I get it! Instead of putting the hate on owners of import-branded cars (as opposed to say imported Fords), supporters of the Big 2.8 could offer special membership benefits to those consumers who chose to support Chrysler, Ford and GM by buying their products (as opposed to say paying their taxes). We’ll have to see how this plays out in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where the owner of The Tribute restaurant is holding the antithesis of hot import nights. You can read the full offer to American-branded car owners (the cars, not the owners) after the jump. Meanwhile, rest assured this is no redneck truck stop. “Each night, executive Chef Rich Travis oversees the creation of eye-opening flavor combinations, pushing the boundaries of innovative cuisine to enthrall diners. His exquisitely detailed food, distinguished by diversity, inventiveness and spectacular presentation, are perfectly complimented by Tribute’s award-winning wine list.” Personally, I recommend the Grilled Honey Chamomile Glazed Duck Breast Duck Confit and Morel Wonton, Parsnip, Carrot, Wild Rice, Chamomile-Citron Gastrique. But then I’ve never eaten there. And I drive a Honda minivan, which, although it’s ranked number seven on cars.com’s American-made index, doesn’t qualify me for a 50 percent discount. Although… “In addition, during the week of Jan. 25-31, Tribute will recognize all American car-markers and offer a 50 percent discount on food purchases to anyone who drives an American made vehicle, including American automotive suppliers and dealers.”
“In January, the Tribute Restaurant will honor each of the Big 3 automotive companies; General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, in a very special way.
Through the week of Jan. 4-10, anyone who drives a Ford vehicle or is employed by Ford will receive 50 percent off their food check.
To honor Chrysler, anyone who drives a Chrysler vehicle or is a Chrysler employee will receive 50 percent off the food portion of their check during the week of Jan. 11-17.
The following week, Jan. 18-24, homage will be paid to anyone driving a General Motors vehicle or to those employed by General Motors by receiving 50 percent off their food check.
In addition, during the week of Jan. 25-31, Tribute will recognize all American car-markers and offer a 50 percent discount on food purchases to anyone who drives an American made vehicle, including American automotive suppliers and dealers.
This promotion is valid on the food portion of your bill during dinner and Sunday brunches only.
Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sunday brunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tribute is located at 31425 12 Mile Road, west of Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills.
The restaurant can be reached at 248-848-9393.
Reservations are recommended.”
The old 2-for-1 coupon with a political twist.
Two thoughts:
1) At least this dude isn’t asking ME to pay for the discount (unlike Bush/Paulson/Congress/Obama) and
2) I guess you could rent a “domestic” vehicle and pile a bunch of friends in for a night out and save some serious cash
A local Ford dealer is offering a hundred shares of Ford stock for purchasing from current inventory.
I laughed at the television.
I would think that the owner of this Food place never thought what percentage of Parts under the Hood of said Cars are US made eh? It may surprise him to check it out before allowing the supposed discount! Then again I would imagine some of his Food he process’s for his diners is not from the USA too!
Well, there you go! Since it really is a global business, why not cheer on the home team? :-)
Robert, I suspect the minivan situation is caused by the necessity to take kids around. It’s okay…
However, let’s not forget that the Odyssey is unique to North America, and makes the cars.com list because components used in its assembly are not available elsewhere within Honda’s keiretsu.
Note that the Civic and Accord do NOT make the list, despite being assembled in the US of A.
Two Questions:
1. Ask the good folks at Honda in Marysville if they truly feel they are working for an American company. Here’s a hint: Every major decision at Honda is made by a Japanese national, either in Japan, or in Ohio. A production site does not determine a company’s nationality.
2. Ask the good folks at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee if they feel the Honda Gold Wing is an American motorcycle. Step back to a safe distance before asking, though — we don’t want anyone getting hurt…
So what if I drive a Volvo or Mazda (do we get partial discounts?). I’m glad the Daewoo Aveo gets a full “Merican!” discount over a Ohio built Accord. Maybe Ohio should get a restaurant to offer discounts for truly American made vehicles based on actual content rather than the parent company name.
Tribute is a great restaurant. I’ve never had a bad experience there, but I’ve never received any kind of discount, either.
Must be a sign of the times.
I think it’s time to go back. After all, they’re now specifically supporting my industry, colleagues, neighbors, friends, relatives, etc. Guess I’ll support them back…
Hey! What a swell idea. Check it out, folks! I’ve discovered a new paradigm. Support those who support me!
Who woulda thunk it?
Asked another way:
Does Honda Motor Company of Japan think that the Odyssey is anything other than a vehicle engineered, sourced, and manufactured by Japan, Inc.?
No.
It is made in America because there is no other market for it, so it is made in the lowest-cost place for it: North America.
It is NOT made by an American company.
@jaje: yes, 2 solid whole weeks of fine Aveo dining. Who woulda thunk…
Let me take a different approach and play devil’s advocate. Just for the sake of argument let’s say I worked in the restaurant biz.
Let’s say I owned a high end eatery in suburban Detroit.
And let’s assume that – because of my location – most of my customers work in Detroit-area automotive.
Let’s assume that pesonally I’m not that interested in politics or the auto industry; I’m too busy spending 100 hour weeks just trying to make a go of my little slice of the American Dream.
Now the restaurant biz is a tough business – at least from what I gather from watching everyone’s favorite lunatic Chef Ramsey – and it’s very competitive. There are lots of options for eating out in suburban Motorwn.
As the owner of this joint I realize my local economy is very bad and getting worse. I don’t care if it’s Rick Wagoner’s fault or Sen. Shelby’s fault. I don’t care who’s fault it is… I just know it’s bad.
My biz is suffering – empty tables on nights when there weren’t any before; and smaller checks per table.
People are cutting back; my middle management auto exec regulars are staying home more…gotta’ cut back on the $100+ nights out if you’re not sure you’re going to have a job in February.
And those big family parties for the hourly guys.. the white socks balls … special occasions, anniversaries, bowling league banquets, etc. They’ve cut way back too …. after all the Jobs Bank is going away. Future. Uncertain.
So what do I do? The line between making it and becoming another statisitic is razer thin in my business. I have to somehow set myself apart from all my competitors.
I know – I’ll offer special discounts tied into the car biz. After all most all my customers either work for the D3, or are suppliers to them, or have relatives who work for them and have OE-discounted cars in the driveway.
So there’s minimal downside and a potential big upside of publicity.
I’ll send out some press releases and get some buzz. The rest they say – cross my fingers – will be history.
#####
This idea may or may not work out for this restaurant but I say kudos to the owner for taking the hand life has dealt him and trying to make the most of it.
Lets see if I take I 75 to Florida via Detroit.I will drive my Canadian built Impala so I hope I qualify.5hrs driving and a big meal I’m gonn’a need a room. Hmmm 1 wonder if any 4 star hotels are offering the same deal?
From the article: “… anyone driving a General Motors…”
So, if it’s in the shop and you take a cab or drive the Toyota, instead, you don’t get the discount?
We ate at Tribute for the first time recently. Fairly expensive, but very good food. Might have to drive my wife’s car and take them up on this offer.
Detroit is on very shaky ground right now being closer to a recession than anywhere else in America. I’m sure this was meant to attract business customers who perhaps don’t usually come to this restaurant because of the high prices. What better way to appeal to the “Motor City” than to offer this deal. Quite frankly they are perhaps eliminating some of their best customers who happen to drive products they want instead of what’s made locally.
Ridiculous, but you know what they say about any kind of publicity.
Maybe you should boycott the restaurant?
Obviously this place knows its business. In suburban Detroit, I’m sure that they get enough traffic from the still-very-big-locally 3 to make the offer pay off.
Drawing in new customers who want to take advantage of the offer is great, I’m sure. But I bet the real boost they’re hoping for is good will. They’re showing themselves as a strong home-team supporter when times are rough (Detroit is pretty loyal to its home teams, and I think that’s how GM, Ford, and Chrysler are considered.)
True or not in America at large, it’s hard to argue that a strong big 3 floats a lot of boats in Detroit. This place knows which side the butter is on locally. As do many in the area, so you probably wouldn’t find too many people here who took issue with this kind of promotion, no matter what they drove.
Breaking News! ! !
I just found out that the titty bar down the street from the Rouge Plant offers half-price lapdances on Wednesdays if you show a Ford ID badge.
Just in case you’re looking for that next compelling headline!
“2. Ask the good folks at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee if they feel the Honda Gold Wing is an American motorcycle. Step back to a safe distance before asking, though — we don’t want anyone getting hurt…”
If I have to step back a safe distance, why would I call them ‘good’ folks?
If I arrive in a Crown Vic taxi, do I get the discount?
Or maybe I should show up with a big appetite and a rental car. They can valet park my Korean-made Aveo up front, where everyone can see it.
@Pch101
Hahaha.
carlisimo :
January 5th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
“2. Ask the good folks at Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee if they feel the Honda Gold Wing is an American motorcycle. Step back to a safe distance before asking, though — we don’t want anyone getting hurt…”
If I have to step back a safe distance, why would I call them ‘good’ folks?
Chuckle.
As the proud employees and supporters of H-D say, what other brand is tattooed by the thousands onto the human body every year? (Toyota? Don’t think so…) These folks tend to be somewhat, uh, PASSIONATE, I think, is the word. And they’re opinionated, too! So, go ahead and ask… Just remember, you asked the question, so you must have wanted the answer.
As they said on “Hill Street Blues,” “Let’s be careful out there!” [GRIN]
@TheRealAutoGuy: A production site does not determine a company’s nationality.
Thank you. I’ve been waiting for a long time for someone to finally recognize this little fact. Honda and Toyota are certifiably Japanese, yet and still we decide to take leave of our senses and call them “just as ‘mericun” solely because they’ve had the good grace of building a few plants in our country.
Not that I support the Big 3 or the odious UAW/CAW, but we really need to put our sippy cups full of stupid juice down and start putting things in their proper perspective.
This is kind of funny, as the Big 2.8 are also selling their products at a loss. Sounds like the restaurant owner is just following their lead. Great way to stay in business! LOL
Let’s hope that the quality of their food is not on par with that of a GM, Ford or Chrysler.
Do you have to drive your domestic car to the restaurant, or just present proof of ownership? Because the former would discriminate against the domestic loyalists whose cars are currently broken down.
I wonder if I’d get the Chrysler discount for showing up in an Eagle Talon with a primered body kit and a fart can?