iDine/Rewards Network - RN/idine and the recession: more leaving or more joining?

Several of my favorite places left the program at the end of May (SIP, Salata). But some other very good places which have been around for a long time are either back in the program (the Harlem Vintage winery) or have now joined up (Neo Sushi).

Is the recession making more places leave (don't want to 20% cut taken by RN from diners' spending) or join up (need the money that RN is offering to loan them, think the miles will attract people, and hence don't worry about the cut that RN takes)?

What's going on regarding your favorite places to eat?

About the same number here at a given time, but a bit more hokey-pokey dance, revolving-door action among participants it seems to me.

I find it frustrating that recently a couple of pricier joints have come onboard, just as RN seems to have abandoned aggregate spending promos.

In the Sacramento, CA area we have some new ones and some restos that were members a few years ago on the list.

In Baltimore I have seen a few higher end restaurants join the program recently. In addition, some of the high end ones that offered only rewards during the week have added the weekend recently. Overall still not a big group of restaurants to chose from here.

MSP appears to be slowly adding some mid range established restuarants.

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Well here's some good news... My latest favorite new place (good recessionary prices too at 3.50 for a slice).


Grandaisy Bakery: 72nd st/Bdwy NYC. Next to the unappealing looking Gray's Papaya. Best Roman pizza I've had outside Rome: try the potato or cauliflower.

South Lake Tahoe, Placerville and El Dorado Hills CA all had several places for iDine - S Lake has two left, El Dorado Hills several, and Placerville - none! (Road trips for clients can be very informative...)

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Recessionary recommendation: Double dip with off peak 1k opentable bonus and RN too during their MTW bonus days and now with the up to 5k RN AA bonus. Mmm.