Log on to any of the dine-in apps and one gets to see deals galore. And if one has subscribed to one of the reward programmes from these providers, then the deals only get sweeter. Though the focus on deals and offers may have helped get the apps ahead in the game, it has also put the many restaurants they tie up with in a liable position. There is excessive scrutiny on restaurants — with patrons looking at getting the best deal, freebies or buy-one-get-one-free treats. All these options add to the overhead costs of the restaurants. However, diners do not think twice about giving out negative ratings to the restaurant if their ‘deal’ does not meet their standard.
This is the reason the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has called for an indefinite protest called #Logout, against all the dine-in apps in the biggest markets —Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai.

Rahul Singh, president, NRAI, says, “Unlike retail, where end of season sale is to clear leftovers, a restaurant doesn’t serve leftovers at a discounted price. Discounts and freebies create a negative consumer perception. Whenever a service is undervalued through price distortion, it questions the authenticity of the service. Therefore, restaurateurs have decided to come together and run the #Logout campaign in an attempt to detox our consumers from their addiction to discounts. They will probably experience some withdrawal symptoms, but that is short term. This change will indirectly ensure a healthier food cycle.”