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Dining, Economy, Food, News

More than just cars…

November 3, 2008

When most consumers hear of AAA (Automobile Club of Southern California) they think of roadside assistance. It is true that AAA is well known for there roadside assistance services, but not many are aware of the great perks that accompany being a AAA member. Apart from there insurance and travel services, AAA members can save at many locations just by showing there AAA card.

So just how much does it cost to be a member of AAA?

Aside from the first time sign up fee of $20.00, consumers can choose from three different membership levels, each with different levels of service offered. The most basic level, Classic, costs just $47.00 a year. In comparison to the various discounts and perks of being a AAA member, this is a bargain.

Perks

Shopping                     Entertainment                         Dining                     Accommodations
Barnes and Noble          Sea World                                  Chart House              Best Western
Circuit City                    Universal Studios Hollywood      Hard Rock Café         Hyatt
Dell                               San Diego Zoo                           El Torito                    Hilton
Target                           Lego Land                                  Joe’s Crab Shack       Marriot
The UPS Store                Anaheim Ducks                         Kelly’s Coffee            Westin
New York & Company    Aquarium of the Pacific             Sweet Factory            Starwood Hotels
Sears Optical                 Discovery Science Center           Rainforest Café
Blue Nile                        Knotts Berry Farm                      Wetzel Pretzel
Enterprise                      LA Kings                                    Circle K
LensCrafters                  LA Sparks                                   Disney Dining
Motorola                        LA Clippers                                Dream Diners
Payless Shoes                USA Today
Reebok                          Bally Total Fitness
Sit N’ Sleep

These are just a few of the man places and services that you can get a discount at by simply showing your AAA card.

In what some have called an ‘economic crisis,’ AAA helps us save a little money so that we can save it for a rainy day.

Dining, Economy, News

Service Marketing: Georges at the Cove

October 31, 2008

From the simplistic marquee that adornes the entrance to the modern and stylish decor, Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, California offers an upscale experience in a contemporary setting.

Georges at the Cove offers guests three different dining expereinces, George’s California Modern, Ocean Terrace, and George’s Bar. While each are unique, all three are consistent in keeping up with George’s careful attention to the customers satisfaction and experience.

Attention to detail, and catering to the customers every need and desire has helped George’s develop the reputation of being at the top of its class. Winner of several restaurant awards, George’s has used a simple yet proven formula: Customer First.

When we look at successful restaurants and companies that provide a service, we can see that most, if not all share the common trait of having great relationships with there customers and doing everything to make sure that they walk away with a great experience.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort chain is a great example of this. From the minute the guest walks through the revolving doors to the hotel, they are transformed from being the “average-Joe,” to something more: a guest. The difference between the “average-Joe” and “a guest” starts with the personalization of the service encounters with the Ritz Carlton and its staff. From the staff that cater to the ‘guests’ every request, to the ‘guests’ being addressed as “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, the Ritz-Carlton proves that putting there customers first equates to a good business.

With the service sector now accounting for more than 65% of the United States’ GDP, it is important that businesses get it right when it comes to its customers. Businesses providing a service must realize its consumers needs and address them accordingly. Having the proper customer protocols, management, as well as service quality should all be important points when running a business.

Georges at the Cove is just one of the prime examples of the result of having established good customer relations as well as quality service. From the contemporary dining setting, to the picturesque view of the Pacific ocean, Georges at the Cove makes there customers feel like ‘guests.’

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Georges at the Cove
1250 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA
858.454.4244
College, Economy, News

The Economy Can Learn From Diddy Riese

October 26, 2008

As the line goes out the door and down the block, people begin to contemplate what will satisfy there sweet-tooth.

For the LA native, Diddy Riese is a Los Angeles landmark known for long lines, tasty treats and cheap prices. Started in 1983 in Westwood, CA right next to UCLA, Diddy Riese has marketed themselves as offering high quality cookies and baked goods at ‘reasonable prices.’ Reasonable is not the right word. I would say ‘great.’ Especially the way the economy has been, if Diddy Riese wasn’t so far from myself, I’d consider it a weekly stop.

So how cheap is it? Let’s take a look.

Not even at a Dreyers Ice Cream store could you get a scoop of ice cream for $1.00. For 50 cents more, you can even get there famous Ice Cream Sandwiches made with there homemade cookies. Not even pictured here are there Hot Dogs which are just as cheap and just as delicious. Can it get better? Of course it can. 32 oz drinks for $.90.

So whats the secret of Diddy Riese? How are they able to pay for the ridiculous rent near the UCLA campus and still keep there prices low and food tasting great? After speaking with a worker of 10 years at Diddy Riese, there response was simple, quality. Keep the quality great and people will come back. They said that there is no reason to charge $3.00 for a cookie when it only costs $.20 cents to make. Quality will equal more people, which will get you more sales. A very simple equation and after 25 years, they are still going strong. Perhaps this equation may not work for all of those in the economy trying to find a way out of this tumultuous time, but we can take at least one lession away from Diddy Riese.

You can never go wrong with 35 cent cookies…

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Diddy Riese
926 Broxton Avenue (@ Le Conte)
Westwood, CA 90024
310.208.0448