The week in ideas, August 5, 2011

Diversified protects whistleblowers. Zagats collects some bad names. Hooters goes after fantasy football fans. And we ask, what exactly is going on in Hartford, Connecticut?

Idea #1: Protect complainers. Diversified Restaurant Holdings announced this week it’s working with a third party group to develop systems to ensure whistleblowers feel safe. Michael Ansley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee, commented, "We know it can be difficult to report something that needs addressing, whether it is about a situation or a person. Employees, shareholders, and others connected to DRH need to feel secure that their concerns will be seen and/or heard, that something will be done about it, and if they choose, that their anonymity and confidentiality will be maintained."

Idea #2: Watch for cameras. A Hartford, Connecticut, man was busted this week for installing miniature cameras in the men’s room of local restaurants. The 51-year-old suspect put cameras in a bathroom at a Starbucks and three other restaurants. Cops said he was not thought to have installed a camera in the bathroom of a local Cosi the week before. So there’s two of them in Hartford, it appears.

Idea #3: Read your restaurant name again. Zagat names the top 10 bad restaurant names. Big Wong anyone?

Idea #4: Can’t think of a good name? Ask the cops. Who knew New Jersey cops could be so clever? The cops busted a Dunkin’ Donuts employee for prostitution. Apparently she was selling herself along with the Boston Kreme. But that’s not the point of this idea. The name the cops gave the undercover investigation? Operation Extra Sugar. Bravo!

Idea #5: Cater to fantasy footballers. Hooters usually conjures other types of fantasies, but in a new marketing push its trying to bring in fantasy football fans. The restaurant is taking reservations for draft parties from fantasy football leagues across the country. Every fantasy league that hosts their draft party at Hooters will receive a set of Hooters Season Ticket coupons, with over $500 in food and beverage coupons, as well as an ESPN Fantasy Football Draft Pack inclusive of a draft board, player labels, cheat sheets and a commissioner hat and koozie.

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