Jill Schramm/MDN MarketPlace Foods in Minot is popular with seniors on Thursday.

If it’s Thursday, Adrian Tuchscherer of Minot is making his weekly run to MarketPlace Foods.

The grocery store’s 5 percent senior discount on Thursdays can make a difference, he said. He watches for senior discounts wherever he shops, although he added, “You don’t find them too much.”

Senior discounts do exist, though, and not just on major purchases such as airline tickets or at large stores found only in the big cities. A number of Minot stores, and particularly restaurants, give their older customers a break.

Although not a complete list, discounts can be found in Minot at the following places:

– Applebees offers a 30 percent discount on Wednesdays for seniors aged 55 and older.

– Arby’s has a daily 10 percent discount for seniors who request it.

– Minot’s Dairy Queen stores all offer a 10 percent discount for seniors aged 60 and older.

– Hardee’s offers a beverage discount.

– KFC offers a 10 percent discount to seniors aged 65 and older.

– McDonald’s gives a senior discount on coffee.

– Perkins offers a senior menu with discounts on meal items.

– Taco Bell has a 5 percent discount for ages 65 and older.

– Taco John’s provides seniors with a free small coffee or soda.

– Village Inn gives 25 percent on Mondays.

– Wendy’s offers a 10 percent discount.

– CJ Banks holds Wisdom Wednesdays, giving a 10 percent discount.

– Goodwill Retail Store has a 25 percent discount for seniors on Mondays.

– Kohl’s offers a 15 percent discount for seniors 60 and older.

Seniors also could get discounts on hotels, airlines and vehicle rentals. Locally, discounts are available at Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hyatt House, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn and possibly others. Those discounts typically start at age 60 so it never hurts to ask when booking with a hotel.

Even the North Dakota State Fair loves seniors.

Seniors aged 65 and older receive half off gate admission until 2 p.m. on July 27 this year. The Senior Day Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day in the Upper Atrium of the State Fair Center.

Discounts from dozens of vendors are what attracts many seniors to AARP membership. Some of those discounts are available locally, such as the 15 percent price cut to AARP members aged 55 or older at Denny’s restaurant and AT&T wireless savings.

Some seniors say seeking out the discounts are a necessary part of shopping. You have to go where the bargains are. But discounts aren’t the only factor seniors consider in deciding where to shop.

Dwight Holen of Minot said he takes advantage of discounts when there’s a worthwhile payoff, such as 5 percent off a grocery bill when he’s filling his cart. Otherwise, the savings isn’t his first priority.

“We look for a clean place with good service, not so much the price,” he said.