'Tisn't the Season

Bars, restaurants take divergent paths through dismal fall

Comments (0) By Dave Faries Thursday, Jan 10 2002

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Restaurants and bars are cognizant of this year's turbulence and its effect on consumers. "People are looking to stretch their dollar more--looking for specials, bargain-hunting a bit," DeMarco states. "We're offering $2 Tuesdays (anything is $2), free games, free pool, free jukebox and $1 drafts on Wednesdays, buy one get one free food deals, stuff like that." Other establishments also examined cost-cutting as a way to invigorate business after September 11. "Early in October we did a full cost analysis," says Slaughter at the Firehouse. "We cut brunch menu prices and redid the wine menu, cutting prices by $5 to $12. We have an $18 bottle of wine. I've never had an $18 bottle on the menu before."

"I can't affect the economy," Kelly adds. "The only thing I can affect is the quality of food and service. We try to give guests a little bit more at this time."

Mark Andresen

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Cool River Cafe

1045 Hidden Ridge Road
Irving, TX 75038

Category: Restaurant > Southwestern

Region: Irving & Las Colinas

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Local restaurateurs prefer not to wallow in the recent past. The new year, and the promise of a recovery, looms ahead as long as they can tread water. "People are still dining out," Bondy points out. "But fine dining is taking a hit. Monica's is better than ever because of the drinking crowd. [At Ciudad] we've been hanging in there."

At least publicly, then, most people in the industry express cautious optimism. Some like Steve Kelly, however, prefer full-blown optimism.

"We'll all bounce back."