I love the promos that have a short time window. As if they know something no one else knows. Like we are just giving you a 2-week boost because we know things will be better in 3! Ha! Doesn’t work like that.

Yes, there is a little optimism in the air. You can see it with the increased crowds at neighborhood places. You can follow it with people taking an extra day for a long weekend. It is summer after all, and everyone seems to be enjoying the extra hours of daylight by being outside and doing more.

So in the promo world, let me entice you one more time. After all, Two-Buck Chuck may be more popular than expense account meals!

The half-off bottle wine promo for The Palm has been extended until the end of August. No surprise.

Denny’s had an amazingly successful breakfast promo this spring. Now for the month of June, it’s an all-day everyday value slam. Whaddya think–maybe longer?

Happy Hours have returned to their roots–not just lower priced drinks but many with respectable food choices. In Washington DC one of the better buys for an after-work respite is at Vidalia’s. Definitely worth the stop.

Consumer Reports just rated over 100 chain restaurants and listed the good deals and what to look for. There’s even some room for negotiation. Some of the restaurants rated highest for exceptional value include: Black-eyed Pea, Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ, Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Cheddar’s Casual Cafe, and First Watch. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Friendly’s did not have such positive feedback!

Don’t forget the usual suspects that give out coupons; they’re still actively working for your restaurant dollars.

Opportunities exist. Take some time.

Help yourself and the economy through the bright lights of summer.