Sit-down restaurants add more deals
Posted
Jul 22 2009, 03:36 PM
by
Teresa Mears
Rating:
As consumers eat out less, competition is getting fierce among the sit-down casual restaurant chains, which have been offering deals and discounts in the hope of luring more customers.
While the deep discounts haven't made franchise owners happy, they are providing more opportunities for diners to eat out for less.
The latest deals are from Chili's, which is offering 10 entrée choices for only $7, and T.G.I. Friday's, which is offering $5 off the entrée of each friend you bring in for BYOB (Bring Your Own Buddies) Summer.
These deals join discounts unveiled in recent months by the Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee's and Ruby Tuesday, among others.
Here's a rundown of some current promotions:
- Applebee's: This casual chain was one of the first to come out with a deal, and that deal remains in effect: two entrées and an appetizer for $20. The restaurant also is offering combo lunch deals for $5.99.
- Cheesecake Factory: Known for its huge portions, the Cheesecake Factory has unveiled 16 small plate selections for $3.95 to $6.50. Those include stuffed mushrooms, onion rings, pizzetes, tuna tartare and shrimp scampi crostini.
- Chili's is offering 10 smaller-size entrees for $7. The chain is also one-upping Applebee's with its three courses for $20 promotion, including an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert for $20.
- Outback Steakhouse: The steak restaurant is offering 15 of its meals for under $15, including a six-ounce sirloin with salad and baked potato for $9.95.
- Ruby Tuesday has published a number of buy one, get one free entrée coupons in local newspapers. The coupons are also sent via e-mail to members of its So Connected Club.
- T.G.I. Friday's: Friday's is offering several deals, in addition to the BYOB $5 off entrée deal, which requires a coupon and is good through Aug. 31. (You can get the coupon sent to your mobile phone by sending BYOB13 to MYTGIF.) You also can get coupons for free food by joining the Give Me More Stripes club. The Right Portion, Right Price menu offers smaller meals for $6.99 to $9.99. The restaurant has offered a number of buy-one-get-one-free coupons this year, but none is currently in effect. In some areas (Arizona, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Mexico and suburban New York), you can pick a time to visit Friday's, invite two friends and get a coupon for a free Jack Daniel's sampler platter.
Because most chain restaurants are owned by individual franchisees, all deals may not be good in all restaurants. If you don't see a deal on the menu you've seen advertised, it pays to ask. According to the New York Times, some unhappy franchise owners have hidden the fliers advertising discount meals.
Related reading:
Desperate restaurants try new tricks
Casual restaurants burned by inflation
Free food in exchange for your e-mail address
