

Sounds like you have found a diamond in the ruff!!!!
good luck with it.
Ron