Many American restaurants are feeling the effect of the economic downturn. However, instead of giving up during these tough times, restaurants should take advantage of arising opportunities and start to attract new customers with creative and innovative marketing. Recent marketing campaigns have proved to be very successful, for example, some restaurants are offering cooking lessons, offering catering services to local schools and nursing homes, organizing holiday parties, offering free meals to the unemployed, or bringing guests on gourmet tasting trips. Once restaurant owners start to brainstorm, the possibilities are truly endless.