McCormick & Schmick`s Seafood Restaurants Makes Quality Holiday Entertaining
Affordable for Small Businesses
PORTLAND, Ore.--(Business Wire)--
While many businesses, especially small businesses, cancelled or downsized
holiday celebrations in 2008, things are looking up this holiday season. A
recent nationwide survey* by McCormick & Schmick`s Seafood Restaurants [Nasdaq:
MSSR] of small business owners, managers and decision makers found that the
majority are planning holiday parties for employees this year. While the more
extravagant holiday party budgets of years past have been reduced, small
business owners are planning more modest parties this holiday season, without
wanting to sacrifice quality. One-third of those polled indicated they are
planning to spend $30 or more per employee.
Specific survey findings include:
* The majority (52 percent) of small business executives want their company to
have a holiday party for its employees this year. Executives at companies with
annual revenue exceeding $750K are more likely than those with annual revenue of
less than $750K to want a holiday party (68 percent versus 47 percent,
respectively).
* 31 percent of small businesses who had a holiday party in 2008 scaled it back
because of the economy. Downsizing holiday parties in 2008 was more prevalent
among companies in the wholesale/retail sector (39 percent) than in the
financial services sector (24 percent) or professional services (24 percent).
* 31 percent of small businesses are likely to spend $30 or more per employee on
their 2009 holiday party. 24 percent of small businesses are likely to spend $50
or more per employee on their 2009 holiday party, 19 percent are likely to spend
$20 to $49 per employee and 12 percent are likely to spend less than $20 per
employee. Overall, small businesses who said they are likely to have a holiday
party plan to spend an average of $36 per employee.
"Our goal this year is to help businesses plan celebrations that fit within
their budgets without sacrificing quality," said Bill Freeman, CEO of McCormick
& Schmick`s Seafood Restaurants. "We know from what we are hearing from our
guests and this research that businesses are looking for smaller, more
economical ways to celebrate the holidays - department luncheons, small client
get-togethers and employee recognition events - and we`ve created an appealing
offer to accommodate these requests."
This holiday season, McCormick & Schmick`s is offering a Sunday through Thursday
party package featuring a three-course meal with beverage for $26.95 per person
- perfect for the small business owner looking to spend around $30 per employee.
Guests will start with their choice of soup or salad, and then choose from a
selection of entrées including Seafood Steamer, Cedar-Plank Salmon, Top Sirloin,
Baked Stuffed Shrimp and more. Guests will end their meal with a choice of Crème
Brulee, Fruit Cobbler or a Decadent Chocolate dessert.
As an added incentive, McCormick & Schmick`s is providing $20 dining
certificates for all party guests, good for a future visit in 2010.
"The $20 dining certificate offers small business owners an added value that
they can then pass on to their employees," added Freeman.
For more information about McCormick & Schmick`s Seafood Restaurants` holiday
offers and to find a location, please visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.
About McCormick & Schmick`s Seafood Restaurants
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants focus on serving a broad selection of
fresh seafood with a menu printed twice daily and featuring the signature "Fresh
List" of more than 30 Different Varieties of Fresh Seafood, in addition to aged
steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta. Each restaurant`s chef contributes to
the menu`s unique and imaginative appeal by creating dishes tailored to regional
tastes and their own talents. McCormick & Schmick's offers an inviting
atmosphere and a high quality, diverse menu for everyone from casual diners,
families and tourists to business travelers and special occasion diners. Learn
more at www.McCormickandSchmicks.com.
* This report presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted among a
sample of 500 Small Business executives of companies with less than 100
employees. Interviewing for this survey was completed during the period October
22-29, 2009.
On behalf of McCormick & Schmick`s
Brittany Mohr, 916-492-5383
brittany.mohr@fleishman.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
