And perhaps I missed it, but has anyone mentioned the sanitary angle? If it's a chain restaurant, people know (or at least believe) they are being held to a certain franchise standard. That may turn some people away from the local places.

I love trying the local stuff. That's one reason I like traveling - trying new places. It's about the only time I can get my husband to try something non-chain or unknown, too - for many of the above reasons. However, we are pretty good about trying new Indian or Chinese places, even new Italian places. Our favorite restaurant in Gainesville is a little locally-owned Italian place called Pomodoro's. Much better than, say, Olive Garden or Carrabas