The credit crunch must be hitting hard if restaurants are now accomodating to customers who might not have enough cash for a whole meal. In Maine, New England in the U.S, one restaurant has decided to give customers the choice of how much their meal costs.

Flexibility in time of need
Danielle Ward, owner of Dan's Restaurant said that she's reacting to the current hike in oil and food prices and that she wants to help people to dine out, but on their own budget. The idea came from an encounter with an elderly lady who apparently told Ward that she would enjoy eating out more often, but couldn't afford to. Ward's reaction was to ask how much she could afford, and now it is standard practice at Dan's to receive a portion that equates to the amount you can pay.

The waitress Diana Leach says that some customers have a bit of fun with the idea: "Some people joke around and say 'I'll have a two dollar clam" and I just start laughing."

Good for wallets and cash registers alike
Since the restaurant was opened in 1952 by Danielle's parents, Dan and Theresa Kintara, this is the first time that the menu has been adjusted to suit the customers' needs. Many regular visitors say that they don't even need to look at the menu and that Ward can rustle up the size of plate that they wish, depending on the size of their wallet that day.

Danielle reports that the new serving style is having a positive effect on her takings, as she was noticing a significant downturn in customers due to the credit crunch. This new scheme appears to have kicked some life back into the restaurant.

Ward says that she wants to help the community in any way, and the thought of her late parents spurs her on. "The thought that my parents would be proud is the reason I get up every morning and do what I do."