Dec 282009
For a class we have to develope a business plan. Im opening a french bistro restaurant and for the opening week im giving out gifts sorta like party favors. The party favors has to be cheap price wise but yet catchy so the guest will come back. does any one have any suggestions? on what type of sites i can find party favors or what i can give out etc?
give out cigars…………
I would give out small loaves of french bread – in paper bags that have your bistro’s name imprinted on it.
You can get those baguettes in a bag of 8 at Wal-Mart’s bakery – very inexpensively. Or you could bake them yourselves. Either way – as a customer – I would find the gift of bread very appealing, as it is a traditional blessing to give bread, salt and wine.
Go to the dollar store or someplace, get small baskets, plastic knives, ribbons, paper napkins, clear plastic wrapping, Little serving size salami, jam, cream cheese(you know like the ones that come in a circle that are wrapped in triangles with a cow logo), and the 1 person sparkling grape juice. once you get home, bake some mini french breads, once done wrap in cellophane. Once bread has cooled and been wrapped, put in the little basket with one jam, salami, or cheese along with one sparkling grape juice. Then for each basket take one plastic knife and wrap around 1-2 napkins and tie a ribbon into a bow, or if you don’t like bows just into a knot and use scissors to curl the ends. Now for the finale, use your printer to make logos to put on the basket with your bistro’s name. Take a drop of glue to fix it in an easily viewable spot for when you pass out your treats. Wrap the basket in a clear plastic wrapping paper with a ribbon on top in a bow or with the ends curled. Your baskets will look like a million bucks, and you will be sure to be super cheap! Everyone will be asking when you open up…lol ;-P
Mini French Bread
6 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast and salt. Stir in 2 cups warm water, and beat until well blended using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
On a lightly floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes total. Shape into a ball. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn once. Cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
Punch dough down, and divide into small loaves. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each into a rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side. Moisten edge with water and seal. Taper ends.
Grease a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, and brush on. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes.
With a very sharp knife, make two to three diagonal cuts about across top of each loaf. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oven for 10 minutes. Brush again with egg white mixture. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until bread tests done. If necessary, cover loosely with foil to prevent over browning. Remove from baking sheet, and cool on a wire rack.
The french are very big on cheeses and of course baguettes,make sure these are in your basket, along with red wine.
I would probably give out bread or maybe cheese. The French are really into cheeses as well. Even the Babybel cheeses you can get from Walmart or Kroger’s are small, individually wrapped cheeses, and are relatively inexpensive. You could even wrap them in parchment paper with your logo printed on it, or place a sticker on it of your logo. Maybe wrap it up with some thyme or lavender to add an organic touch. oriental trading.com is a good place for various favors
wine bottle stopper, wine charms, spreaders….all personalized with restaurant name!
http://www.asmgoods.com/329E66DB-97DB-5800-2A541854D39364AB.cfm?
http://www.asmgoods.com