We’ve talked alot about Summer Restaurant Weeks and their popularity. Many restaurants are extending them to multiple weeks or to a month-long promotions. That’s good news. People want to eat out, but money’s still a major issue, and restaurants are still struggling–this is a meet you halfway approach. It seems to be working.

Here are a few additional novel approaches. Thursday, August 13th is the 2nd Annual “Unite for a Bite”, a national program from Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) to support their membership. When you dine at one of the WCR restaurants–check the list from the above link–you’ll help support future leaders in the field. Participating restaurants will donate 5% of their food and beverage sales that evening for scholarship and educational programs to help women in the culinary field. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, tell them to get on the program–there’s still time.

Not too early to plan ahead into the fall; at least that’s what the Missouri Restaurant Association believes. Their special promotion, Dine Out Missouri, rewards you for dining out. Not a bad deal. The September statewide promotion gives you money back for collecting your receipts. There are various takes on this concept such as a November one in Seattle that has 30 participating restaurants with $30 menus; some do $15 lunches. Check with your local or statewide restaurant association to see what their plans are to help keep the costs down.

Lest we forget, the “Julie & Julia” movie has encouraged a number of special events and promotions. It seems that restaurants are celebrating the movie, the anniversary of her birthday, and just about any Julia Child connection they can make. All of a sudden, everyone wants to be a French chef!

Bonne chance!