We can easily complain about the lack of competition, but now it seems we are inundated with interesting opportunities. The grocery aisles are alive with pricing possibilities. It seems no day passes without another announcement of daily specials, multiple online coupons, and new takeaway menu choices. The takeout category is literally exploding with selections that rival at-home preparation and restaurant options.

The consumer is finally in the driver’s seat, but that’s only because there are still too few people struggling to find economic solace. The latest dining out news from one of the country’s major food industry consulting groups says the restaurant recovery will not come until late 2011 or early 2012. That’s pretty bleak info.

Grocers have figured out how to tap into the carry-in market with $6 meals of an entree and two sides–that at least appears to be the midpoint pricing war among various grocers. It’s hard to dine out at that price, and grocery stores are hopping all over the burgeoning prepared meal category.

For the consumer, the shopper, the diner: This has real possibilities.

I think everyone would be happier with the world of not that many years ago; the one with fewer specials but more job and wage opportunities.

In the meantime, the philosophy is single-focused: Keep the offers coming from all sectors of the food industry.