Blog Journeys of a Lifelong Learner

I ate at a somewhat fancy restaurant in Leesburg, VA today.

It is not outrageously expensive, but cheapskates would definitely find it uncomfortable.

Why is it more expensive than a fast food establishment or bargain restaurant? Some may criticize all high prices as being excessive attempts at profit generation, but excellent reasons for premium prices can be found.

A transaction at a dining establishment is not merely the sale of food; it is the creation of an experience.

High-quality pleasurable experiences are valuable. They benefit customers be providing something special and exciting. They benefit providers by attracting good clients and inspiring great service.

Many business lunches were held during my time at the restaurant. Contracts were discussed and partnerships negotiated. I even observed strangers link up through mutual interests in a moment of pleasant serendipity.

Those meetings would probably never happen at McDonald's. Price competition can only lead to a race to the lowest price in a realm consisting of mediocre customers and predictable merchandise. Price is a temporary advantage at best.

It is better to build something so compelling that it would attract patrons even if it were more expensive that alternatives. Price is forgotten; quality is remembered.

The restaurant today offered a remarkable and enjoyable experience. If I lived near it, it would be high on my list of locations for meeting with contacts.

What experiences are entering or creating?