Papa’s MySpace

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen & Blues Joint MySpace page

Social network Web sites are no longer just for individuals. Many businesses and companies have taken advantage of the opportunity to network and relate to customers on a more personal and frequent level. For local businesses such as restaurants, social network pages can also be a cost-friendly (free) alternative or addition to paying for their own Web sites.

One example is Papa’s Soul Food Kitchen. I had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant last Saturday and enjoyed some of the best southern soul food I’ve had in Oregon (and I would know, being from Texas). The pork was melting off the rib bones, the mac n’ cheese was hearty, and the collard greens were salty and flavorful – not to mention the giant piece of milk chocolate cake for dessert. If you want to hear all about the amazing cuisine at Papa’s, there are plenty of reviews to check out on Web sites including Yelp and Citysearch.

Although review sites say a lot about the food, there isn’t much of a focus on the atmosphere, which is an important factor to restaurant patrons. This is where Papa’s MySpace page comes in, featuring a play list, artwork and a link to a Web site for the band Papa’s Soul Kitchen. Visitors get a feel for the southern music and art influences that manifest in the live music and hanging artwork at the restaurant. Papa’s MySpace friends include everyone from local blues musicians to frequent customers that vouch for the soul food experience to be had at Papa’s.

Though a PDF of a menu would be nice, it certainly doesn’t seem like a necessary addition. Patrons including myself have been enticed to visit through the excellent reviews and the passion for southern culture exhibited on Papa’s MySpace page.

How Inns Enchant Potential Customers Online

Photo Credit: Innsbrucker Inn Web site

Inns are lovely, especially the Bed and Breakfast kind. As a hopeless romantic, I can’t get enough of the Victorian décor, floral arrangements and homey atmosphere. Each inn seems to have its own character and charm, which makes each visit a unique experience. However, with so many inns customers can choose from, how does an inn entice potential guests?

One of my favorite inns is the Innsbrucker Inn in Leavenworth, Wash. I have stayed there several times with my parents and friends to enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere of Leavenworth. The Innsbrucker is charming and interesting, with most of its rooms based on literary works and a couple of rooms dedicated to the culinary treats, one wine and the other chocolate. The literary rooms include books by the featured author and themed décor. Each room has its own descriptive page that features pricing, descriptions and a YouTube video tour of the room.

Another inn that I have enjoyed is the Gilbert Inn Bed & Breakfast in Seaside, Ore. The Gilbert is a very romantic place with an excellent view of the beach and reasonably priced Victorian themed rooms. Besides featuring pictures and pricing for each room, the Web site offers online customer reviews and a vivid history of the Gilbert family.

For any business in the hospitality industry, it’s important to have a comprehensive Web site with basic information such as clearly displayed rates, contact information and pictures. These two inns surpass those necessities and paint an enchanting picture through stories, descriptions and reviews of their unique attributes and welcoming atmospheres.