How to “hack Tucson Foodie” and dine out for next-to-nothing.

I’m probably gonna kick myself for sharing this publicly.

One of our members is obsessed with deals. She revealed her secret plan for “hacking Tucson Foodie” to eat for next to nothing in Tucson all year long.

I had to hand it to her — this plan is quite brilliant.

Here’s her plan:

1. Join Tucson Foodie Insiders for $20/month
2. Use the referral program to get a month’s membership waived by referring a friend
3. Repeat for 12 friends
4. Boom. She now has $4,500+ in cash vouchers to 80+ of the best restaurants in Tucson to enjoy all year long.

And she only paid $20.

Think she can do it? She’s already at five months free… I asked her how much she spends dining out. She said $300/month. That seemed high to me. I mean, I spend at least that much, but I run a food and beverage media company.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American dines out 5.9 times per week and spends about $3,500 on eating out every year, or just shy of $300 per month. A more recent survey (of just 1,000 people, mind you) from US Foods arrived at a lower number — just $166 per month.

Either way, this member/hacker is covered. She can use over $375/month in cash vouchers to local restaurants and still have some to give away as holiday and birthday presents, saving her even more money.

I thought we created the best way to explore Tucson’s restaurants. Turns out we made eating out in Tucson accessible, especially in this economy. And the best part? She’s also supporting local journalism and local businesses.

If you’ve got 12 friends, if you love eating out, and you wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks while exploring new restaurants, try Alicia’s hack (not her real name — she wished to remain anonymous for this article).

Join at insiders.tucsonfoodie.com. Have fun out there.