We are foodies and eat out every week at nice places yet we participate in restaurant week because many restaurants offer specialized apps or dishes not even on the menu. Yes there are those non seasoned diners but the revenue is good for charlotte and many servers I have talked to over the years say the like the fact that an otherwise slow Friday (since Jan is typically slow) is busier and they make more money. We eat out a lot and we tip very well. Plus most people who do restaurant week spend a lot in alcohol. There is money to be made.