According to a Zagat survey, 28 percent of diners are switching to cheaper restaurants and 20 percent are cutting out appetizers, dessert, and alcohol. What can restaurants do to keep business?All kinds of things, says this MSN article on recession-era restaurant tricks. Upscale restaurants are offering more reasonably priced prix fixe menus or having special promotions, like Tom Colicchio's "Frugal Fridays" at Craft, where diners can have anything on the menu for less than $10. Others are bringing their ultra-pricey tasting menus down a notch, so diners can enjoy a multi-course special occasion meal for $40 rather than $100. Sure it won't be as elaborate, but who's eating "caviar staircases" these days? Other restaurants are turning to cheaper offerings, with luxe takes on classic comfort foods like grilled cheese or meatballs.
How have your eating out habits been affected by the recession? Have you noticed your favorite restaurants changing their prices or menus?
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