If bargain hunters skimp on the add-ons, the business may have to eat a loss. For Red Lobster, it was $11 million last quarter.

This summer’s patio season gave a boost to many restaurants. Colder weather means new arrangements for outdoor diners.

There is pent-up demand and cash. A lot of people who haven’t lost their jobs also haven’t been spending money.

Allison Arevalo owns Pasta Louise, a Brooklyn restaurant. She kept a weeklong diary for us, as she, like many restaurant owners, faces yet another seismic change in the industry.