There are nearly one million restaurants in the United States and they all want your business. Restaurateurs dangle freebies and discounts in front of you in an attempt to entice you to spend money at their tables. You can eat like a king (and not pay like a king) when you take advantage of these promotional offers.
1. Email Clubs: Sign up for restaurant email clubs and newsletters. Once registered, you will receive email messages with printable coupons for discounts and free menu items. Bob Evans routinely sends coupons for buy one, get one free entrees to their email subscribers. Likewise, the Olive Garden sends dollar-off coupons. Just visit your favorite restaurant’s website and look for a sign up page for either their e-club or email newsletter.
2. Smartphone Apps: It’s becoming more popular for restaurants to host their loyalty programs via smartphone apps (Android and Apple App Store). As of this posting, California Pizza Kitchen will give you a free small plate when you sign up for their loyalty program, Pizza Dough, which can be accessed through a mobile app. Bravo! Cucina Italiano will give you a free appetizer when you download and register through their app, myBravo! Rewards.
3. Open Table: This national reservation system can be accessed online (opentable.com) or via a smartphone app (Anrdoid or Apple App Store). Not only does Open Table give you the convenience of making reservations on the go, but you can also earn free dining vouchers simply for making and honoring reservations, which can be redeemed at any restaurant that also uses Open Table for bookings. In addition, many restaurants offer bonus points when you make reservations and dine at off-peak times.
4. Celebration Discounts: Birthdays and anniversaries are frequently celebrated over dinner, and restaurants are vying to host your special day. Many restaurants offer free meals, desserts and drinks in hopes that you will bring other paying guests with you. I recommend telling the restaurant what you’re celebrating–you never know what they might surprise you with!
5. Kids Eat Free: Restaurants are fully aware that if you bring the kids in for a free meal, you’re going to buy something to eat for yourself. Kids-eat-free promotions are gaining popularity and steam–just know that they may be available only on a certain day of the week or time of the day. Check out mykidseatfree.com to find local establishments where your kids can eat free.
6. Time for a Discount: Think about eating at off-peak dining times. For example, between lunch and dinner when restaurants are typically quiet, or late in the evening after the dinner rush. Early Fare discounts and specials prior to the dinner rush are fairly common. Happy hour promotions at bars often feature free and highly discounted food and drinks. Taco Bell even has a Happier Hour every day from 2 – 5 pm with $1 food and drink items. Most Applebee’s have half price appetizers from 9 pm until closing time.
7. Discounted Gift Cards: eBay and gift certificate reseller websites like raise.com and cardpool.com offer discounts of 20 percent or more on restaurant gift cards. The amount of the discount can equate to a free appetizer or drink. These discounted gift cards can be used in conjunction with coupons and other promotions. I call this double dipping — read all about how to be a double-dipper here!
8. Deal of the Day Sites: Purchase hugely discounted certificates to local restaurants from Groupon, Living Social and Restaurant.com. Local deal of the day sites are also common in larger cities. You can save 50 percent or more.
See, you don’t have to spend a fortune to feast like a king!
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Photo credit: Noel Hendrickson
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