FWIW Ruth’s Chris IS a chain restaurant. More upscale than Caraba’s or Outback, but still a chain. That however, is not the point.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with an inexpensive first date, a picnic could be a nice first date as would the local diner. And there’s nothing wrong with coupons.
I’m only saying save the coupons for later or make it part of the experience from the beginning (”Would you like to try this place with me? I got some coupons, heard the food was good and thought it might be fun to try.....”) I’ll stick to my opinion on this, tacky for a first date, the way it was presented.
I'm only saying use the coupons to maximize the experience from the beginning ("would you like to go to the best Thai place in Atlanta?" and not initiate apologetics about how it's paid for). I'll stick to my opinion on this, tacky for her to demean his best efforts just because a coupon was included with the cash.
To each their own. I'll recommend my son be sure to use a coupon (not flagrantly, but not concealed either, just presented with the payment which should be discrete anyway) to weed out those who prefer wasting money over quality. You go ahead and tell a guy he's a jerk for facilitating a good time, centered on you, with the addition of free money.