[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Good afternoon
San Francisco has long been thought of as the city of free love, sunshine and having a great restaurant and bar scene. Which is why today’s email comes directly to you from my holiday there!
So what have I seen that’s KAMera blog-worthy?
Firstly, it’s been interesting to note just how many bars are “cash only”. We often think of the US as being far more advanced than the UK in many areas, but in payments, not so much. Many bars, beauty salons and QSRs are cash only – and even where cards ARE accepted, the USA is still mainly reliant on a signature rather than contactless or even PIN. Speaking to customers and licensees, I got the impression that both would prefer to move on from that tradition- and quickly! Back in the UK, I asked the members of our KAMunity whether they would be put off visiting a pub or bar if it was cash only- 34% said they would- and that number is bound to be higher for the younger generation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4616″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There’s a lot of fun to be had in San Francisco (believe me…), and a trend that I’ve noticed is ‘gambling for drinks; I’ve come across many bars where the theory is to ‘play’ the barman- at dice, at darts, at some ball-thing called Plinko (see below)- anything that adds a little interest to the apparently boring procedure of ordering a drink at a bar.
Personally, I’ve enjoyed these little additions to my night; professionally, I think that in the right venue, with the right amount of staff on shift (it’s a pretty time-consuming addition to service) it can really add a USP.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4617″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]America has a long history of war. But I don’t think that this blog is the place to talk politics. Instead, I want to talk gratitude. Regardless of the cause, many outlets around San Francisco offer military personnel discounts- or, in some cases, free drinks/food. The pictured ice cream parlour was full of servicemen when I visited. I’ve not seen much of this in the UK, though some outlets do offer discounts to NHS staff and military personnel. I’m sure it happens more than we know- but maybe we should be taking a leaf out of the US’s book and shouting about it more. You can’t take goodwill to the bank, but it can help to build a business’s reputation and, well, it’s just a great thing to do![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4618″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you read this, I (read- Mr Katy) will be wheeling my way through California on holiday in our Winnebago, the next 10 days should take in Big Sur, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, Lake Tahoe and then finishing up in Sonoma for some wine tasting. Have a great weekend- I’m off to enjoy the open road…
Katy
Follow me on Twitter @katykammedia[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4572″ img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]
