Shopping and Dining Discounts for Seniors

As America’s senior population increases, restaurants and retail outlets are taking notice by offering deals and discounts; some catering exclusively to seniors on given days. While many chain shopping and dining facilities offer incentives to earn seniors’ business, sometimes it is up to the individual location to extend the courtesy discounts to its patrons, so be sure to ask whether or not a discount is offered at each location you intend to visit.

For seniors age fifty-five and over, fast food and casual dining eateries offer discounts of ten percent off, depending upon location and participation. Restaurants to inquire about the senior discounts include: Chili’s, Hardees, Wendy’s, Arby’s, TCBY, Shoney’s, IHOP, Western Sizzlin, and Long John Silver’s. Sporadically, a few Taco Bell, Burger King, and Chick-fil-a locations offer discounts, so be sure to ask before placing your order. At age sixty, the discounts increase as Golden Corral, Piccadilly, and Village Inn offer discounts ranging from sixty cents to ten percent off entrees. At Souper Salad, the Souper Salad Senior Card was created to allow patrons to receive ten percent off their order each time the card is presented. While not every restaurant will offer a discount, others recognize the need to accommodate seniors’ appetites. Perkins and Cracker Barrel allow seniors to order off of the kid’s menu. This not only caters to people who may desire smaller portions, but the prices are lower as well.

If after eating shopping interests you, no matter what day of the week it is, discounts are out there for the taking! On Mondays, seniors age fifty and over can take advantage of the Bealls Outlet Monday Club and save an additional fifteen percent off their purchase. Also on Mondays, T.J. Maxx offers people age fifty-five and over ten percent off. On Tuesdays, supermarket Harris Teeter gives a five percent discount to shoppers age sixty and over. On the first Tuesday of every month, Belk department stores have a fifty-five plus shopping day where purchases are fifteen percent off and include free gift-wrapping. Another first of the month special is offered by Bealls department stores. On the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, shoppers age fifty and over receive fifteen percent off their purchases. Factory Card Outlet offers another Wednesday deal where shoppers age fifty-five and older receive ten percent off at checkout. Other promotions are ongoing all week long and include offers by Sally Beauty Supply and Lens Crafters.

While these discounts seem enticing, I have saved the best for last. The best deal I have come across for dining is Krystal’s senior special. It is not on the menu and has to be asked for, but here’s what you get: 2 Krystal’s, your choice of a small fry or chili, and a small drink all for $1.99! Afterwards, if you feel like shopping, check out the Chelsea Premium Outlets. Some offer a 50+ shopping club to seniors, which entitles shoppers to save ten percent on their purchases every Tuesday. With great discounts like these and a little planning, seniors can save on their shopping and dining experiences, and have a little change left over in their pockets to bring home.