http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com Travels and dealings in the capital of the South. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:25:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/does-a-restaurant-need-a-website/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/does-a-restaurant-need-a-website/#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:51:33 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/does-a-restaurant-need-a-website/ I believe that any business will benefit from having a website.  I have worked with internet marketing for many years, and I have seen that people feel like a business has “validity” when they have a website.   I do not do this commercially, however it is a passion and hobby of mine. I have created many websites.

One main point is that it should not cost a fortune to have a website.  An excellent one page site and maybe a contact page is easy to accomplish.  Microsoft Office Live http://www.officelive.com/ is offering a free domain and hosting for one year, as well as providing an easy way to create your own website without any experience.

Keep it simple is an adage that works well here.  People need to only know the vital information about your business.  IE: Cuisine, address, contact info, reviews, etc.

There are many ways to promote yourself on the internet.  One example is the last restaurant that I owned.  Go to google and type in:  hot dog charlotte   

My place is the first that comes up. City Hot Dogs, or my site www.cityhotdogs.com ..   My site is still active, however it tells my friends in Charlotte that I have relocated to Atlanta! 

I would be glad to assist anyone who wants to increase their presence on the internet if you currently have a site.  Any GRA member is welcome to contact me, and we can meet at my office for 30 minutes and I will provide you with enough information and simple tips to get you started, at no charge!  I will provide this information on a personal basis, but not publish it here, because I support the small business folks who are making their living doing this type of work while supporting the restaurant industry.

If you don’t have the time to make your own site, look at the GRA website buyers guide and you will find great resources to create a website for you, and these people can help you optimize your site to be found on the search engines.  I would highly suggest that you use one of the GRA partners to do you site.  The main thing that you have with these folks is personal contact.   

Every day, every restaurant receives solicitation phone calls (especially during lunch hour, don’t they know they are calling a restaurant!!!) and many big companies try to sell you a site for more than 250.00 per month.  Once your site is up, their job is done.  Spend your money wisely, and preferably with a local designer who knows their stuff (and preferably a supporter of GRA)

So, in summary,   Yes, in my experience, a website is important, however, it does not have to cost an arm and a leg!

Doug Marranci

Atlanta Restaurant Exchange

Restaurant Brokers Atlanta Georgia

We sell restaurants in Atlanta and the Atlanta Metro Area







By: Atlanta Restaurant Exchange ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/does-a-restaurant-need-a-website/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-baby-sitter-top-atlanta-babysitters-website/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-baby-sitter-top-atlanta-babysitters-website/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:54:07 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-baby-sitter-top-atlanta-babysitters-website/

Beginning the hunt for a safe and efficient method of locating an Atlanta baby sitter? There are times when every parent longs for a change from the constant, wearing obligation to mind the little ones. If you’re among the many without a network of alternate care-givers who will be willing to come to your aid, then finding a babysitter you can count on can be a huge support. Among the most effective procedures for finding a responsible babysitter is to employ a web-based babysitting service. Read on to learn a great way to locate a sitter for your child by employing the best websites.

When searching for someone you can entrust your children to, it is likely that you have certain personal requirements – maturity, background, feasibility of transportation, availability, their caregiver rate, qualifications, job knowledge, etc. There are loads of babysitters out there who may meet your requirements, the trick is – how to choose the one who will best meet your needs? The most efficient way to locate an Atlanta baby sitter is to make use of specialized cross-country babysitting websites that specialize in matching between childcare providers and families who live reasonably close to one another.

The internet has a number of dedicated childcare companies that provide you with the opportunity to describe the profile of the sitter you are looking for and in a matter of seconds assemble a list of prospective employees for you. There is a sitter locator tool that is able to pull up and examine each babysitter profile and to find a suitable family for a work relationship. In this way, you can find babysitting professionals, full time or part time, university students or older, who are residing in proximity to you.

Expert, professional childcare firms will allow you to get in touch with possible childcare providers via a built-in instant mail function. This means an easy method of getting in contact with possible sitters and permits you to take the first step in interviewing the candidates. Online babysitter sites also offer help and guidelines in many serious questions relating to getting started employing a childcare provider, like the necessary screening and then the evaluation of the candidate. Hunting for an Atlanta baby sitter is possible with the use of a no-charge locator tool which most online babysitting services offer as a standard feature, but connecting with the potential sitters requires a registration fee. Keeping in mind the practicality of these sitter locating and placing programs, they seem to be a very fast and inexpensive answer to an important process. If you wish to go out with your friends to a restaurant or to the movies and you find yourself without a babysitter, then our firm is the solution you need. With our help, you’re just moments away from locating someone who is just what you need!





By: Jane Lee ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-baby-sitter-top-atlanta-babysitters-website/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/i-find-ikea-atlanta-these-cool-and-trendy/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/i-find-ikea-atlanta-these-cool-and-trendy/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:54:48 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/i-find-ikea-atlanta-these-cool-and-trendy/ Ikea Atlanta is the first store in South Eastern United States and it was established on 29 June in 2005. The store has been called cool and trendy and it has a restaurant for the customers to enjoy as they shop. For home furnishings and accessories, ikea Atlanta is a one stop shop. It all started with the dream of a young boy in Sweden by the name of Ingvar Kamprand who started out by selling matches to locals at discounted prices and eventually moved to other items and as they say, the rest is history and today, he is the second richest man in Europe and he has seen the once simple company grow into the biggest supplier of home furnishings in the world. The stores have been spreading their wings all over the cities of the world.

People always wonder what ikea means and it is an acronym for his first 2 names and the rest stand for the farm he grew up in and the town which are Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd respectively. He values his roots so much and this can be seen from the company name. It can also be seen in the ikea restaurants where they must make Swedish food. His culture has always been humility, respect and simplicity and ikea Atlanta carries the touch to ensure the flame he started, does not burn out. The blue box in Atlanta takes up to 15 acres where it has a showroom of 366,000 square feet. The underground parking spaces are almost 15,000 and it sees many people flock to the facility to do their home furnishings shopping. This stores are popular because of their affordable prices.

Ikea Atlanta sees so many sales during the weekends and you can expect very huge traffic. Like many other ikea stores, there is a restaurant with a capacity of 350 people and you do not have to worry about getting something nice to munch. If you have children, do not leave them at home just because you are going shopping. There is a supervised play area for children and you can just relax as you do your shopping at ikea Atlanta. You can get the directions from their website and you will read many resources that will help you know more about the store. You will get to see their latest offers and promotions, as well as discounts that you can look forward to.

Ikea Atlanta offers all the home furnishing products that other ikea outlets in the world offer. They include storage furniture, bathroom furniture, floors, kitchens, sofas, chairs, wall accessories, mirrors and accessories, lamp shades and so many others. If you need children items for their bedrooms, then everything will be found in an ikea store. If you also need items for your pets, this is a shop for such products also. Some of the items for your pets are beds and feeding bowls and others. There is no doubt that you are going to be inspired by the display of items in the showrooms. Make sure you purchase the item that you really like and do not go out of budget if you have a certain budget you are sticking to.





By: Muna wa Wanjiru ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/i-find-ikea-atlanta-these-cool-and-trendy/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/duluth-apartments-outside-atlantas-rush-duluth-has-its-own-pace/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/duluth-apartments-outside-atlantas-rush-duluth-has-its-own-pace/#comments Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:31:29 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/duluth-apartments-outside-atlantas-rush-duluth-has-its-own-pace/ For anyone interested in moving to the Atlanta area, Duluth provides a welcomed alternative to the high costs of living in the city’s center. Quiet enough to be known as a suburb, with tree-lined streets and a calm, peaceful way of life, Duluth is a striking difference when compared with metro Atlanta. Yet it is only miles away from the city center, so if you need to get downtown, for entertainment or business or maybe just to visit one of your favorite restaurants, Duluth is close enough so you can enjoy yourself and not worry about a long drive home.

If you are looking for a Duluth apartment, numerous options are available, which range from one bedroom studios to larger apartments, suitable for families.

Duluth is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and a suburb of Atlanta located in the Metro Atlanta area. Unincorporated portions of Forsyth County also have Duluth as a mailing address, though this area is outside city limits. A portion of the City of Johns Creek (incorporated Dec. 1, 2006) is served by the Duluth post office, causing much confusion since that area is in Johns Creek, not Duluth.

The population of Duluth was 22,122 at the 2000 census, making it the second most populous city in Gwinnett County, behind Lawrenceville. As of 2006, the population is estimated to be 25,838.

Duluth is a popular and rapidly developing suburb of Atlanta, close to Interstate 85, which allows for a quick commute to Atlanta. It is home to Gwinnett Place Mall, Gwinnett Civic and Cultural Center, Arena at Gwinnett Center, Hudgens Center for the Arts and Red Clay Theater. It is also home to Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth, an 81-bed hospital constructed in 2006, as well as GMC’s Glancy Campus, a 30-bed facility located near downtown. Nearby attractions include Stone Mountain and Lake Lanier.

The Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL, a professional minor league ice hockey team, plays in the Arena at Gwinnett Center, which opened in 2003 in an unincorporated area of Gwinnett County (the stadium has a Duluth zip code). At the Sugarloaf Country Club golf course, the AT&T Classic tournament was played until 2008. Atlanta Athletic Club is in Johns Creek (with a Duluth zip code), which hosted the 1976 U.S. Open Golf Tournament and the 1981 and 2001 PGA Championship Golf Tournaments, as well as being home to the trophies of famous Atlanta golfer Bobby Jones. Unincorporated Gwinnett County/Duluth Zip Code is also home to the St. Ives Country Club, Berkely Hills Golf Club, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Partnership Gwinnett and the 1818 Club, a private dining club.





By: michaelrussell ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/duluth-apartments-outside-atlantas-rush-duluth-has-its-own-pace/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/the-elephant-in-the-room-and-a-restaurant-for-sale-in-atlanta/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/the-elephant-in-the-room-and-a-restaurant-for-sale-in-atlanta/#comments Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:03:49 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/the-elephant-in-the-room-and-a-restaurant-for-sale-in-atlanta/ The Elephant in the Room

You’ve thought about it a long time. You’ve been doing this a long time. It’s time to get out. But…where do you start? Selling your business is no less traumatic than any other kind of divorce. It is emotional, stressful and scary. It takes time. It takes extra work. And it imparts a certain risk. The last thing you really want to do is to sell. You have put off even considering the possibility. Now you have to “bite the bullet.”

The reasons for selling your business are myriad. They may include: life changes; health issues, a divorce, aging, life style; economic issues; changing demographics, economic downturns, unmanageable competition; you’re just plain tired/burned out. The business itself is often the very engine that precipitates the need to sell.

Once you have finally made the decision, what’s next? Do you just put a sign in the window? Do you try to market your restaurant discretely among your acquaintances in the industry? Or, do you engage a professional who specializes in handling the unique aspects of marketing restaurants on a national level.

The single most important factor in realizing the maximum value from your restaurant/bar/club business is to keep the doors open. An open business versus a darkened one is 20 times more valuable to the purchaser. The value of an ongoing business is obvious and easily discernable to the client buyer. The paramount maxim in the sale of restaurants and of the food service facilities is to “KEEP THEM OPEN UNTIL THE SALE IS COMPLETE, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE”

Putting a sign in the window is one way to accelerate a declining trade. Depending on your colleagues to help is of small hope. The main reason is the lack of confidentiality. To preserve your staff, your clientele, the confidence of your suppliers it is always best for as few people as possible to know that you are interested in selling.

Once the word gets out that you want to sell, your employees start looking for other jobs. Ones they know will be there. Whether true or not, your clients perceive a decline in quality and drift away. Your catering clients enter into contracts with other competitors. And your suppliers start scrutinizing what you order and how quickly they get paid.

Sometimes they put an otherwise great client on COD, with or without good reason, just because of a rumor of an impending sale. If this sounds like an extreme overstatement then you do not understand the importance to your business of confidentiality surrounding a sale. Maintaining confidentiality helps maintain your ability to keep your business open until it has been successfully marketed.

On the street, your reasons for selling may be misinterpreted to the detriment of your gaining the most attractive sale price. The rumor mill has often destroyed a great business or brought a declining one down more quickly.

Every restaurant has a value as a going business and every restaurant has a buyer. You want the conditions of sale and the advantages of your business over another presented by people whom you know and trust. A firm that has a vested interest in your realizing the most you can from the business you have built. You do not want them presented by strangers on the street. Engaging a competent, knowledgeable, “restaurant savvy” broker can insure that your confidence is protected and your business is presented in the best possible light and as you wish for it to be presented.

Regardless of your reasons for selling, whether they are: personal, financial, or demographic; deciding to use a professional broker that specializes in the marketing and sale of food service facilities will insure that you realize the best price in the shortest possible time.

In order to market restaurants effectively your broker must have a thorough knowledge of the restaurant business and understand the unique concerns of both seller and the buyer in every transaction.

Before you close up, before you tell your friends, or before you put a sign in the window “Restaurant for Sale” call in a “specialist.” Call a “Professional Restaurant Broker.”





By: Doug Marranci ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/the-elephant-in-the-room-and-a-restaurant-for-sale-in-atlanta/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/how-to-value-a-restaurant/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/how-to-value-a-restaurant/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:31:39 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/how-to-value-a-restaurant/ We Sell Restaurants and www.wesellrestaurants.com has detailed knowledge and understanding of restaurant pricing and valuation.  This is the single most important element of selling your restaurant.  Listing your business too high means it will just sit on the market without activity.  Listing it too low means you’re giving up potential value.  We can determine the correct price.

CASH FLOW METHOD



We Sell Restaurants uses their exclusively Restaurant Valuation Tool to be sure that we are accounting for all opportunities to find cash flow. This cash flow translates to the sales price for the seller.  We work on a daily basis with Restaurant profit and loss statements.  We understand the appropriate add backs and recast your financial statements using Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP).  From this baseline, we can then apply industry benchmarks and comparative data to reach a valuation.

ASSET VALUATION METHOD

If your restaurant is not generating cash flow, we rely on the value of the assets to help set pricing.  While this is much less than you may have originally invested, in most cases, a buyer will not pay a premium if you are not generating cash flow.  This is not always the case however, as a restaurant in a prime location with a good transferrable lease may be more valuable than assets alone.  We look at all variables in setting a price for assets that will get your restaurant sold including location, value of the lease and comparable sales in the marketplace for assets.

GROSS SALES VALUATION METHOD

There is a last technique by which gross sales may be used as a “rule of thumb” to gauge pricing.  This method is rarely used and often by those who don’t have the financial skills to conduct a strong review of the business and prepare a valuation.  Most buyers want to see detailed profit and loss statements to justify their purchase.  There are limited instances where this may be an appropriate method to but generally is only applied when someone is acquiring a location first and foremost for conversion to their own concept.

We Sell Restaurants has experience and education in the valuation process.  Our Broker spent a decade as a lender for small businesses and has been designated an Industry Expert in Business Valuation.  Our Director of Marketing holds an MBA in Finance and develops all valuation tools.

When packaging your listing for sale, we draw upon our financial knowledge to set the right price.  We know the common ratios – food costs and rent percentages so not only can we set the right price for your business, we also use our Business Analysis Tool to show buyers the opportunities for improvement.

We know what other restaurants are selling for.  As one of the nation’s largest restaurants brokers, We Sell Restaurants has access to business valuation comps for every listing in the states of Georgia and Florida  though access to the BizMLS system.  We can look at similar size, volume, profitability and pricing to gauge days on market and help determine pricing.

We Sell Restaurants has access to industry comparables for sales across the nation.  As one of the identified Business Industry Experts by Business Brokerage Press, other brokers rely upon our modeling to assist in their pricing.

Our professional team has a financial services background that translates into a first class listing and selling presentation package unrivaled by any other firm. Buying a restaurant is a complex transaction requiring skilled professionals. We Sell Restaurants has committed money and resources to this process to insure the transaction is completed as efficiently and quickly as possible.

We have established market dominance for the southeast, listing and selling hundreds of restaurants. Sellers rely on our ability to hit the right price to sell their restaurant.  Give one of our restaurant brokers a call to get a valuation of your restaurant today.





By: Eric Gagnon ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/how-to-value-a-restaurant/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/atlanta-team-building-an-exercise-in-confidence/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/atlanta-team-building-an-exercise-in-confidence/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:17:38 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/atlanta-team-building-an-exercise-in-confidence/ The modern day feature of team building serves the purpose of incorporating the elements of team spirit and coordination among team members. Through the interesting activities of team building the teams can not only recognize their strong and weak aspects but can also work on their qualities of coordination, cooperation and resourcefulness. With the help of self assessment techniques the teams can also gain regular feedbacks and can work on the improvement of their performances as well.

The event organizers working for the Atlanta Team Building activities to render a tech savvy experience to the ones attending conferences and meetings in Atlanta. They also take the responsibility of customizing games for the customers at the gaming zone. In fact, a visit to the Centennial Park will surely motivate you to go gaming and you may even end up running for a distance of 200 meters. The kids going with schools can enjoy quality time at the Atlanta Zoo and the adults instead can enjoy searching for the secret agent in the Gold Star Bakery.

While in Atlanta, Centennial Park, make sure to visit the Jocks and Jill’s, Hard Rock Café and Gordon Biersch giving you a feeling of enjoyment and relaxation with your colleagues. Ecco Restaurant is one of the places worth visiting giving you a taste of the culinary delights of Atlanta. In Zoo Atlanta the kids can enjoy the most as they help the Hawks win the championship or try to jump the populace at the kangaroo pit. A dance for the Komodo dragons is another interesting event for the school goers and the corporate staff alike.

The other sources of entertainment for the corporate staff in the realm of Atlanta Team Building are Battleship Adventure, the indoor treasure hunt, deep water adventure, high tech treasure hunt, intergalactic adventure, jungle adventure and the zoo quest. Fernbank Science Center organizes the intergalactic adventure and for deep water adventure you must visit the Georgia Aquarium. Centennial Olympic Park offers an interesting option of high tech treasure hunt that’s aided mostly by GPS units helping you to find out the hidden treasure.

Activities related to Atlanta Team Building not only help to develop closeness among the members of a team, but also bring them together to work with each other and coordinate with each other.





By: Ralph King ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/atlanta-team-building-an-exercise-in-confidence/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-babysitter-screen-quality-atlanta-babysitters/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-babysitter-screen-quality-atlanta-babysitters/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:48:16 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-babysitter-screen-quality-atlanta-babysitters/

Do you need a quick and easy procedure for finding an Atlanta babysitter? There are times when every parent longs for something other than the same fatiguing kids handling routine. If you find yourself without local people you can rely on who can be called at a moment’s notice, then retaining a reliable babysitter can be an invaluable aid. Among the most effective approaches to finding someone to watch your children is using an online babysitter agency. Follow these simple guidelines and discover how to find a care giver by using what the internet has to offer.

When you’re trying to locate a personal caregiver for your children, you probably know what you’re looking for and need – proper age and experience, location, availability, their caregiver rate, qualifications, job knowledge, etc. There are plenty of babysitters who can fit your profile, the key to success is – how will you know which one is best for you? The best way to search for an Atlanta babysitter is to utilize nationwide internet babysitting services whose job it is to coordinate between prospective employees and employers who live in the same general area.

These are actually web-based baby sitting agencies which provide tools that enable you to define the requirements for the type of person you need and in a matter of seconds provide you with a list of suitable candidates. There is a sitter locator tool that functions by going through the information in the list of qualifications of each babysitter and to match it to each family’s needs. It is easy to quickly locate professional and qualified sitters, whether they work full time or are students, who are resident in your area.

Highly specialized childcare employment firms will allow you to “meet” with appropriate childcare providers through a convenient online messaging application. This streamlines the method of communicating with potential sitters and gets you started on the job of sorting through the candidates. In addition to their matching services, online babysitter sites help with a myriad of concerns which are related to hiring a babysitter, such as the essential background investigation and then the interview. Seeking an Atlanta babysitter is possible by employing a free babysitter locator tool which is a usual part of every online babysitting firm, but making contact with their candidates requires you to register. Keeping in mind the practicality of these kids’ sitter placer tools, they seem to be a very fast and reasonably priced solution. If you’ve made arrangements to go out this week to a restaurant or to the movies and your usual babysitter is booked up, then we can offer an easy solution. Our service will get you quickly on your way to finding your super baby sitter!





By: Jane Lee ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/an-atlanta-babysitter-screen-quality-atlanta-babysitters/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/cinco-de-mayo-%e2%80%93-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/cinco-de-mayo-%e2%80%93-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:27:01 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/cinco-de-mayo-%e2%80%93-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my/ It is party time in the United States with the Cinco de Mayo fiestas around the corner. So raise your tequila glass and rock out Mexican style to celebrate the holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French.

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated Mexican national holidays in the United States, where many U.S. businesses and restaurants are decorated in green, white and red, the colors of Mexico’s flag, to observe this important day in traditional Mexican fanfare. Although Cinco de Mayo celebrates the determination of Mexicans to remain free from foreign control, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

HISTORY

Following the devastating loss of the Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico was both financially and morally defeated. In 1861, president Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign-debt payments would be suspended for a period of two years. Furious and eager to collect payment, England, France, and Spain invaded Mexico.

Unbeknownst to the other countries, France had its own agenda, ultimately aiming to impose a monarchical government upon the nations of Central and South America. Shortly after President Juarez offered a type of promissory note that guaranteed payments on its debt after the two years, England and Spain returned home, but the French continued their siege on Mexico.

On May 5, 1862, Juarez commanded General Ignacio Zaragoza to block the advance of the French forces at the fortified hills of Loreto and Guadalupe near the city of Puebla. With only 2,000 men, most of them local Zacapoaxtla Indians from the Puebla region with no formal military training and little weaponry, the Mexicans were able to briefly defeat the French army of 6,000.

The victory was short-lived, though soon after, France conquered Puebla and the rest of Mexico, ruling until 1867. Through a popular revolt, Juarez was finally restored to power, remaining leader of Mexico until his death in 1872.

BEYOND CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco de Mayo was born in the central Mexican state of Puebla. Its capital city, also called Puebla, is one of the most impressive and oldest colonial cities in Mexico. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique beauty, the magnificent historic center is an ideal starting point for a Cinco de Mayo tour.

While in Puebla, visitors can enjoy the historical Cinco de Mayo sites such as the tomb and monument of Ignacio Zaragoza, the general who led Mexico to victory over France. The site of the battle is also a popular destination, featuring a museum with a display of hundreds of toy soldiers set up to show what happened on that day. Art expositions, concerts of both contemporary and classical Mexican music and a Mexican film series are also part of the attractions.

An annual parade is held down Cinco de Mayo Avenue, and festivities include a reenactment of the famous battle. Men dress as French and Mexican soldiers and generals, and women wear the clothing of the “soldaderas,” the women who cooked and looked after the soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry machetes and old gun-power rifles, and the French soldiers carry bags with wine bottles and fruit.

Puebla has much more to offer besides its traditional Cinco de Mayo sites. Also worth a visit are the museums displaying archeological objects, paintings, railroad cars, and other historic treasures, as well as many shops that specialize in Talavera pottery and traditional treats. Wander through the Los Sapos district to buy antiques and to sample wonderful poblano dishes including mole and chiles en nogada (when in season) from a wide range of restaurants.

Puebla State offers other beautiful cities to visit in addition to its capital city. Cholula, located about 5 miles from the city of Puebla, has a very important archeological site that includes the “Gran Piramide” (the Big Pyramid), also known as the Tenapa Pyramid, occupying more space than any other pyramid in the world. Built on top of the pyramid is the church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios which was completed in 1666. Its symbolic position stands witness to the role of the Catholic church in the conversion of the indigenous people.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Typically held during the first week of May, Cinco de Mayo boasts carnivals, street fairs and multi-day festivals held over the U.S. Below is a list of some of the largest celebrations in the United States.

ALBUQUERQUE (New Mexico): May 5 –The New Mexican capital, Albuquerque, will be hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration with Ballet Folklorico. This troupe from the Mexican state of Nayarit, showcases a vast wealth of artistic tradition from Nayarit and throughout the Mexican republic.



ATLANTA (Georgia): May 6 –Considered the largest outdoor Hispanic family festival, Fiesta Atlanta takes place at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the day after Cinco de Mayo. Over 25,000 people are expected to attend this event with a day-long celebration of Latino culture, music, food and handicrafts.

AUSTIN (Texas): May 3–6–The Texas capital city of Austin hosts the annual Cinco de Mayo Music Festival, featuring an array of activities including Little Cinco, a Jalapeño Eating Contest, and dance contests including Salsa, Jitterbug, Polka and more.

CHARLESTON (South Carolina) –Charleston’s second annual Cinco de Mayo Festival will take place on Cinco de Mayo, at the Visitors Center Bus Terminal in downtown Charleston from 7 to 11 PM. The celebration featuring an authentic mariachi band will also have performances by DJ Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove and professional salsa dancers, as well as a variety of Mexican food, margaritas and beer.

CHICAGO (Illinois): May 4–6 — From Friday to Sunday, Plaza Garibaldi will be home to a Cinco de Mayo festival in Chicago. With over 25,000 people expected to attend, this event at Little Village, sponsored by UNIVISION, is sure to be a festive hit.

DENVER (Colorado): May 5–6–Touted as the largest Cinco de Mayo Festival in the United States, Denver’s festival is lo maximo. Now in its 19th year, the festivities emphasize the celebration of freedom and culture, Denverites enjoy six stages of live entertainment, dancing, food and crafts at the Civic Center Park. In addition, the celebration includes a special concert with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra among others, on May 4 and a Cinco de Mayo Civil Rights Award event held (date to be announced).

EL PASO (Texas): May 5 — This “Taste of the Border” festival featuring mariachis, margaritas, tequila and a mole extravaganza kicks off at 3:00 and goes into the wee hours of the night.

LITTLE ROCK (Arkansas): May 6 — Organized by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), this 9th annual Cinco de Mayo party will be held in the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock. Miss Cinco de Mayo will be crowned at this all day event.

NEW BRUNSWICK (New Jersey): May 5 — Featuring a variety of different Mexican foods and musical talents is the Cinco de Mayo Festivities in New Jersey, supported by Mexico Americana at Joyce Kilmer Park.

NEW YORK (New York): May 6 — Organized by the Fiestas Patria de Casa Puebla committee is the Cinco de May Festival in Queens. From 10 to 6 on Sunday, there will be a variety of musical talents, foods and handicrafts at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

OAKLAND (California): May 5 — This traditional celebration which had over 100,000 attendees last year, the Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale Festival & Parade, located in the Fruitvale district of Oakland. The family festival will feature stages of entertainment, more than 200 vendors, children’s activities and arts and crafts.

PORTLAND (Oregon): May 3–6–Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a family oriented, fun-filled event featuring four entertainment stages, delightful activities for children, artisans and vendors from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Visitors can also enjoy the Third Annual Mariachi Festival, folkloric ballet and delicious food from some of the finest restaurants in the Northwest.

ST. PAUL (Minnesota): May 4-5–Festivities include salsa-tasting contest, a children’s area, sports zone, craft vendors, a parade, a history area and live music and entertainment, featuring a variety of Hispanic/Latino dancers, performers and musicians.

SAN ANTONIO (Texas): May 4-6–San Antonio draws about 30,000 to its festivities with food booths at its historic Market Square, street dancing, handicrafts, concerts and other commemorations. Everyone from mariachis and folkloric dancers to Tejano and conjunto groups provide plenty of entertaining activities.

SAN DIEGO (California): May 5-6–Visitors will enjoy a weekend of festivities including open-air entertainment featuring more than 200 performers at eight venues, also more than 100 specialty booths handcrafts and a Mexican feast featuring a delicious variety of regional cuisine.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517

erick.laseca@bm.com

http://www.visitmexico.com





By: Erick Laseca ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/cinco-de-mayo-%e2%80%93-tequila-mariachis-chiles-oh-my/feed/ 0 http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/pizzavito%e2%84%a2-announces-franchise-development-deals/ http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/pizzavito%e2%84%a2-announces-franchise-development-deals/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:31:35 +0000 admin http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/pizzavito%e2%84%a2-announces-franchise-development-deals/ Gainesville, FL – January 23, 2009 – PizzaVito™ is opening the doors to its first location on January 28, 2009 in Gainesville, Florida and has franchise development deals signed to begin expanding immediately.  PizzaVito’s first store is located at 3411 SW Archer Rd., Suite A, adjacent to the University of Florida campus.

The most recent franchise development agreements include a 25-store deal, with the option for 15 more, to open throughout Florida and a five-store deal to also open in various locations throughout Florida.  The projected build-out for the first location of the five-store deal is scheduled for February 2009.  In addition, there is also a deal in place for ten PizzaVito locations to open in 2009 throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

            “Pizza has been a family business for us for nearly half a century,” said Joe DiBartolo, CEO and Founder of PizzaVito™.  “From Italy to New York to the South, we pride ourselves in making real New York style pizza.  The opening of our first PizzaVito™ franchise store marks a milestone in the family business and we are excited to be able to continue offering customers the unique pizza taste of the Big Apple.”

            PizzaVito™ is a restaurant franchise concept that specializes in real New York pizza.  For more than forty years Vito DiBartolo, namesake and co-founder of PizzaVito™, has been opening pizzerias and making the neighborhood’s favorite pizza.  From his first pizzeria in Queens in 1966 to his wildly successful pizzerias all over New York and throughout the South, people love his authentic pizza everywhere he goes.

  

            Vito attributes his pizza’s authenticity to the freshest ingredients and over 40-year old family dough and sauce recipes.  PizzaVito™ uses 100% whole milk mozzarella and the dough is made in New York using the city’s legendary water, then shipped to PizzaVito™ twice a week.  The homemade sauce is made using tomatoes from one of the country’s best tomato farms in California.  In addition, PizzaVito™ uses state-of-the-art equipment, including pizza ovens from Marsal & Sons, a dough press by Cuppone, and an advanced touch screen system by InTouch POS®.  PizzaVito’s real estate is being handled by Barrister Realty, who also represents Starbucks Coffee, Five Guys Burger & Fries, and Alltel Wireless.

            In February 2008, PizzaVito™ selected The Titan Agency, one of the fastest growing agencies in the Southeast, as its Agency of Record to provide branding, marketing and advertising tools to PizzaVito™ and its franchise stores.  Recently, Titan unveiled “The World According to Vito” campaign for PizzaVito™, which centers on the unique personality of Vito.  Included in the marketing program are professionally designed and produced in-store marketing materials, print, television, radio and online initiatives. 

  

            “The PizzaVito™ concept was drawn up on a napkin while we sat around a table eating pizza Vito had made,” said Tony DeMartino, CEO of Titan.  “Coming up with The World According to Vito campaign idea was even easier.  Anyone who has ever met Vito DiBartolo knows what a fun-loving and truly unique personality he has, and we wanted his iconic character reflected through the branding.”

PizzaVito™, headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, is a family-friendly pizzeria that offers real New York pizza and Italian ices.  Its New York-inspired menu offers dine-in, delivery and Take and Bake pizzas made with quality ingredients preserving the mouthwatering flavors that made The Big Apple famous.  PizzaVito™ sells pizza by the slice or pie, calzones, strombolis, garlic knots, Italian seasoned potato wedges, and Italian ice.  PizzaVito™ is open from Sun-Thurs, 11am-11pm, and Fri-Sat, 11am-3am. 





By: Glenna Larson ]]> http://www.atlantatravelsonline.com/restaurants/pizzavito%e2%84%a2-announces-franchise-development-deals/feed/ 0