According to a report from Nation’s Restaurant News, “Deals, all kinds of deals, from price discounts, free items, dollar offerings or smaller portions at lower prices, are what today’s — and tomorrow’s — consumers are craving.”

“An online consumer study by The NPD Group conducted in June shows that affordability of dining out is top of mind among consumers, especially as they struggle with increased unemployment. As the economy slowly improves, restaurants still will be expected to provide the traffic-driving deals many are promoting today, NPD data indicated.”