Economy has Raleigh restaurants changing their menus

Raleigh, N.C. — With the sluggish economy causing people to watch their spending, many restaurants are trying to make it affordable for people to still eat out.

The Mint, located on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, has new marketing strategies, including $9 lunch and bar menus, to attract more customers.

“You have to listen to the customer and this is the time when you reach out to the customer,” Robert Royster, part owner of The Mint, said.

The British-themed pub The Oxford, which took over the space left vacant when Yancy's restaurant closed, is relying on its unique appeal and affordable menu to make it through these dicey economic times.

“Our theme has been to offer food at a price range everybody can afford two or three times a week,” The Oxford’s manager Scott Steinsberger said.

Raleigh Downtown Alliance Director David Diaz said he’d like to see restaurants get aggressive in their marketing strategies to tap into new residents and workers moving into the downtown area.

Two downtown restaurants have closed recently.

Upscale restaurant Prime Only closed in late September. The owner blamed tough economic times for the closure.

Last week Riviera Restaurant on Wilmington Street abruptly closed its doors with no explanation.