Bridge at Valle Escondido
This is the bridge at the Valle Escondido resort in Boquete. Behind it is the “Pueblito”. During the four years we’ve lived in Valle Escondido the tented building has had four different restaurants, none of which have succeeded. The “Pueblito” itself was once little shops and stores. Now it has all been converted into hotel rooms for the Valle Escondido hotel and resort.
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Correction. In the last three years since the management of VE has taken over, the restaurant has been successful of meeting the needs of our guests and most of our residents. In the last month we have added a well known chef who has brought us to an even higher level of quality and service, which we believe will bring us even greater success.
The restaurant business in Boquete is extremely difficult due to the fact that it is a seasonal tourist area. The locals who live here rarely eat out. The expat’s do but are very frugal with their expenditures and always take a 25% discount. These factors add to the difficulty of operating a quality restaurant and keeping it fully staffed throughout the year.
The 25% “Pensionado” discount sounds good, but as Sam has pointed out in the past, may not make much sense in terms of restaurants. If I were running a restaurant I would adjust my prices taking into account the 25% “Pensionado” discount, then gladly give that discount. I would also give out “Good Customer” cards which entitled the bearer to a 25% discount OR a free entre after 4 visits, not combinable with any other discount. That should keep everyone happy!