My "Prepare Your Own Puffer Fish" restaurant has not really caught on with the public. Any ideas as to why?

Question

It really is food that is to die for.

Answer 1

Maybe it is that 12 month course in Japan that they have to pass before they can prepare their own puffers?? Do you rent an ambulance to stay put in the parking lot in case someone skipped class and did get the full instruction? lol

Answer 2

Yes, it is always a struggle when you are marketing a product or service that is on the cutting edge of consumer desires.

You may well have hit on a very lucrative segment of the risk taking and "go for it" type market.

However, there could be some serious downsides that must be considered. Most business profiles include a predominant factor of return customers and "good will" as an important aspect of company value. To maintain profitability, you have only two choices. Since your return customers can't really be counted on to support your endeavor, nor can "good will" be considered as something you can "bank" on, you really have to enhance your profits with the initial customer.

I would advise giving your company a snappier name. Perhaps Puff and/or Snuff. Just a thought.

I can well understand your discouragement. I, myself have tried to capitalize on the fringe market. My company "Free Fall" was not very successful. I attempted to attract the more radical jumpers by not supplying bungee cords nor parachutes. While my expenses were minimal, my return customers were non existent. Not a good plan as it turned out.

Though not to be deterred I am starting another company to attract the risk junkies out there.

Russian Roulette Parties. Kind of like Tupperware Parties, but with an added "bang", if you will.

I'll let you know how it works out. Could be a good franchise opportunity.

Answer 3

Is "Prepare Your Own Puffer Fish" the name of your restaurant?

If so, I gotta' tell you it's way too long a name. And, for someone like myself who is not knowledgeable about different types of seafood/fish, PUFFER kind of has a negative connotation. I picture myself walking out of your restaurant all puffy and bloated.

I'd like to see you change the name first to something shorter and more appealing. I'm assuming you serve other kinds of seafood and even perhaps some steaks? You could make your Puffer Fish entree your Signature Dish for the restaurant and if it's as delicious as you imply, word will spread quickly and people will flock to "prepare their own puffer fish". Also, is it a "prepare your own" style set-up for your whole menu?
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So, in summary, some suggestions:

Change Name to: FISH ALA YOU
" Make your own just like at home"

Advertise on a menu board when first coming in to your restaurant: "Puffer Fish is our Signature Dish
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Good luck !! Hmmm ... I can smell the delicious aromas emanating from your restaurant !!

I THINK I'VE BEEN HAD !! AFTER POSTING MY ANSWER A MOMENT AGO, I THEN READ THE OTHER ANSWERS AND HAVE A SNEAKING SUSPICION THAT A PUFFER FISH IS NOT YOUR GARDEN VARIETY FISH. IS IT DANGEROUS? YOU SEE, I REALLY DON'T KNOW ABOUT DIFFERENT KINDS OF FISH. TOUCHE' !!

Answer 4

People don't like to prepare there own food at a restaurant even if the entree is to die for.

Answer 5

I wouldn't eat there for fear of not properly handled puffer fish

Answer 6

I'm pretty sure that they are an ugly fish. Maybe they aren't appealing to eat when you have to kill it yourself. The poisionous liver is just a flavor inhancer!

Answer 7

You know, that's weird.

I opened a "DIY Colonoscopy Clinic" and things haven't been going so well over by me either.

Answer 8

My concoction of scorpion and snake gall wine didn't go down well with them too . Any idea why ?

Answer 9

It would have been nice if you had furnished tongs..it really hurts to pick them up bare handed..

Answer 10

Maybe everybody is stuffed!