Hard-Hit Restaurants Offer All Kinds of Deals

by Emily Matchar, Posted Feb 23rd 2009 @ 7:00PM

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?

Source

Filed Under: Chefs & Restaurants, Restaurants
Tags: recession, restaurants

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-23-2009 @7:09PM Colin said... Being a tightwad means that when the recessions hit you don't do anything different. I've packed home-cooked lunches every day for years and rarely eat dinner out so I'll continue doing the same thing. Might even eat out a bit more if there are bargains to be had.
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2-24-2009 @3:20AM Nick said... I'm actually heading to Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak in Las Vegas tomorrow night, and I will be taking full advantage of the affordable tasting menu. Many of the decent restaurants here in Vegas seem to be selling that $60 price point for the tasting menu. Compared to $15 for an app, $40-50 for a steak, and $12 for a side, it is quite a good deal. Plus another $30 gets a three course wine pairing.
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2-24-2009 @8:02AM Cory said... I've started eating out more. Mostly lunches. There are no wait times to get a table and the staff seems to really appreciate the fact that you're there. As the article states there are lots of good deals these days, free apps, 2 for 1 drinks, lower priced specials, and the portions don't induce over-eating anymore. Plus I'm doing my part to help keep things going in my community. Local shops closing is no good for anyone.
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