Dine out for less

Great food at local venues doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Thanks to a smart Aussie app called EatClub, Geelong locals can now score up to 50% off food and drink at popular venues like Parkers Steakhouse, Boss Burger Co., Malt Shovel Taphouse, SongBird Thai BBQ, Pizza Bar Geelong, Bo Thai and many more, just by redeeming a deal in the app before eating out.

How it works
To do so, you only have to download the free EatClub app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. From there, you’ll instantly see real-time offers from nearby restaurants. If you like the look of a deal, simply redeem it, add your EatClub card to your digital wallet, and tap to pay to apply your discount automatically.

“One of the pain points we noticed in the market was the awkwardness of checking out with a coupon code,” says founder Pan Koutlakis. “With EatClub Pay, all you need to do is tap your phone, and the discount is automatically deducted from your linked bank card. No awkward conversations. This means no fussing around at the counter – you don’t even have to let the venue know that you have a deal.”

With a huge variety of great local venues, it’s the perfect way to get a deal on dining out, great for occasions with your friends and family, or even an average weekday dinner, while supporting local business owners.

Why restaurants love it too

For local restaurant owners, the biggest challenge is consistency. While most venues are packed on weekends, weekdays can be quieter; but these days of the week are still important to move stock, pay wages and cover overheads.

The app was launched in 2016 by founder Pan Koutlakis in partnership with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White (who mentored Gordon Ramsey and was the youngest chef in history to earn three Michelin stars), and has been expanding ever since into new markets, including the UK and now, Geelong.

“It’s all about contribution to costs,” says White. “Yes, you don’t do it on a Friday, Saturday night, Sunday lunch, because [restaurants] can fill up then. But Monday night’s a tough night… And especially in these testing times, everybody wants a deal.”

Exclusive Geelong Times reader bonus

For readers of the Geelong Times, EatClub is also offering an additional $15 off your first Geelong dine-out order, on top of any deal already active at the venue with the code GT15. As Koutlakis says, “It’s just a great way to eat out while supporting your local business owners, everyone wins.”

Download EatClub here

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