Hi Jack,
Your post responding to RAINs noise level and contributions to preserve the rainforests addresses the two most ticklish issues management faces. The issue of RAINs support for the environment was criticized in a London Observer article metioned on the MF RAIN thread:
Subj: London
Date: 24 Jun 1997 02:00:19 EDT
From: Marlincom
Message-ID: <19970624060000.CAA24402@ladder02.news.aol.com>
The British press have been getting their first taste of Rainforest Cafe, as it opens next week in the Picadilly Circus neighborhood. Being the cynical Brits, they acknowledge what a great idea is the rainforest theme, but The Observer in particular served some bitter comments about an American firm cashing in on the environment, when so little is actually given back to the cause.
On the whole, the press thought it inevitable that the restaurant would succeed in the UK, especially given it's perfect location in the 'moron' part of town, as The Observer called it, due to the number of tourist/adolescent visitors that the area attracts.
Such minor criticism is inevitable. I'm sure the management can handle it as long as it remembers the golden rule that no foreign market should be treated 100% as back home, not even if they speak the same language.
(end)
There also has been lots of posts regarding the noise level at RAINs on MF with many posters finding it too loud for their own personal taste but the management line being its part of the expected experience. I, too, think it could be toned down some if its irritating a significant percent of customers. Obviously this will be an ongoing topic of discussion. I've been meaning to repost three posts from MF that I believe address what the focus of RAINs policy regarding contributions should be. part of the problem there was that some peole became very rabid in there stances on an ideological basis and began attacking others whose ideology disagreed. I refuse to argue ideology with anyone on business matters. I believe whatever RAIN does on this issue must be from a good business practices point of view. But I also think that allows considerable more support for the rainforests than is now manifested but it must be very well thought out support that promotes RAIN's image as well. I try to get to those reposts soon. My apology on the delay.
Best regards,
Dennis
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