It's been a very tough 12 months or so for restaurants in Chicago. And just about everywhere else for that matter. Nothing dampens the urge to eat out like an economic downturn -- especially a massive one. Add some ugly winter weather to the mix, and you have a recipe for a significant drop in restaurant dining. But smart restaurants are quick to respond to the challenge. Count Keefer's restaurant and its ad agency, the Ungar Group/Chicago, among those that aren't waiting patiently for customers to find their way back. Keefer's has launched a new TV campaign enticing groups of six or more to make a reservation and honor it -- after which Keefer's will honor the group with a $50 gift certificate. The offer is good through the end of February.

The simple Keefer's commercial itself is filled with snowy, icy imagery familiar to anyone who has passed a winter or two in Chicago. The spot's musical underscoring, "In the Good Old Summertime," reflects the irony and wit that have been a component of much of the advertising created by Tom Ungar and his crew at the Ungar Group over the years.