There are many reasons we love living and working in Wilmington. Historic downtown, mostly sunny days, choice of beaches, eclectic restaurants, a strong business community, compassionate and creative people… I could go on and on.

Being out and about – whether it’s for shopping, filling our bellies or meeting with our fantastic clients – we’re constantly witnessing just how creative businesses are when it comes to marketing. We’d like to recognize these companies somehow. So until we come up with an awards event where we give out golden bonsai trees, we’ll give them some airtime on the Bon’s Eye blog.

On a recent trip to Islands Fresh Mex Grill (260 Racine Drive/ Right near UNCW) it was hard not to notice the restaurant’s latest marketing push. Signs plastered everywhere – where you order and pay, at the drink machine and salsa bar, on the walls by the bathroom – enticed patrons to sign up for weekly mobile coupons. Sweet! I’m all about coupons, so I dug out my Blackberry from the pantry/medicine cabinet/diaper bag that is my purse. I punched in my text, receiving our first coupon before I even finished my meal.

I’m hooked – on the coupons and burritos.

Owner Lucas Jones started using mobile coupons through Coupons to Your Phone about six months ago, and the results have been good.

“It’s definitely worked well,” Jones said. “It helped us develop a client base. People started coming in for the coupons. Now they come in all the time.”

Since opening about 16 months ago, Islands has been written up in the press and Jones has run radio and TV spots. But, he said, the mobile coupons have been one of the most effective forms of advertising.

He did have a word of caution, though, about using the service.

“You have to be careful about what you’re offering,” Jones said. “If you don’t put something that’s worth it, they won’t come in. But you also don’t want to give away your restaurant.”

My husband Chuck and I spent the weekend in Pittsburgh, our hometown. We traveled there on a long, nightmarish flight – another story for another time – for two big parties on separate days.

My youngest nieces, Becky and Lizzie, are the last of the Sciullo clan’s 10 offspring to graduate high school. Their celebrations overflowed with sumptuous food, shared memories and talk of college plans – a juxtaposition of past and present that more than once turned time’s canvas inside out. Read more…

When it comes to certain brands, I’m usually loyal to a fault. I’ve chewed Extra gum since I was a kid. While I might change flavors every now and then, it’s always Extra. My laundry detergent is Gain. I brush my teeth with Colgate. I’ve only ever owned a Toyota. I’ve used Lady Speedstick Shower Fresh deodorant since college when I got a free sample. I only buy Coke products for the house or on the road (but I’ll drink diet Pepsi at a restaurant that doesn’t serve my brand of choice). I could go on and on, but you probably get the point. Unfortunately, some businesses don’t get it, or maybe they just don’t care. Read more…

La Gemma, located at 2323 S. 17th St. near New Hanover Regional Medical Center, is a fantastic bakery that opened just before Christmas. Owner and chef Roberta Campani was born and raised in Tuscany, Italy. She imports most of the ingredients from Italy. We can’t say enough about this place! If you want some amazing pastries, cakes or Italian bread, stop by La Gemma. Ciao!