Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
One Restaurant Owner Actually Likes Groupon!
By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 11, 2011
Modified Apr 11, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 11, 2011
Modified Apr 11, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Since launching in 2008, Groupon, the online discount coupon site, has become a major force in the retail world, spawning numerous imitators and infuriating some small restaurant owners who feel squeezed by Groupon's hefty 50% commission. One cafe owner in Oregon had to dip into her personal savings to make payroll during the month she agreed to a Groupon partnership that left her hemorrhaging money. But today NPR finds a Brooklyn restaurateur who was NOT burned by the cheapskate magnet.
Hilda Hampar at Corner Burger in Park Slope charges $9.25 for a hamburger, and at that price she was seeing a lot of empty tables. But when she agreed to a Groupon deal, the joint got so full there were customers waiting outside for a deal that got them $18 dollars' worth of Corner Burger food for nine bucks. If they ordered nothing else, Hampar got just $4.50. Apparently, she drew enough people who ordered more and she was happy with the results—when Google's new coupon venture approached her, she agreed to try another offer, with the hopes that she'll find new repeat customers.
NPR attributes Groupon's success to the power of haggling, which makes the prices of things more flexible. Others, like Boston restaurateur Joanne Chang, say Groupon is a predatory vulture. "These companies are making money off of restaurants that are nervous or low on cash and presenting it in a way that makes it sound like such an amazing deal for everyone," Chang tells the Boston Globe. "In fact, restaurants are getting a fraction of what they need to actually make any money. And then these companies walk away with a nice check."
Tagged
corner burger
coupons
groupon
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .