- PRESS RELEASE -
Sequoia Takes Bold Step, Offers Special Deal To COSTCO Shoppers
PLACERVILLE, CA, February 5, 2010: Carrying out its recession-fighting strategies, Placerville's premiere white-tablecloth restaurant, Sequoia, is offering Folsom's Costco shoppers a special deal starting today: two $50 gift cards for $69.99.
In a short-term joint venture with Costco, Sequoia will maintain a booth inside the Folsom store, which, according to Costco sources, draws 16,000 shoppers on a busy day. That's a lot of potential exposure for Sequoia.
"Our goal," says Sequoia's GM, David Bagley, "is to attract new customers to this beautiful historic restaurant, but also to increase awareness among east valley residents that foothill communities like Placerville have high-value offerings very much worth the short drive up the hill. The Folsom Costco is the perfect location to stage a 'Meet and Greet' where we can talk to people face-to-face and give them incentive to take that drive."
Making personal connection with customers is vital in an economy that has hit the restaurant industry particularly hard. According to Bagley, Sequoia’s strategy has included introducing a more flexible guest-friendly menu, upgrading its website with colorful information and easy online reservations, redoubling efforts toward attentive customer service, all the while strictly adhering to its tradition of serving only the finest foods and wines in an elegant Victorian setting.
Also by offering bargains such as this one at Costco.
"We're excited for this opportunity," says Sequoia owner, Danica Olivo. "It's not easy partnering with Costco, so we're very grateful. They're highly selective in allowing other retail establishments inside their stores, and they have high standards and requirements one must follow."
It's also expensive, as Costco must realize profit from the deal as well. And the restaurant business operates on one of the slimmest margins of any industry. But Sequoia is confident it will benefit from the risk. "In today's economy," Bagley says, "a business has to reach out rather than shrink back. When you know you have something people truly appreciate and make return visits once you've gotten them through your door, you have to be bold.
"Since 1853 the Bee-Bennett House, (Sequoia's home) has been a center of community hospitality. Colonel Frederick Bee who built this house was one of California's top enterprising businessmen. I think he'd be proud of what we've built at Sequoia and of our efforts to extend our reach."
Sequoia's owners and staff will be at Costco in Folsom offering their specially priced gift cards today through February 12th.
643 Bee Street, Placerville, California, 95667
530-622-5222
www.SequoiaPlacerville.com
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