Originally Posted by
bensyd
Compared to other places in the world I have visited I'm always amazed at how popular chain restaurants are in the US. Generally I find chain food pretty mediocre at the best of times. I'm talking about for proper sit down meals not fast food, which I think the US does very well! Places like Olive Garden, TGI's, Ruby Tuesday, Outback Steakhouse, have they just managed to squeeze out most of the competition in the low to mid price range?
I can think of a few reasons... 1) predicability; 2) generally cheaper; 3) availability and convenience... look at how many choices you have at a typical interstate highway exit in any medium sized town, there's lots of choices.