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If You're Going, Strategize


My community has been slowly reopening after the COVID-19 shutdown since May 1. I drove by Lowe’s last Saturday and the parking lot was PACKED. I should not have been surprised.

Maybe your neighborhood is also coming out of the quarantine closures, too, and you are DYING to eat at your favorite local restaurant. Well, I support you in supporting your local businesses, just don’t go overboard and justify it by saying, “Well, we haven’t been out in WEEKS, so let’s splurge.” That sets a precedent and it’s a bad idea. It’s kind of like going to the grocery store without a list; you might get out of there having spent too much money but still there is nothing for dinner–admit it, you’ve done that too. I suggest implementing some of these ideas:

  • Share a meal. We Americans get HUGE portions and let’s face it, taking home leftovers that usually go in the garbage is just a waste.
  • Get an appetizer as your main dish.
  • Drink water instead of a carbonated beverage. The markup on soda in restaurants is nuts.
  • Go to dinner early. Check what time the lunch menu ends at your favorite diner and plan to be there in time to order off that menu which, much of the time, is very similar to the dinner menu.
  • Check for coupons, coupon books or money-saving cards.
  • Go on locals night. One of my favorite local Mexican restaurants offers a great deal on Thursday nights.
  • Watch for “kids eat free” events.

Remember one thing; tip your food server appropriately. If you got a coupon for half off, tip your waiter on the original amount. Trust me, the good karma will come back to you.

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