Group-deal gambleGroup-deal gamble

By mark brandau


Daily deals and group buying dominate much of the debate in restaurant marketing circles these days. 


Many operators dismiss such offers, arguing that they serve only to attract a fickle, discount-seeking customer who winds up costing them money.


But others maintain that while such programs are by no means a necessity, there are ways that restaurateurs can benefit from the increasingly popular couponing trend offered by such firms as Groupon and LivingSocial and, in the near future, Facebook and Google. 


Proponents point out that with better targeting, tie-ins linked to loyalty programs and strategies for converting one-timers into regulars, restaurateurs can make such daily-deal programs work for their businesses.


Al Bha...