Dining out in difficult times

Restaurants adding value to their meals

 With the economy in shambles and families trying to save a buck anywhere they can, local restaurants have turned to deals and promotions to lure customers.

For Miguel Sifnugel, owner of the Masona Grill in West Roxbury, offering more deals is a necessary step to stay competitive, especially when located outside the downtown area. A few months ago, the restaurant started serving $12 entrees between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

“In this economy, people do realize that if you want to go out more than once a week, you have to watch what you spend,” Sifnugel said.

According to many restaurants, while their weekend business is strong, its the business in the early week that has been struggling lately. That goes for Steve Silverstein, founder of Not Your Average Joe’s. The chain, which has 16 locations in Massachusetts, has in recent months begun offering discounted happy hour samplers and Wednesday entree-wine bottle combo promotions to entice customers.

“If you’re not doing something to compel one to come in, then you’re probably going to suffer,” Silverstein said. “I think everybody right now is working on a value message.”