As more businesses arrive in Fremont, Levine said she may reconsider opening for lunch. Also, Washington is one of the few states that do not allow operators to count tips against the minimum wage they pay. At the Mackay Restaurant Group, which owns El Gaucho restaurants in Seattle and Portland and Seattle's newly opened Waterfront eatery, marketing director Eileen Reimann is grateful to have three restaurants to promote and to spread marketing costs among. She said business has remained steady, but the company has worked harder to keep the tables full. Last year was a banner year for everyone, so there's a drop in activity, but not a substantial drop.
More effort can still make it happen.
Reimann is promoting Waterfront for lunchtime wedding receptions, which she said has been paying off in increased bookings. While activity is increasing on the promotional side, frugality reigns in restaurant operations. Owners report taking a wide range of measures to cut their electric and gas bills. We used to just come in and turn all the ovens on for daytime prep. Now it's fire up as you need it.