Economy Causing Consumers to Search for Restaurant Offers Rewardsnetwork.com Survey...

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

CHICAGO, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A survey* conducted this month by
Rewardsnetwork.com, an online dining rewards program, found that 36% of those
surveyed are dining out less than they were three months ago. The survey also
found that while over a third of consumers may be dining out less, respondents
still see it as an essential activity. Only one percent of all diners
surveyed stated that they have cut out restaurant visits altogether, and 63%
of the respondents stated that they were dining out the same amount or more
compared to three months ago.

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, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Phoenix,
Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, Detroit, Houston
and Atlanta.

"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 in Chicago, 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 throughout the United States and
Canada.
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

Bruce W. Mainzer, Rewards Network, +1-212-521-2833, Gabriella McNamara,
Redpoint Marketing PR, Inc., +1-212-229-0119, mcnamara@redpointpr.com