[mojito]

Hi Blue Iguana,
I feel your pain. Luckily you say you have the right "location" which is very important for a successful restaurant, however you really picked a fine time to start up??? This down turn for basically ALL businesses is the worst possible time. (the economy)
I think the first thing you need to do is manage your costs, train to the utmost in quality & care your servers & staff, & most importantly be "the mayor" of your restaurant. Which means every single person that walks in-Greet them with a smile, bend over backward to service them, they love being acknowledged by the owner...Create "New Ideas" for marketing...example: I just did a e-mail newsblast to my over 2000 guest subscribers via e-mail on Saturday Nite . It stated: Listen up Redskin Fans; If the Redskins WIN over the Eagles on 10/5/08 come in on Monday nite (which we are usually a little slow) and receive a FREE entree Meal with the Purchase of one meal at regular or of lesser value...It was a HIT!!! we were packed. I can go on & on about all the different "INCENTIVES" I throw out there almost daily because of the economy. I too must boost sales & get people in. I think the whole country is in panic mode.
Good luck!