This article makes sense on its face. As he puts it--rising food costs have made participation in RW difficult/impossible. And yet, 204 restaurants ARE participating. Presumably they use many of the same goods and services, yes? Many of the restaurants who participate are quite upscale and offer amazing food during Restaurant Week (at least when I've gone--its been a few years). It'd be interesting to hear from a restaurant that IS participating and their explanation of why and how they do it as a companion piece to this one and if its worth their efforts. I guess articles like this make me think about how most Americans justify why we don't universal health care, expanded maternity leave, longer minimum vacation times. Yes, these countries often come with higher taxes, but clearly it isn't "impossible" as many exclaim it is on this side of the pond. To date, I believe we are the only first world country without paid maternity leave, for example, which is kind of embarassing/dismal in my opinion, considering we are the greatest economy in the world and supposed to be the "best", but that's me. Now for many it philosophically these services for our citizenry is against their principles, which is fine. To each his own. But to call it "impossible", when it clearly isn't impossible in countries with smaller economies is just dishonest. I don't believe it is "impossible" (as the daughter of a family of mid-level restaurant owners) for this restaurant participate in RW. I simply see the articles for what it is--an unwillingness to participate and simply that the participants in the program are more creative/better businessmen. And a list of excuses, considering his competition is making it work under all the same conditions.

Interesting and well presented. Dining out first. My group of friends do take advantage of Restaurant Week by going to our already favorite restaurants during that week. Our thinking is to spend our money there because we so enjoy eating there at other times of the year. This includes a few upscale and several more medium upscale restaurants. I guess our going, when the regular prices prevail, is our reward for both the restaurant's total excellent dining experience and their reward to us by participating in Restaurant Week. We try a new restaurant during regular pricing times as there are obviously more choices on the menu. The healthcare topic is another more complicated issue. I'm sympathetic to your ( and other businesses' ) plight with Healcare insurance. ObamaCare is vilified by a large segment of the business community, many who are Republican, and who several years ago praised the same plan, basically, when introduced as RomneyCare. Google Gingrich or Santorum among many others. Isseybelle is right in her general observations about how other modern nations provide all of their citizens healthcare. Ignoring a sensible approach will bankrupt us both health wise and finance wise. I've got to go online now and see who's participating this year in Restaurant Week.

agree with you 100%!! Why should you participate if the expectation is that you would offer "deals" that you can't afford! you should be lauded for your commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce.. foodyjudyrd.com