As the month of March begins, I am one of the millions of Americans facing the reality that the recession is dramatically changing spending habits. Americans have less money to spend — and no other choice than to make fewer dollars go a longer way.
Many Americans have cut their spending by eating at restaurants less often, doing more cooking at home in order to save money. At the same time, many restaurant chains are already reacting to the trend of dining out less, and are trying to lure customers with bargains such as two-for-one deals and other discounts.
Recently, while walking my dog at a neighborhood park, I was stunned to see hundreds of folks standing in line to take advantage of free breakfasts offered by the local Denny's Restaurant as part of a national promotion for its "Grand Slam" breakfasts.
According to Denny's Restaurant spokesperson Cori Rice, "Millions of Americans lined-up outside the doors of Denny's after the chain advertised free 'Grand Slam' breakfasts to any customer who came through between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the promotion day." Rice reported that "over 2 million Grand Slams were given away at Denny's restaurants located throughout the nation."
Not only are there breakfast specials at Denny's, but my best friend, Cornel Francois, bragged about the delicious stack of pancakes that he got for free at the IHOP chain. Cornel teased me because he knows I love to eat pancakes when we meet for breakfast or lunch at IHOP. Recently, my wife and I had breakfast at IHOP and asked about the "free stack of pancakes." Our waitress explained that the free stack of pancakes was only a one day offer in celebration of National Pancake Day. I checked out the history of the pancake give away on IHOP's web site and learned that since 2006, the restaurant chain raised nearly two million dollars to support charities in the communities in which it operates.
David Siegel, with the National Restaurant Association, explains that restaurants are having to dig deep and find new ways to do things because it's a challenging time. Siegel revealed that "studies show for the first time in 30 years, the restaurant industry might decline instead of grow. It's probably the most challenging environment that the industry has faced. It's not the end of the world for the industry," says Siegel. "But it's going to be a tough row for the next 12 months."
I took Siegel at his word and set out on an Internet search for "meal deals." I was surprised to find numerous promotions at my favorite restaurants. For example, T.G.I. Friday's offered two entrees for the price of one for customers who bring in coupons downloaded from their website. Ruby Tuesday is also offering "twofer" deals with coupons in newspapers or downloaded from their website. (Note that the promotions warn the public to "Please read the fine print. There may be restrictions.")
Other great sources to find restaurant dining savings are the website Dealnews.com and Restaurant.com, which has an offer to buy 80 percent-off gift certificates. The coupon offers range from $25 dining certificates to $2 and $10 gift certificates. If you are planning a trip, Restaurant.com's gift certificates are redeemable at local restaurants across the U.S., although some gift certificates have restrictions, like dinner-only or $15 minimum.
Arby's website offers a printable coupon to "Buy any drink, get a free Roast-burger." Applebee's offers one appetizer and two entrees for $20. For California residents only, Subway restaurants are offering a free $2 gift card in exchange for filling out a short form. This offer is limited to the first 142,500 requests. Online, Denny's is offering free coupons for breakfast and lunch, as well as day-long Grand Slam specials.
With all these meal deals, I've gotten hungry. My wife and I are off to Denny's for a free Grand Slam breakfast coupon with the purchase of another. Perhaps, I'll meet you there!
Ronald Ellerbe is editor of Hub City News and columnist for LA Beez.
Collage by LA Beez, photos from Applebee's, Denny's and Subway websites
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