Restaurants target givers with gift card extras

With gift giving season quickly approaching, restaurant chains across the country are serving up their gift cards with promotions that benefit those who give.

Though gift cards are becoming an increasingly popular option, consumers are still watching their wallets, according to First Data, a global payment-processing firm. In October, First Data found that consumers purchased more gift cards than they did last year, but they loaded smaller amounts onto those cards.

Restaurant companies are competing more aggressively for gift card buyers, with an increasing number selling e-cards online and most offering kick-back rewards to entice shoppers, with deals ranging from cash toward a future visit to sweepstake prizes like trips.