RSSCan't dine on time? Don't fret
Yakima Herald-Republic
E-mail
Print
Comments
More 'Your Money'
- Shop Talk: The challenges of covering the 'Yakeema' retail scene
- Paying for day care isn't child's play
- Will, do: Talk to an estate planner to map out future plans
- Shop Talk: A commercial season in more ways than one
- 12/07/09 In Basket
- Shop Talk: Comings and goings at Valley eateries
- Healthy pets, healthy wallet
YAKIMA, Wash. -- Work late? Have kids? Got to get to the gym?
Not everyone can make it to happy hour.
If you just can't work those afternoon or late-night specials into your schedule, don't worry. You can still be happy.
"We're happy all the time, not just 3:30 to 5:30," quipped Ryan Moore, front house manager at Gasperetti's restaurant and bar in Yakima.
Like Gasperetti's, many establishments are getting creative in order to keep -- or draw in new -- customers, offering other specials and incentives.
So keep an eye out for ladies' nights and lunch, dinner, daily, drink, kids' and senior specials as well as other promotions, like Internet deals, coupons, reward programs and prix fixe menu options.
"Happy hour's usually way over by the time I get off work," Dave Dunham, 37, a supervisor at a local hop processing plant, said during a recent dinner with a client at Tony's Steakhouse in Yakima. The company usually foots the bill for business dinners.
When they're on their own, Dunham and a co-worker, Devang Mehta, also 37, said they both often opt for affordable, family-friendly eateries because they're usually dining out with their wives and kids.
They said they frequent the Olive Garden, Applebee's and Red Robin.
"In general, you're going to be watching for specials," said Dunham, adding, "We try to steer away from the fast food."
He also said he has a rewards card from Yakima's Zesta Cucina restaurant, which has happy hour from 4 to 6 Monday through Friday. He usually can't make it.
But when he does get to dine at Zesta Cucina, he -- like other card-holders -- receives one point for every dollar he spends at the restaurant, up to 500 points in a day. For every 250 points earned, the restaurant offers a $25 dollar credit. Points don't expire, and signing up is free.
Mehta, who has three children ages 8 and younger, recommends pizza.
"That's a very affordable way to have a family dinner," he said, adding his family likes Round Table Pizza.
And, he said, "We look for specials in the newspaper sometimes."
Posting Guidelines - Updated Aug. 21 2009
Readers are encouraged to use these forums to discuss issues affecting the
Yakima Valley. Debate the ideas presented in stories and other comments, but
refrain from personal attacks and offensive remarks aimed at others; e.g.,
you may call an idea idiotic, but don't say the person is an idiot. The
Herald-Republic reserves the right to remove any comment for any reason.
Examples include material that is obscene, encourages illegal activity or
stereotypes based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and
other factors. Continued violation of these guidelines can lead to
suspension or revocation of your ability to post comments. If you believe a
comment is inappropriate, you can bring it to our attention by clicking the
"report violation" link by each comment. Guidelines revised Aug. 21, 2009.
Registered User?
