Diners seeking to reduce the cost of eating out can benefit from strategically choosing their meal times. Restaurants frequently offer incentives for customers to fill tables during non-peak hours, such as early evenings or late nights. Apps designed to connect diners with these deals are becoming increasingly popular.
Services like First Table, which operates in multiple countries including the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, provide discounts of up to 50% on food for bookings made during the first or last available dining slots of participating restaurants. Users typically pay a small booking fee for these offers. Another app, EatClub, allows walk-in customers to receive discounts of up to 50% on their entire bill at participating venues, with the most significant savings available during off-peak periods.
According to Shokofeh Hejazi, director of foresight and innovation at The Food People, dining earlier can be appealing because these times are generally quieter and more relaxed. This also tends to result in lower alcohol consumption and allows individuals to return home sooner. Hejazi also noted that breakfast meetings can be more economical, often involving a single course and still providing ample time for social interaction with friends and family.