Business Beat: The Good & Bad of a Suggestion Box

The new seafood place in Sayville, Village Fish & Wings Market, which also serves up delicious wings for those who aren't in the mood for fresh fish has a cute suggestion box on its counter these days as it's looking for customer ideas and insight to provide better service and menu items.

But while some suggestions have some merit, others, say store staff, are clearly not something any business owner would embrace.

One good idea is the possibility of a food tent outside selling fast fried food items.

"That's something that we may do in warm months," said a store employee.

But one thing the store won't be doing is giving free food in exchanging for marketing.

"One guy said if we gave him a free meal a week he'd go around telling all his friends and people he met to stop by the store," said the counterperson with a smile. "I don't think we'll be following up on that."