In the current economy, many restaurants have seen a decrease in the number of customers. To entice us, some begin to offer great "deals". Can you really get a great deal at a full-service restaurant? Let's consider one advertised deal:
All you can eat soup, salad and bread sticks $6.99
Less than $7 for a sit-down meal sounds like a deal,
but lets consider the true cost for two diners:
Meal $6.99 x 2 = $13.98
Beverage $2 x 2 = $4
Tip (18%) $1.62 x 2 = $3.24
Total Spent = $21.22
Can each person really eat over $10 in soup, salad and bread sticks?
What would this cost at home?
Shop without coupons, ignoring sales and expect to spend:
3 cans soup $6
1 box frozen bread sticks $2
1 Salad Bag $3
1 2L bottle of soda $2
2.5% taxes $.33
Total Spend $13.33 (37% savings)
Shop sales and/or use coupons for additional savings:
3 cans soup $2.25
1 box frozen bread sticks $1
1 Bag Salad $3
1 2L bottle of soda $1
2.5% taxes $.18
Total Spend $7.43 (65% savings)
I've listed simple, heat-and-serve items in these comparisons because I realize folks often dine-out because they don't have time to cook. Save even more by stocking up on salad dressing when it's on sale, making your own salad and creating your own soups!
Conclusion: Should you ever dine out? If dining out fits within your family's budget and you are willing to pay the extra cost, feel free to dine out. Can you ever dine out for less than you can prepare a meal at home? It's doubtful. A restaurant is a business. Most owners calculate the cost of the meal to ensure a profit is being made, regardless of the discount offered. After all, someone has to pay the staff, rent the building and pay the light bill!
