The state cigarette tax is going up tomorrow — from a $1.50 to $2.75 a pack.

The state’s cigarette tax will be the highest in the nation.

Combined with the city’s $1.50 tax on cigarettes, the price of the average pack will be pushed to more than $8.

State officials say cigarette tax revenues will generate more than $265 million for health-related programs.

From NY1 

So what’s a penny-pinching New Yorker going to do? Eat local food, visit the green market, cook for ourselves?

Nope, it’s time to go Corporate.

That’s right–it’s time to take full advantage of the painful takeover of restaurant chains that are becoming prevalent in NYC. Part of the slow, meticulous, culture-sucking marketing machinery that the tourist industry and high-priced rents for vacant space has made available.

How does it work? Well, first look at the front or back of your check/bill. There you will most likely find an internet address to go to and fill out the survey.

How long will it take me? I found the most time I dedicated to answering the survey (truthfully) was about 5 minutes at most….more if you really want to take advantage of writing in a comment which is optional.

When should I fill it out? Most chain restaurants want you to fill out the survey within 2 to 3 days of visiting the establishment. So don’t forget!

What will they do with my opinions? Who cares! Just as long as you get a discount on your next lunch or dinner. (Haven’t encountered any breakfast deals yet, though if you want a full breakfast and can stomach some greasy goodness try Eisenberg’s Diner on lower 5th Avenue at 22nd Street. $4 gets you coffee, 2 eggs, toast, and potatoes). I have filled out multiple surveys and didn’t find any changes or in the service or menu even though I pleaded for a sweet lemon dessert at one place.

Most don’t require any personal information only that you have your receipt to prove that you visited the restaurant. So don’t worry about getting on any email lists. Though I would recommend getting on the Big Daddy’s Diner email list as they only send it out once a month and usually have 2-for-1 deals including a little punch card that you can get and after 10 visits you get one meal on the house. (Remember to get the card punched when you pay your bill.)

Here is a list of restaurants that offer discounts on your next bill or a chance to win some money.

Uno’s
California Pizza Kitchen
Taco Bell
Chili’s
Olive Garden
Dunkin Donuts (They do offer occasional free drinks and contests)

In house Survey cards:

City Grill – Upper West Side

Restaurants that don’t offer a survey but discounts with a receipt:

Lenny’s – Everywhere

Restaurants that don’t offer anything (Cheap bastards):

McDonalds (I guess it’s pretty cheap already)
Subway (They have a survey but you get nothing)
Wendy’s (They have a survey but you get nothing)
Baskin Robbins (They do offer occasional free stuff and 31 cent scoop night)
Chipotle (They should I would be there everyday)
Big Daddy’s Diner (Good deals if your a regular)

TGIF should stand for “Thank God It’s Free …Sometimes.”

Ofcourse you can always email the company that owns the resturant and see if you can get any discounts (below) Though sometimes it doesn’t work.