Restaurant Recession Specials Means Big Savings for Diners

Have you noticed lately that more restaurants are advertising extra menu deals, cheaper entrees, and combo specials?  Many of the chain restaurants, fast-food joints and even the white tablecloth restaurants are offering cheaper versions of entrees and smaller portions to get diners in the door during this recession.

Surprisingly, some of the deals offered by the full-service restaurants fall within the realm of fast food prices!   Take a look at just a few of the “diner stimulus” deals being offered by these chains:

• Applebee’s - Offers a “2 for $20″ special of two entrees and one appetizer.
• Chili’s - Offers a “10 meals for under $7″ deal.
• Cheesecake Factory - A “Small Plates and Snacks” menu includes items like their Margherita Pizzette or Beets with Goat Cheese Salad for only $4.95.
• Outback Steakhouse - 15 meals for under $15.
• Texas Roadhouse - Offers an “Early Dine for $7.99″ promo on the weekdays.
• T.G.I.Friday’s - Features 10 full size entrees priced at $9.99.

There are also many “bail out” specials being offered by the high end white tablecloth restaurants:

• Morton’s Steakhouse - $99 steak and seafood dinner for 2 or you can request this dinner for 1 for only $49.  They also have $6 mini-burgers at the bar.
• Oceanaire Seafood - $33 three-course, prix fixe dinner.  Plus, they have a special bar menu with discounted prices on food available from open to close.
• Ruth’s Chris - Ruth’s Classics for $39.95.   For a limited time enjoy a complete three-course meal featuring a starter, entrée, side dish and dessert.

Depending on where you live, there are considerably more promotions available to cash-strapped diners during this slow economy.   Try entering your city + “restaurant recession specials” in your favorite search engine to see what other lunch, dinner and happy hour specials are available.  I did this for “Houston restaurant recession specials” and found dozens of restaurants that offered “recession specials”, “bail out prix fixe menus” and some excellent wine and cocktail specials!

These offers certainly qualify as a “diner stimulus” or a “diner bailout” package that should last at least until this recession is over.   And don’t feel bad that these restaurants are operating on a smaller margin, they provide these specials in hopes that diners will buy cocktails, beer and other money makers.  Plus, it’s just another way to build customer loyalty during these trying times.

This is just a smattering of restaurant deals offered by the full-service chain restaurants.  But what about the fast food joints?   Can they reduce their already low menu prices?  YES they can!  Stay tuned for my next post on Best Fast Food Restaurant Deals of 2009.

Diners: Have you stopped eating out because of the economy?