Orange County Register

Orange County ranks third in the country after Detroit and Dallas for the number of coupons printed for food and services, reports Entertainment Publications.

The ranking is based on savings from coupons printed from the company's web site and sales of its Entertainment Coupon Book, familiar to many from school fundraisers.

Among Orange County residents casual dining coupons from the book and web site are the most popular.

And the No. 1 most popular casual restaurant for coupons? Lone Star Steakhouse in Tustin. Mr. Stox Restaurant in Anaheim ranked second and Five Crowns in Corona del Mar third.

"People are obviously interested in saving and our book gives them that opportunity," says MaryAnn Rivers, Entertainment's chief executive.

She notes coupon prints in Orange County from its book and web site rose 38.7% in the last year.

Rivers says the whole attitude among consumers about using coupons has changed.  It used to be that some people wouldn't be caught dead using one.

"Now it's considered cool to use coupons," says Rivers."They look at it as a smart way to stretch their dollars."

She says the average consumer can save several hundred dollars using the coupons, but some could save thousands if they take advantage of some of the vacation and travel offers provided.

Sales of the book have also been a big shot in the arm for Orange County schools.  Rivers says local schools raised $1.6 million last year selling the coupon books.

The popularity of coupons is different for every community.  While Orange County favors casual dining, Detroit likes discounts for sports. In Portland and Seattle, residents like coupons for services like barber shops and hair salons.

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