Gift cards are some people’s go to item for the holidays. They’re easy to find, there’s a good variety, and who doesn’t’t love a free meal? However, you may want to think twice before you buy a restaurant gift card this holiday season.
Read more: Don’t buy these gift cards this holiday season
Many restaurants are closing
People aren’t eating out as often. Instead, they’re saving money by shopping at the grocery store. This is particularly hard on restaurants, whose labor costs are high leading to many closings across the country. So, if you’re thinking of buying a gift card this season you might want to reconsider because by the time the person goes to use the card, the restaurant might be out of business!
If you’re still set on buying gift cards this year keep these things in mind.
Read more: 3 tips to get the most value out of gift cards
Stick to the chains
Chain restaurants are still closing but not as often as independent restaurants. So, if you want to take the risk of buying a restaurant gift card consider buying one for a more popular chain restaurant.
Check out the parking lot
If you’re worried about a restaurant closing in the near future, check out the parking lot on a Friday or Saturday night. That will give you a good indication of how the restaurant is doing before you decide to buy a gift card.
