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Standing out to those
who dine out

Hawaiidiner.com is working to differentiate itself in the crowded online world of restaurant guides.

The mission of founders Gail Jennings and Erik Stone was to make the Web site an online food magazine, with restaurant reviews, menus, recipes, newsletters and tips on entertaining in addition to a statewide directory of restaurants.

Launched in June, it is patterned after the partners' previous project, guamdiner.com.

Restaurants needn't pay to be listed in the directory or to be reviewed, said Jennings. She is the content manager and advertising sales rep, while Stone handles the computer end, including graphic design.

The site generates revenue through advertising and from restaurants that subscribe or pay to have a larger presence on the site. Restaurants can also update menus and specials on their own, using an interface Stone designed.

"They also have the ability to put up a coupon," to track customers' use of the Web site, Jennings said.

Jennings is hesitant to compare Hawaiidiner.com to other sites on the Web. "We are so different from the rest," she said, but added, "I think there's room for all of us."

Sons of proud moms

Two Hawaii executives are among the national 25 Most Extraordinary Sales and Marketing Minds in Hospitality and Travel for 2004.

After polling senior industry executives, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International named Rob Solomon, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, and Mike Troy, director of marketing and customer relationship management for Starwood Hotels Hawaii, to its second-annual list.

"My mother will be really thrilled," chuckled Solomon. Recognition from peers was important to Solomon "and we're also always glad to see Hawaii recognized by these groups on a national level," he said.

Troy also mentioned his mother, saying he knew she wasn't the one who nominated him, but beyond that he was unsure who did.

He spread the credit for the acknowledgment among his colleagues.