Site name: Mimi’s Cafe URL: www.mimiscafe.com Background information: Mimi’s Cafe serves classic American dishes, made from scratch, in a colorful, French New Orleans-inspired atmosphere with locations in ten states.

Site name: Houston’s Restaurant URL: www.houstons.com Background information: Houston’s is a private restaurant organization operating in various cities throughout the United States. While they are a nationwide organization, they do not consider themselves a “chain” in the traditional sense—rather, it is a collection of restaurants. Their restaurants have one of the highest per-unit sales averages of any restaurant company in America. Houston’s menu is straightforward and made from scratch.

Site name: P. F. Chang’s China Bistro URL: www.pfchangs.com Background information: P. F. Chang’s serves fresh, contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Founded in 1993, the P. F. Chang’s experience is a unique combination of Chinese cuisine, attentive service, wine, and tempting desserts all served in a stylish, highenergy bistro.

Exercises:

a. Most casual restaurants have a unifying theme that is pervasive in the design of their menu, decor, and Web site. Identify the theme for each of the restaurants listed above. How do the menu, interior decor, and building exterior support their theme?

b. Which of the above companies provides a means for applying for jobs via their Web site?

c. Which of the above companies provides information regarding their menus and plans for new menu items?

d. After viewing all three Web sites, choose the site that has the most useful information and discuss why you chose that Web site.