One Gift Certificate Good At More Than 100 Restaurants

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Restaurant Association announced the “One For One Hundred” Gift Certificate Program on November 23, which allows consumers to purchase a gift certificate valid at more than 100 restaurants statewide. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal joined the Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) in making this announcement, calling it a consumer-friendly program that offers important guarantees to the public this holiday season.

According to Nicole Griffin, executive director of the CRA, “We consider this the perfect gift for the holidays. Connecticut has numerous wonderful restaurants, so when a friend or family member receives one of these gift certificates, that person is receiving the opportunity to dine at one of many unique eateries across the state.”

Mr Blumenthal said, “This unprecedented program makes restaurant gift cards more protective — and palatable — in uncertain economic times this holiday season. Consumer protection is paramount in creating this network, and ensuring gift cards retain value at restaurants, even if some fail.”

The AG said a rash of restaurant and retail closings last season turned expensive gift cards into worthless plastic.

“Consumers rightly need reassurance that gift cards are reliable as cash,” Mr Blumenthal continued. “This program proves that entrepreneurial creativity and collaboration can protect profits, as well as consumers. This gift certificate program should be a model beyond the holidays — for all retailers.”

Each participating restaurant will also post a “Connecticut Restaurant Association Gift Certificate Participating Member” sticker in its restaurant doorway. Those purchasing a gift certificate will receive a brochure listing participating restaurants.

More than 100 restaurants, all members of CRA, are participating in this gift certificate program. Gift certificates are available in the amount of $25, $50, or $100.

For a list of participating restaurants and to purchase gift certificates, visit CTRestaurant.org. Gift certificates can also be purchased at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford.