Thursday, May 14, 2009

Offering Your Customers Budget Dining in a Recession

musthavemenus recession menuIt's no secret that the public is cutting back and eating out less often than they used to in today's shaky economic climate. Declining consumer confidence and increased consumer savings has lead to more people eating in. When customers decide to go out to eat, they are looking for good deals and, above all, value.

Value has become a huge restaurant buzzword. Even Starbucks, traditionally thought of as an "upscale" coffeehouse, has gotten into the value game, with their $3.95 latte and oatmeal breakfast. Not only do you have to offer value to your customers, but it has to be perceived as such. Because a latte at Starbucks usually runs around $3.95 by itself, customers can automatically see the value. Make sure if you are offering budget dining that the value is perfectly clear.

Budget or recession dining has become a hot trend, as well. The MustHaveMenus designers have come with a whole series of Recession Menus scattered throughout the web site, designed to help you promote your inexpensive dining options.

Also on these menus are ideas for some recession buster specials. Chef Karen really hit the ball out of the park with this menu copy. Use her ideas to inspire your own budget dining menu, or come up with your own recession dishes. Oh, and if you decide to actually serve 2 for 1 SKYY vodka mixed drinks like Chef Karen suggests on the menu, drop me a line—that's cause for a roadtrip!

2 comments:

imee said...

I really like this idea. I've been to a couple of eateries that have these so called "value meals" that are available only on certain days of the week, and that's a cool way to encourage people to still eat out even if on a budget.

-Imee

Erin said...

Thanks for stopping by! I know, I hope more of my favorite restaurants start instituting budget menus.