Rebate checks may spur short-term spike in restaurant sales

As the federal government prepares to roll out the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, giving most American consumers hundreds of dollars each, the question on many operators’ minds is how much of that money will be spent at restaurants.

Between May and July, most single taxpayers will receive about $600. Married taxpayers could receive as much as $1,200, and parents could receive an additional $300 per eligible child under the age of 17. If history is any indication, consumers are likely