Retired publisher-emeritus Stan Rolfsrud had lunch today with Mark Weber, the general manager of Southwest Newspapers, the company that Stan used to run. They talked a little newspaper business so that Mark could pick up the tab.
The tab wasn't that much, because the newspaper has a traffic-building email-only promotion called "What's For Lunch" featuring short-lived killer non-menu specials that you have to mention to your waiter to get. They ordered it. Today's pizza burgers, fries and a pickle cost just $5 . . and that may have included a soft drink. These are encouraging developments for seniors on fixed incomes.
The promotion is just one of many innovations newspaper publishers must experiment with during tough times in a declining industry. Stan commended Mark for his efforts, as his operation continues to stand out as one of the best in the business.
Mostly, though, Mark and Stan talked about their dogs and where they'd like to take their wives on vacation. Upon leaving, Mark, ever the dry wit, asked Stan if he still owned a pair of long pants.
