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Janine Dorsey

Janine is a 20-year veteran journalist who puts her sleuthing skills to use unearthing deals and discounts for families in the Tampa Bay area. Raising her own two daughters has taught her that some of the best things in life are “free” but not necessarily “cheap.”

Gayle Guyardo

Gayle Guyardo co-anchors “News Channel 8 Today” weekday mornings with Rod Carter. She does a special segment, “Ways to save today,” each Monday between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Gayle is a third generation Tampa native and a graduate of Auburn University. She and her husband Mark raise four little girls - Katie, Lindsay, Ali and Ella.

Richard Mullins

The Tampa Tribune’s retail reporter, Richard Mullins writes about consumer trends and everything you buy at the mall, grocery stores and restaurants. He believes credit cards are the window to our souls. And yes, he gets paid to wander the mall for work.

Debbie Swartz

Debbie, a 20-year veteran journalist, can typically be found at the end of Target aisles looking at clearance items. She’s also been known to send one her young daughters through the checkout lane to redeem a coupon.

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Restaurants sweeten the gift-card pot

Posted Nov 25, 2011 by Janine Dorsey

Updated Nov 25, 2011 at 02:33 PM

When you’re purchasing gift certificates for holiday presents, there’s no reason not to look and see what’s in it for you.

Restaurants want their share of all the money that gets spent this time of year, so many are looking to entice you to choose them over another eatery. 

Here are several we have found that are throwing a little something extra in when you buy from them:

Lee Roy Selmon’s: purchase $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus card.

Mr. Empanada: free $5 gift card with purchase of $50 or more at participating locations.

Sally O’Neal’s Pizza Hotline: free $20 gift card when you buy $100 in gift cards or holiday party orders.

The Palm: free $50 gift card when you buy $250 in gift cards.

The Colonnade: free $10 gift card when you purchase $100 in gift cards.

Pollo Tropical: free $5 gift certificate with every $25 gift card purchase.

Steak N Shake: free $5 gift certificate when you buy $20 in gift cards. 

Bonefish Grill: free $20 gift certificate with $100 gift card purchase.

Each may have their own restrictions and expirations on the offers, be sure to read the fine print before buying. In many cases, the bonus certificate will not be eligible to be used until after all the rush of the holidays are over.