Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Dining out on a tight budget


     With the economy at an all time low, people are unable to spare the extra expense of dining out.  Instead, families are opting for more dinners at home.  This not only gives them more time to bond, but helps bring them together as well.  No longer will families be interrupted by drive times.  But does this have an effect on local restaurants?

Kelly Becker, General Manager at the Real Seafood Co. in Toledo says sales have not decreased at all in the past year.  “By consistently exceeding guest expectations, my staff is able to provide memorable dining experiences in a creative atmosphere.”  This year, the Real Seafood Co. was ranked the number one place to propose in Toledo.

But not all restaurants have been so successful.  Al Preston, General Manager at Zia’s in Toledo says sales have declined.  “I’ve noticed less and less of our regulars coming in, which hurts the restaurant as well as the staff.”  Many who are employed at Zia’s are college students who greatly depend on tips from those coming in.  “With sales at an all time low, we’ve had to cut some of our staff members.”  With jobs being scarce in this economy, Preston assured those let go they could return next summer during its busiest time. 

Although the majority of the economy is living off of a budget, some still tend to splurge on great dinners.  “We just love it here,” says Danny Mandou while dining out at the Real Seafood Co.  “This is one of our favorite places to eat.  Money is tight, so we now come here on special occasions…today is our second anniversary.” 

Dining out on special occasions just became easier.  The Real Seafood Co., as well as its sister restaurants, offer a great birthday discount that is second to none.  The discount is based off of the number of people at your table.  For instance, two people can enjoy half off their food portion of their bill as well as a complimentary desert of their choice. Three people would be a third off and so on and so forth. 

But for some, the best of discounts still don’t allow for them to dine out.  Cody Myers knows this all too well.  “Dining out is just not a priority for my family right now.  I work two jobs, my girl friend works…and between us both, money is still tight.”  With the cold weather and the holiday season soon approaching, bills and expenses only seem to rise. 

So to help those you love get out this holiday season, buy them a gift they’re sure to love.  Everyone loves dining out.  Buy those you love a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.  Restaurants belonging to Main Street Ventures offer great deals on gift certificates.      
    
Bonus Gift Certificate Packages:
   *     $250-499 - Receive 10% More in Gift Certificates Value
   *     $500-999 - Receive 15% More in Gift Certificate Value
   *     $1,000 and over - Receive 20% More in Gift Certificate Value

Combo Package:
$75 Gift Combo - Receive $50 Gift Certificate and TWO Distinctive
Recipes Cookbooks

Additionally, purchase a Distinctive Recipes cookbook
for only $19.95! 
This is a limited time offer that ends on 12/31/2010.

If you can’t afford to purchase the complete total to receive the free amount in gift certificates, pair up with people you know who are looking into them as well.  This way, everyone can buy the perfect gift while getting a something back in return. 
     
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1 comment:

  1. I took my friend out for her birthday...the discount was amazing! I highly recommend!!

    ReplyDelete