Economy Causing Consumers to Search for Restaurant Offers Rewardsnetwork.com Survey Reveals Changes in Dining Habits

The economy was cited as the main reason by those reporting a drop in dining activity. Thirty-four percent of these respondents stated that they have less disposable income, while 27% mentioned the increased cost of dining out. Looking at all respondents, regardless of their dining activity, 80% reported that they are cutting back on other non-essential items. The items most likely to be eliminated included large purchases like a TV, computer or car, or personal care like massages, or botox treatments.

Dining habits are indeed changing: a third of the respondents report that they are choosing less expensive restaurants. An approximately equal number of consumers (36%) are using coupons to get discounts or taking advantage of special offers from restaurants (35%). Other consumers (20%) report that they are passing on extras with their meals like desserts or alcohol.

Diners are being resourceful in finding ways to reduce costs and increase the value of their dining experience. Seventy-five percent of respondents said that given the current economic conditions, earning dining rewards savings at restaurants is important to them.

Rewardsnetwork.com provides a direct response to these consumers. Rewardsnetwork.com is a hassle-free program that provides savings automatically when members use their own credit or debit card at participating restaurants. The program is free to join -- consumers log onto www.rewardsnetwork.com to register one or more of their existing cards. Members save 15-20% the first time they dine at a participating restaurant, bar or club within 30 days after joining the program. Savings are based on the entire bill. Members receive verification of the credit from Rewardsnetwork.com via email, and see the credit on their credit/debit card statement after their dine. The more members use their registered cards at participating restaurants, the greater their rewards.

Rewardsnetwork.com offers Cashback RewardsSM savings at all types of restaurants, from fine dining to family casual restaurants, and even quick serve locations**. Rewards are available at restaurants, bars and clubs coast to coast, includingNew York,Chicago,Los Angeles,Boston,Phoenix,Washington, D.C.,San Francisco,Miami,Philadelphia,Dallas,Detroit,Houston andAtlanta.

"We are glad that consumers see the value of Rewardsnetwork.com," said Bruce W. Mainzer, Chief Marketing Officer. "The program allows members to continue the enjoyment of dining out during these challenging economic times."

Rewardsnetwork.com members can log onto www.rewardsnetwork.com to find a place to dine and earn cash back. The web site offers complete information about participating restaurants, including photos, menus, directions, and Zagat ratings and reviews, as well as Rewardsnetwork.com member reviews.

For additional information about Rewardsnetwork.com, visit www.rewardsnetwork.com or call 1-877-3463.

Rewards Network (Nasdaq: DINE), headquartered inChicago, Illinois, provides frequent dining programs and marketing services to the restaurant industry. Rewards Network offers members Cashback RewardsSM savings to dine at participating restaurants. Thousands of restaurants and other merchants participate in Rewards Network programs throughoutthe United States andCanada.

https://www.rewardsnetwork.com/join.htm?id=RN17

*The survey sampled 867 Rewards Network members.

**After the first dine in the program, Cashback RewardsSM savings provided for all dines range from 5% to 15% of the entire bill. For full details, visit www.rewardsnetwork.com.

SOURCE Rewards Network

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