McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants is luring tax-weary Americans to its 80-plus restaurants nationwide by offering dinner specials and tax-themed cocktails.
On 15 April, the Portland, Ore.-based seafood chain is offering its customers select dinner menu items for USD 10.40 (EUR 7.91) and a "Tax Relief Dining Certificate" good for USD 10.40 off their next dinner.
McCormick & Schmick's is also promoting its happy hour bar food, with menu items priced at USD 1.95 (EUR 1.48).
"We recognize tax time is stressful and that all American taxpayers need a break - this year more than ever before," said McCormick & Schmick's co-founder Doug Schmick. "We are very proud of our bars that have provided our guests with the best food, drinks and value for 30 years."
Like many chains, McCormick & Schmick's is struggling to maintain restaurant traffic during the economic downturn. Last month, the company reported a same-restaurant sales drop of 13.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 7.5 percent in 2008. It posted a fourth-quarter net loss of USD 73.4 million (EUR 58 million), compared to a loss of USD 1 million (EUR 791,400) during the same period in 2007.
McCormick & Schmick's has scaled back its expansion plans this year, limiting new restaurants to the two already open in St. Louis and Roseville, Calif.
April 9, 2009
