The merits of chain dining in the Heartland

[Devotay]

On the other hand sometimes we little local fellows can win out in the end. Witness:

La dolce vita, no fries, coming up

By Desmond O'Grady in Rome

January 7, 2006

A BAKER who put a McDonald's out of business has become a hero of Italy's Slow Food movement, which champions the relaxed enjoyment of eating as a pillar of the country's way of life.

The McDonald's ran into big trouble when Luca DeGesu opened a bakery next door specialising in local products.

Altamura, in the heel of Italy's boot, is renowned throughout the country for its bread. It is yellow, made from durum wheat, and has a crunchy black crust. The DeGesu family has been baking it for five generations.

But Luca DeGesu did not plan to run McDonald's out of business when, five years ago, he opened an outlet next to the fast food business in Altamura's main square. He just wanted to earn a crust. As well as bread, he made pizza using local olive oil and baked with a particular kind of oak in the oven.

It was a David versus Goliath contest because McDonald's had 10 staff and Mr DeGesu, 35, was a one-man show.

But he won - and his success has been welcomed by the country's Slow Food movement, as well as the newer Slow City movement, which wants to preserve historic city centres by excluding traffic and conserving small shops.

Chalk one up for the good guys! Way to go, Sr. DeGesu!!!

Read the whole story @ The Melbourne Sunday Morning Herald

Also, Osnav, I'm with you on the "fear of the unknown" thing - it's a fundamental human trait that is only overcome by education and experience. I believe that one's upbringing has almost everything to do with that. If your parents raised you with a sense of adventure (especially in palate) then you are far more likely to taste something new.

As for me, I think there are plenty of much bigger things to fear in this world than food.

Ronnie - I agree that I won't patronize a place that's smokey or filthy, and if the food's no good then even if it's clean I won't go back, but I'd still cook at home or find some bread, cheese and wine over eating at Olive Garden any day.

[ulterior epicure]

One thing that strikes me about this conversation is that Heartlanders actually were the center of the FIRST real chain of restaurants in the US. Fred Harvey's Harvey House Restaurant first opened in Topeka in 1876 and quickly spread all over the Central and Western US. He provided dependable meals that were basically the same at everystop and, on top of all that, he provided wives for many of the towns in the West where there were no women. Will Rogers once said that Harvey "kept the West in food and wives," as many a Harvey Girl married a local fellow. Although the girls were asked not to marry during their first year of work, some historians estimate that more than 5,000 Harvey Girls married and settled in the West.

So you guys didn't just start doing this yesterday. It's part of your heritage. Just like corn and tuna casserole. You should be proud of carrying on this old Midwestern tradition.

←

dare we also forget that thirty-some years before (heartlander) ray croc started flippin' burgers out in california, the oldest fast food burger chain started up in the midwest - the humble white castle of wichita...

yes, when it comes to food, there is a "cattle-call" mentality here.

u.e.

[ulterior epicure]

Chains, for all their negatives, can turn out some decent food too.  White Castle, Taco Johns, Old Country Buffet, Arby's, Potbelly's and Popeyes are all places I've eaten on a regular basis.  And on that note, I'm way more interested in hearing what folks who like chains like about them, which ones they like and what they order when they patronize them than I am in debating the larger, philosophical/political issues.  I'm not saying that the political discussion isn't important or interesting -- only that it's been played out and we're not likely to be changing a lot of minds here anyway.

=R=

←

one who tries to avoid, but will eat at if nothing better/comparable is available, chain restaurants, i will be the first venture down this path.

fast food

i have to admit that i haven't eaten a hamburger, taco or burrito (or anything else) at a mcdonalds, burger king, wendys, kfc (okay, so i broke down once, out of convenience, when i was working in hong kong about 10 years ago), sonic, taco bell, arby's or popeye's in over ten years (i'm not kidding). so, we're working with a very limited opinion. i think i'm the only person who has lived in los angeles (2 years) without eating an in-n-out burger or a chick-fil-a sandwich.

however, i will say that of the fast food restaurants that i would consider myself to be familiar with, i would readily put chipotle at the top of my fast food list. in the burrito category, i find baja fresh too heavy and greasy (and sloppy). qdoba run second to chipotle, but somehow misses on flavor...

wahoos was a favorite when i lived on the west coast. i found their menu items fresh and good - and with decent value.

as noted on this thread before, i find taco john's irresistable (although i've managed to resist for a good 15 years - so i don't know if they're still dishing out the same yummy stuff).

hardee's did have the best curly fries (about 15 years ago)... and i love(d) arby's roast beef sandwich with horseradish was a favorite (about 15 years ago)...

wendy's $.99 chili is an excellent value - and not half bad - with cheese and fresh chopped onions and crackers. filling and cheap - and tasty.

oh, and give me a greasy fish n' chips with a bottle of malt vinegar from long john silver and i could be happy for a week. (no, i haven't been in the past 10 years, but i love malt vinegar on anything fried enough to know that i'd eat at long john silver)

"sit-down" chains

i may draw a lot of shock - but i think my favorite sit-down chain (only out of reliability and service) is the cheesecake factory. yep, i always know that i can get good service, pretty good value and decent, predictable food. a salad freak - i know that i can have a small meal on their simple and straightforward appetizer "traditional tossed salad" alone. although it's probably farm raised, their miso salmon is a tried and true fallback... i hate cheesecake, so i know i can always walk out of "the factoroy" without feeling stuffed and broke.

otherwise, i don't have much to say on sit-down chains (partly because i'm drawing a blank. i'm sure i will think of places later (and i will post if/when i do). i prefer chili's to applebee's (i still can't figure out its success).

ulterior epicure.

[edited: for grammar]

Edited January 7, 2006 by ulterior epicure (log)

[ronnie_suburban]

Ronnie - I agree that I won't patronize a place that's smokey or filthy, and if the food's no good then even if it's clean I won't go back, but I'd still cook at home or find some bread, cheese and wine over eating at Olive Garden any day.

←

Kurt,

I like to think that for one given meal, if the circumstances lined up right, I'd just go to Olive Garden. I've never been to one but I could definitely see it happening.

=R=

[ronnie_suburban]

One thing that strikes me about this conversation is that Heartlanders actually were the center of the FIRST real chain of restaurants in the US. Fred Harvey's Harvey House Restaurant first opened in Topeka in 1876 and quickly spread all over the Central and Western US. He provided dependable meals that were basically the same at everystop and, on top of all that, he provided wives for many of the towns in the West where there were no women. Will Rogers once said that Harvey "kept the West in food and wives," as many a Harvey Girl married a local fellow. Although the girls were asked not to marry during their first year of work, some historians estimate that more than 5,000 Harvey Girls married and settled in the West.

So you guys didn't just start doing this yesterday. It's part of your heritage. Just like corn and tuna casserole. You should be proud of carrying on this old Midwestern tradition.

←

dare we also forget that thirty-some years before (heartlander) ray croc started flippin' burgers out in california, the oldest fast food burger chain started up in the midwest - the humble white castle of wichita...

yes, when it comes to food, there is a "cattle-call" mentality here.

u.e.

←

What Brooks' post reminded me of was the glory days of Howard Johnson's, as I've read and heard about it over the years. There was a point in our history where HoJo's quality-focused, straighforward approach made it an appetizing option and a financially viable venture. Seems those days are, for the most part, gone. Consistency today is sought more through the increased use of food technology and supply-chain logistics than through fundamental culinary practices.

And yet, Popeyes turns out better fried chicken than I could ever make at home and what is arguably the best pizza in Chicago is produced by chain.

=R=

[ulterior epicure]

what is arguably the best pizza in Chicago is produced by chain.

=R=

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ahhhh... the good ol' malnatis... i used to attend their church and would often have sunday pizza brunches... but, ronnie, they didn't start out as a chain - they've managed to expand without losing that family quality or appeal...

ulterior epicure.

[ronnie_suburban]

    but, ronnie, they didn't start out as a chain - they've managed to expand without losing that family quality or appeal...

←

No question; you caught me. I was just trying to straddle the issue by providing examples which defy generalization.

=R=

[joiei]

[...not i... who does that?

u.e.

←

When PF Changs opened here and in Oklahoma City, the wait for a table ran as long as 4 hours. Even today, it can be almost 2 hours on a busy Friday.

Most of the chain houses do not take reservations and a lot of locally owned places do not take reservations. I understand a small wait at a nonreservation place, but not a hour. Of course, most of them are try to drive up the liquor tab during that time and good for them. If I am given a buzzer coaster, I usually return it and leave.

Most folks I know go to the Cheesecake Factory because they can get that piece of pasty cheesecake. And chain desserts are another thing I do not understand. On any given night, if you were to put all the raspberry sauce and its imitations that chain restaurnats use, I would predict a gulf of oversweet red goo. And that does not include the hershey's chocolate that goes with it. Why are they soooo boring and well boring. I couldn't think of any other word, sorry.

[snowangel]

Way back when I was in college, there was a chain -- Zantigo's. I think they eventually bacame part of Zapata's which became Taco Hell (I mean Taco Bell).

They are back, with a few Twin Cities locations, and still serving up that killer Green Chili they used to serve -- solo or in chilito's.

This is a chain I love to adore. The food is better than average fast food, the food is cheap.

To echo what Ronnie said, I have eaten in several local joints that either stunk or the food was not good.

Politically, I'd choose local over chain every day, but I look at what my local Zantigo is churning out, and what the local diner is churning out, and I'm not sure.

So, in the meantime, if it's not a bowl of green chili at the Zantigo, I'll save my bucks for a really good restaurant. If not, I'm happier whipping up a 20 minute frittata at home.

[moosnsqrl]

One thing that strikes me about this conversation is that Heartlanders actually were the center of the FIRST real chain of restaurants in the US. Fred Harvey's Harvey House Restaurant first opened in Topeka in 1876 and quickly spread all over the Central and Western US. He provided dependable meals that were basically the same at everystop and, on top of all that, he provided wives for many of the towns in the West where there were no women. Will Rogers once said that Harvey "kept the West in food and wives," as many a Harvey Girl married a local fellow. Although the girls were asked not to marry during their first year of work, some historians estimate that more than 5,000 Harvey Girls married and settled in the West.

So you guys didn't just start doing this yesterday. It's part of your heritage. Just like corn and tuna casserole. You should be proud of carrying on this old Midwestern tradition.

←

Right you are, Brooks, we can thank Wichita for White Castle, Pizza Hut and several smaller or now-defunct chains and good ol' Applebee's has its HQ here in the KC area. But please don't ask me to be proud of it!

I have a good healthy anti-chain rant at least once a day and, lucky for the Society, I've already had mine today. I think it's all been said here already but I would reiterate that my greatest objection to chains is that they have a very dominant affect on the marketplace and it is extremely difficult for indies to compete with their deep pockets. The Country Club Plaza, once uniquely KC, has become a glorified mall with all of the usual suspects, and it's because they are able and willing to pay rents that are simply prohibitive to locals. I included a link to an article from the KC Star Biz section in last week's media digest about the same thing happening in the still-conceptual Power & Light District. I'm just not sure the world needs another Hard Rock Cafe and as we're subsidizing (call it what you will, but with tax breaks, etc, we are) the project was sold as something new, exciting, unique. Long live the KC Originals and the many shops that are even too small to justify the expense of joining them!

[Alex]

Chains, for all their negatives, can turn out some decent food too.  White Castle, Taco Johns, Old Country Buffet, Arby's, Potbelly's and Popeyes are all places I've eaten on a regular basis.  And on that note, I'm way more interested in hearing what folks who like chains like about them, which ones they like and what they order when they patronize them than I am in debating the larger, philosophical/political issues.  I'm not saying that the political discussion isn't important or interesting -- only that it's been played out and we're not likely to be changing a lot of minds here anyway.

=R=

←

I heartily disagree with you, Ronnie. Whether or not any minds are changed is irrelevant; in any event, that wasn't the aim of this thread when u.e. started it. I believe it's still vitally important to address and discuss food-related "philosophical/political issues," for the exchange of ideas if nothing else. Start another thread for this aspect if you must, but please don't put a damper on our discussing a meaningful topic just because you think it's been "played out." (And I'm not sure what that even means in this context.)

[moosnsqrl]

     but, ronnie, they didn't start out as a chain - they've managed to expand without losing that family quality or appeal...

←

No question; you caught me. I was just trying to straddle the issue by providing examples which defy generalization.

=R=

←

Regardless of your intention, you did bring up an interesting point. When a favorite spot is successful and begins to grow, how do you react? The original Pizza Hut had decent pizza but IMHO went downhill fairly rapidly because of the need to standardize. It was a textbook example of giving up quality for consistency. If someplace I know and love succeeds I should be happy for them, right? But then it begins...multiple locations mean the proprieters and A-team staff are spread more thinly, less time to pay attention to detail. When things head downhill, do you mention this to them? Or will they just think you're stinging because you don't get the same attention as before?

Anyone else been an eye-witness to this phenomenon?

[ronnie_suburban]

Chains, for all their negatives, can turn out some decent food too.  White Castle, Taco Johns, Old Country Buffet, Arby's, Potbelly's and Popeyes are all places I've eaten on a regular basis.  And on that note, I'm way more interested in hearing what folks who like chains like about them, which ones they like and what they order when they patronize them than I am in debating the larger, philosophical/political issues.  I'm not saying that the political discussion isn't important or interesting -- only that it's been played out and we're not likely to be changing a lot of minds here anyway.

=R=

←

I heartily disagree with you, Ronnie. Whether or not any minds are changed is irrelevant; in any event, that wasn't the aim of this thread when u.e. started it. I believe it's still vitally important to address and discuss food-related "philosophical/political issues," for the exchange of ideas if nothing else. Start another thread for this aspect if you must, but please don't put a damper on our discussing a meaningful topic just because you think it's been "played out." (And I'm not sure what that even means in this context.)

←

Alex, let me be clear that I'm speaking personally here -- and not as the forum host. Whatever direction the conversation takes, within the parameters of the thread title, are completely acceptable.

In this case, it's gray because this thread actually was split from a restaurant review which had very little to do with the topic at hand and was not actually started by u.e. But again, whether I'm interested in participating or not is simply not relevant (to anyone else who wants to continue the political elements of the discussion). Looking back, it seems that I should have made that more clear from the start.

As for the term "played out," what I mean specifically is that there are already other threads running here where the pros and cons of chains are being discussed and in that regard, I'd hoped this thread could be different. If not, I think we'll eventually end up merging this thread into one of the others. Regardless of whether that eventually happens or not, here are just a few links to already-running threads about chains:

The chain restaurant thread

Chain Restaurant Killer, Proud of my town!

Now please, carry on and feel free to discuss whatever aspects of chain dining you find most worthy of discussion.

=R=

Edit: clarifications

[Alex]

Chains, for all their negatives, can turn out some decent food too.  White Castle, Taco Johns, Old Country Buffet, Arby's, Potbelly's and Popeyes are all places I've eaten on a regular basis.  And on that note, I'm way more interested in hearing what folks who like chains like about them, which ones they like and what they order when they patronize them than I am in debating the larger, philosophical/political issues.  I'm not saying that the political discussion isn't important or interesting -- only that it's been played out and we're not likely to be changing a lot of minds here anyway.

=R=

←

I heartily disagree with you, Ronnie. Whether or not any minds are changed is irrelevant; in any event, that wasn't the aim of this thread when u.e. started it. I believe it's still vitally important to address and discuss food-related "philosophical/political issues," for the exchange of ideas if nothing else. Start another thread for this aspect if you must, but please don't put a damper on our discussing a meaningful topic just because you think it's been "played out." (And I'm not sure what that even means in this context.)

←

Alex, let me be clear that I'm speaking personally here -- and not as the forum host. Whatever direction the conversation takes, within the parameters of the thread title, are completely acceptable.

In this case, it's gray because this thread actually was split from a restaurant review which had very little to do with the topic at hand and was not actually started by u.e. But again, whether I'm interested in participating or not is simply not relevant (to anyone else who wants to continue the political elements of the discussion). Looking back, it seems that I should have made that more clear from the start.

As for the term "played out," what I mean specifically is that there are already other threads running here where the pros and cons of chains are being discussed and in that regard, I'd hoped this thread could be different. If not, I think we'll eventually end up merging this thread into one of the others. Regardless of whether that eventually happens or not, here are just a few links to already-running threads about chains:

The chain restaurant thread

Chain Restaurant Killer, Proud of my town!

Now please, carry on and feel free to discuss whatever aspects of chain dining you find most worthy of discussion.

=R=

Edit: clarifications

←

Thanks, Ronnie. Can we assume your posts are personal unless you specifically say you're speaking as the forum host or if it's perfectly clear from the content that that's your role?

[ronnie_suburban]

Thanks, Ronnie. Can we assume your posts are personal unless you specifically say you're speaking as the forum host or if it's perfectly clear from the content that that's your role?

←

Yes -- as long as I remember to do so -- I will always designate the post in some way, if I'm speaking in my role as host/staffer. And if it's ever unclear, I'll be happy to provide clarification.

Now, back to the topic at hand!

=R=

[jgm]

Ron, if you ever do find yourself in an Olive Garden, I suggest you try the Toscana soup. Chicken broth base with potatoes, sausage, and "cavolo greens" (kale), finished off with a little bit of cream. Simple food, maybe not 3- or 4-star dining, but so far, every time I've ordered it, they haven't managed to mess it up. Their salads are always fresh, so far. Their soup and salad combo have always managed to make me happy. Entrees are kind of a wild card; some are better than others.

I want to get back to something I brought up earlier.

I guess there probably are people who dine only at the finest restaurants. I have lived a somewhat sheltered/limited life; most of it's been right here in River City, and I don't travel much. When I go to Olive Garden, I think of it as basic, decent food. Maybe not highly imaginative or creative, and maybe not the finest freshest olive oil from some obscure little Tuscan village is on my table. In fact, the abovementioned soup is, in my opinion, really good. Yet OG is a favorite example of several eGulleters of the kind of dining that horrifies them... or something like that. (Don't take that paraphrase too seriously or literally.) Do people disparage OG because they've never eaten there and just assume it's mediocre because it's a chain? Or are there people who eat better food than that, routinely? I guess that's kind of a naive question. But I'm puzzled. I've had some good meals at OG. I've had some good meals at our local upscale restaurants, but I don't see that big a gap between them. The upscale places usually have a handful of excellent dishes, but the rest of the menu really is nothing to write home about. Given descriptions I've seen of food in 3- and 4-star restaurants, I can understand that the food at those places is a whole 'nother thing than what's available to me. But I feel like there's an important fact or something that I'm missing here. What is it? The people who would never set foot in Olive Garden ... just what is it they eat every day, anyway? Maybe my question just boils down to this: what the hell is wrong with Olive Garden?

Don't fear offending me. I really am trying to figure this out. Explain away.

[munchymom]

Maybe my question just boils down to this:  what the hell is wrong with Olive Garden? 

←

My husband and I used to live in a place that was so restaurant-deprived we would *drive twenty miles* to get to an Olive Garden. I was always reasonably happy with the salad (though the dressing is kind of artificial-tasting, same as Good Seasons mix) and the breadsticks. The entrees- I'd say more miss than hit. I once ordered a Chicken Marsala there that was literally the worst thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. Now that I live in a place with other options - well, OG would be about the last place I'd choose to go. I guess I do see a pretty sizable gap between Olive Garden and our local, non-fancy Italian places - a lot less prefab junk, crusty bread instead of squishy breadsticks, non-iceberg lettuce in the salad, and everything at least edible, with some things pretty good.

[ronnie_suburban]

Don't fear offending me.  I really am trying to figure this out.  Explain away.

←

I'm not sure I can really explain it and I don't think I've ever been to an Olive Garden but I did dine at the Romano's Macaroni Grill in my neighborhood before it closed down. I wasn't appalled by my experience there. It was okay.

In my area, it's fairly simple when it comes to Italian food: there are great places all over the place. I can think of at least 3 Italian places within 5 miles of my house where the food is hand-made and outstanding -- and I live in the suburbs. Choices in the city are overwhelmingly superior to those near my house. In the Chicago area, even some local chains excel in this category. It's a densely populated market.

Anyway, at these places, sauces are started from fresh ingredients, premium cheeses and oils are used, pastas are made by hand, breads are truly artisanal. And that's just a few of the differences between these places and many chains. They are, admittedly, small but they are so numerous that they show up fairly prominently in the finished product. Change the sauce, the pasta and the cheese all just a little bit and before you know it, the final dish just tastes and satisfies in a whole different way. Yes, the price point is higher but for the better experience (and as often as I get out), it seems worth it to me.

Of course, there are some locally-owned places that are as bad or worse than RMG and I avoid them on merit (or lack thereof). My point is that there are a huge number of places here where the ingredients used and amount of personal care being paid to the cooking, distinguish clearly the food being produced. It's mostly a function of the size of the market but when you have so many great choices, which you know turn out food you love -- food that compels you -- the places where lesser ingredients are used, where less overall personal attention is given to the food . . . they tend to slip off the radar.

Of course, this varies greatly by category around here. Even in a metro area this big, there are some types of food at which the chains offer product which is much closer to the top of the category. And again, I hate to generalize about this, so I'll always hedge a bit.

=R=

[Tess]

The people who would never set foot in Olive Garden ... just what is it they eat every day, anyway?  Maybe my question just boils down to this:  what the hell is wrong with Olive Garden? 

A lot of it's about money, for me. I have not eaten in an Olive Garden but the guy I live with has 3-4 times. He swore off them because of really bad service at one point. His verdict is the food is mediocre and expensive for what it is. My main complaint about chains I have visited at that sort of middle level is you end up spending a surprising lot of money. Where I live (Chicago suburbs) there are a good number of nice family-owned places you can eat at for similar cost.

I wouldn't swear never to enter an Olive Garden. Places like that can really come in handy when you are traveling. If I'm not traveling, though, I'd rather just eat at home, put the money into a nice bottle of wine or something. Sometimes we do like to go out just to go out-- more to have a date night than for really striking food. But we can do that cheaper at a pub.

[jgm]

Well, I think I'm getting closer to an explanation, and one of the elements in my way seems to be where I live.

We have, for example, a couple of home-grown Italian places to eat in Wichita -- Angelo's and DeFazio's.

Angelo's has an incredible pizza; everything else is good, but no better than that. DeFazio's also has good pizza, and their canneloni carbonara is to die for; their cream of mushroom soup is something I've stopped just short of homicide to get the recipe for.* Other entrees are good; but I don't think they're any better than the food I've had at Olive Garden.

I have a feeling the chains tend to vary significantly in the quality of their food and their service. I've had some outstanding service at Olive Garden here in Wichita. Too good, almost, but that's another story. But the bottom line is, although the food isn't particularly imaginative, it's really pretty good at this particular location.

A few years ago, we had a chef/restaurant owner, the late Antoine Toubia, who owned several remarkable restaurants. Some of my fondest memories of restaurant dining are from Sak Souk and Chantilly (gone but not forgotten); likewise with Olive Tree/Chelsea's and Picadilly, which are still open. And even though Picadilly offers a few outstanding dishes, some are really not worth ordering.

I think the difference is, that in some of the larger cities, you have a range (for lack of a better word) of restaurants that offer excellent dining and are not chains, nor are they high-end. We have those from time to time in Wichita, but obviously, not enough of them. Mystery solved, I think. And although RMG hasn't come up with anything that will bring me back, Olive Garden, in Wichita at least, is not a bad place to eat.

*Okay, to make this soup, take Tony Bourdain's mushroom soup recipe from the Les Halles cookbook. Leave some mushroom slices, un-pureed, in the soup; add white wine instead of sherry, and finish off with a little cream. And, I'm happy to say, I figured this out with a little help from friends on eGullet, and not a single drop of blood was shed.

[gfron1]

Wow, quite a girth of opinines on the topic! I own a specialty food store in Silver City, NM - town of 10K, 3 hours from any major city. We're a ranching town and mining town...so what am I doing with a specialty food store here!?

To me this is at the heart of the answer of why people go to chains. When we opened, we knew that for us to have a whole section dedicated to Indonesian foods (as well as 45 other countries) didn't make sense, because the vast majority of our customers would have no idea what to do with the ingredients. They are used to Taco Bell and our local Chinese restaurant being exotic. But that is the joy for us - helping people explore new foods the way we have our entire lives. We take the time to send them home with a jar of Patak's curry sauce and frozen paneer and a simple recipe, only to move them up to a homemade vindaloo on the next visit.

Meals, for many, are about comfort. And there is comfort in consistency. There can be stress for many in not knowing what to expect. What if I pronounce a menu item wrong? What if I can't afford the prices? What if everyone looks at me when I walk in because I do something wrong? What if I don't like what's on the menu? What if... What if...

The mere fact that we're on this forum would suggest that we wouldn't succomb to these concerns, but for the majority, a long wait for a mediocre meal is much more comforting.

[ulterior epicure]

another one bites the dust...this just in from my lastest (January) issue of "Mnpls/St. Paul" magazine:

"Despite its efforts in setting an urban vibe, the downtown Minneapolis Olive Garden shut its doors (following Copeland's and T.G.I. Fridays, which closed in the summer), suggesting that certain concepts just don't travel well downtown..."

(pg. 363).

Perhaps Minneapolisites are resisting the chain gang in favor of independently owned/established/run restaurants?

U.E.

Edited January 10, 2006 by ulterior epicure (log)

[jsolomon]

Harvey "kept the West in food and wives," as many a Harvey Girl married a local fellow. Although the girls were asked not to marry during their first year of work, some historians estimate that more than 5,000 Harvey Girls married and settled in the West.

So you guys didn't just start doing this yesterday. It's part of your heritage. Just like corn and tuna casserole. You should be proud of carrying on this old Midwestern tradition.

←

So, where does that leave those of us who are from towns too small to support a chain joint?

[Tess]

Meals, for many, are about comfort.  And there is comfort in consistency.  There can be stress for many in not knowing what to expect.  What if I pronounce a menu item wrong?  What if I can't afford the prices?  What if everyone looks at me when I walk in because I do something wrong?  What if I don't like what's on the menu?  What if... What if...

I think that's a really good point.

A lot of my friends like to eat out largely to be waited on and have a sense of luxury. If they can go high-end, fine, but if you can't, a chain that offers a certain experience (can you say "hospitaliano"?) may be an alternative. I don't mean to sound snobby about this. I enjoy being catered to as well.

Your store sounds really neat, by the way. Wish I'd had something like that when I was living on the prairie.

[ulterior epicure]

i was in kci (kansas city international airport) recently and happened upon this.