Restaurant Weeks make their return

It’s that time again, when restaurants nationwide band together to fight the January slowdown with Restaurant Weeks. Eateries offer fixed-price menus to bring in guests who might not dine out again until spring if it weren’t for a chance to try restaurants that otherwise wouldn’t fit in their post-holiday budget.

Like the newer phenomenon of daily deals from Groupon, LivingSocial and others, Restaurant Weeks were created to introduce would-be patrons to local restaurants. While many likely won’t return until there’s another offer, some are destined to find dining experiences they want to repeat later, even if it means paying full price.

Events might prove even more important this year, as restaurants compete with bargain-price meals at quickservice and casual eateries and as they work to boost sales in an economy that’s still struggling with high unemployment and rising food prices.

In some markets, that means restaurants are adding features as well as celebrating milestones this year.