Fewer diners mean better deals

For many of us, eating out isn’t a treat; it’s a way of life. Americans spend a whopping $1.5 billion – that’s billion – on food away from home every day. That comes to around six meals a week and $2,700 a year per household, says the National Restaurant Association. But don't assume these are salad days for the restaurant industry.

On the contrary, the dismal economy has left 55 percent of us eating out less of ten than we used to a year ago, according to GfK Roper Reports. But that fact also means that more restaurants are offering discount deals. Here's more from the survey, plus some current bargains ...

Even for those folks who are still eating out, the Roper survey revealed that 48 percent of them are spending less when they do. They opt for chicken instead of steak, for example, cut back on drinks and dessert, or simply chow down at less-expensive restaurants.

“It varies a lot by location, but generally restaurants with lower price-points are doing better than restaurants with higher prices, as customers are cautious with their spending,” says National Restaurant Association spokeswoman Anika Stennson.

In the world of chain eateries, many companies are making it more convenient to order ahead for curbside pickup. It’s a major trend, says GfK Roper’s John Bishop, a senior consultant, because people can save a few bucks on the tip.

The chains are also wheeling and dealing aggressively. We scanned the menus and came up with plenty of bargains such as Red Lobster’s all-you-can-eat Endless Shrimp promotion; TGI Friday’s smaller portions at lower ($6 to $10) prices; Bonefish Grill’s radically new sandwich menu for guests who want to eat lighter meals or dine more casually; and Romano Macaroni Grill’s three-course, $12 dinners.

Even white-tablecloth restaurants like Morton’s of Chicago are responding. The high-end steakhouse chain is offering a $99 filet mignon dinner for two that includes appetizers, side dishes, and dessert. And the potato -- usually an expensive add-on at Morton’s -- comes with no extra charge.

But we got the biggest kick out of a new ad campaign by Denny’s, the chain that earned its bones by serving breakfast all day long. “They’re bailing out Wall Street. But who’s gonna bail you out?” a recent ad asked. Denny’s solution: the $4 Weekday Breakfast Slam consisting of two eggs, two pancakes, and two bacon strips or sausage links. Equally creative is KFC’s challenge, daring consumers to buy and prepare a meal consisting of seven pieces of chicken, four biscuits, and one large side dish for the restaurant’s menu price of $10.

Now that's the kind of bailout that could make a Tightwad's mouth water!

Comments

[April]

I HATE KFC's commercial. I can't believe you could get a kick out of something so misleading.

Here is an article where a cook takes KFC's ridiculous challenge, and makes a healthier meal for LESS: http://www.grist.org/advice/chef/2008/10/30/.

[Dan]

April I never laughed so hard, you are right on. thx for setting the status quo straight!