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Boozy business lunches are being scaled back as the recession forces executives to tighten their belts.
Some Auckland restaurants reported a fall in customers while others said cheaper set menus were proving a hit.
Prime bistro owner Mark Thomas said regular customers were still dining, but were being more cautious about what they spent.
"People are looking more for value, and less alcohol. Definitely, everyone is being careful with discretionary income and business lunch spending for most people is in that category."
Bart Littlejohn, owner of Sails Restaurant at Westhaven Marina and president of the Auckland branch of the Restaurant Association, said the lunch trade was down on last year - although the dinner market remained strong. "People might be having to spend a bit more time in the office, rather than taking an afternoon off to entertain clients."
At Ponsonby's trendy SPQR, maitre d' Mark Butcher said a $27 working lunch deal on offer for the past month had been a success. "That's really balanced things out and increased business for us. We'll have it on for a while longer yet."
White, at Auckland's Hilton hotel, offers a "White Lightning" lunch, with two courses for $39 or three for $45. Food and beverage services manager Alexander Tschampel said the deal, which was being heavily promoted, had helped keep custom at the same level as 12 months ago.
"If I'm doing the same as last year then I think I can be satisfied, in terms of what other restaurants are doing."
Steven Overend, manager of Wellington's Shed 5, said customers were being more cautious but business had to go on. "They still have to entertain and do business lunches.
"They may just come a little less often or they may chose to do things differently when they order.
"They're not long boozy lunches the way people think. There hasn't been any of that for the past 10 years."
Conrad Banks, general manager of the capital's Dockside restaurant, said it was business as usual.
"We have a different sort of clientele who usually have a few folds in the wallet, so it seems to be fine. No complaints."
