Carrying black may soon save you some green.
With the start of the new semester, the creators of Devil Destinations-a website offering a number of student-oriented services-have launched the Black Card, a discount program that is accepted at local restaurants and clubs.
Purchasers of the card-which costs $10 and expires at the end of each semester-are given discounts or promotions at 18 restaurants that currently participate in the program.
"It's a pretty affordable card for the amount that you're going to save," said co-president Arup Banerjee, a senior.
By showing the card at member restaurants, users will either get a 10- to 20-percent discount off their bill or receive free items with their purchase, depending on the specific agreement made with each restaurant.
The cards, which are being sold online and will be made available at the Marketplace and on the West Campus plaza, can be used at popular locations such as George's Garage, Chai's Noodle Bar and Bistro and Cinelli's Pizza.
"We're starting to get our name out there, people are definitely starting to show interest," Banerjee said.
The Beta version of DevilDestinations.com-launched in July-originally revolved around its navigational software, which gives point-to-point directions for users trying to find their way around campus.
With this month's release of the Black Card, Banerjee said his business is finally seeing the fruition of a plan he hatched with co-president Scott Siegel, also a senior, during dinner in May 2005.
In addition to the Black Card and navigational software, the site currently offers reviews of local restaurants and an activity calendar that is updated regularly with events posted by sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations, such as Mi Gente and Diya. "Most universities have a very central way of showing what events there are," Banerjee said. "Duke University does not."
The site is continually expanding to offer different services, and a new navigational software will soon be added, featuring a visual component.
Throughout the fall, Banerjee said the navigational software will also be changed to include a safety rating on walking routes and will show the closest e-print stations and campus eateries to user-input locations.
In addition to restaurant discounts, the Black Card program will also be expanded to include additional benefits, such as free entry to sponsored events at bars or clubs, Banerjee added.
The site explains the deals it has garnered from businesses with a succinct "Don't worry about it" response on its Frequently Asked Questions section.
But restaurant owners cited a number of reasons for joining the discount program. "It's a form of marketing for us," said Karin Mills, co-owner of Francesca's Dessert Caffe on Ninth Street.
Several restaurant owners also said they supported the idea as a means of giving back to Duke students, who comprise a large portion of their customer base.
"People come here either way," said Matthew Kelly, executive chef and partner of Vin Rouge restaurant.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.