Falling food costs and a prolonged recession may tempt restaurant chains into a wave of discounts next year, leaving potential profits on the table.
With prices for many food items and fuel hitting record highs this summer, restaurants were forced to raise the prices of their dishes beyond historical norms, producing a bitter proposition for customers watching the values of their homes and investment portfolios shrink.
Now, with food inflation expected to ease next year and the price of oil already in freefall, analysts will be watching whether restaurants can hold onto …

“Meijer Bonus” Program Provides 5% Savings Award For Every $100 Spent On General Merchandise
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec 01, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — With the economy a major concern among consumers, Meijer is rewarding holiday shoppers with a bonus of up to 20% off their grocery purchases when they buy general merchandise items within Meijer stores. This innovative new program launched Sunday, November 30 at all 185 Meijer stores throughout the Midwest.