Many restaurants offer seniors a meal discount.
Senior citizens receive many age-related perks, including discounted car insurance and reduced hotel rates. They also enjoy meal discounts by using organization membership cards and coupons, as well as receiving reduced prices directly from various restaurants. The meal discount may be offered as a certain percentage off the total bill or in the form of a specially priced senior menu.
Redemption and Type
To redeem a senior discount, most restaurants only require identification as proof of age. Some offer a discount card that seniors must show before paying their bills. Other restaurants don't offer a cash discount, but instead have a senior menu that includes discounts from 10 to 20 percent that may deducted from the entire bill or from each senior's meal. This all varies per restaurant, so it's best to ask about the senior discount policy ahead of time.
AARP
AARP, a non-profit membership-based organization for people age 50 or older, offers various restaurant discounts. To take advantage of them, you must become a member. An AARP membership, which costs $16 for one year as of April 2011, includes savings on car insurance, travel, healthcare, and some restaurants. For instance, Denny's offers AARP members a 20 percent discount from 4 to 10 p.m. daily.
NASC
The National Association of Senior Citizens is an organization that offers free memberships to seniors age 50 and over. The organization is based in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Many fast food and casual dining restaurants, including Old Country Buffet, Outback Steakhouse, Pizza Hut and Burger King, honor the NASC membership card. The NASC official website lists other participating restaurants.
Locations
Not all restaurants offer senior discounts. The best way to find out which ones do is to research some of the places you often frequent. Call your favorite restaurant and ask the hostess or manager if seniors receive a discount. Ask other seniors or friends for recommendations. This will not only help you find places that cater to seniors, but information about the quality of the restaurant's food and atmosphere. If you have Internet access, search for restaurants in your area with senior discounts.
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