How about some of the smaller chain restaurants. I much prefer these over the typical Chili's, TGIFridays, Applebees, Olive Garden, etc.

Naked Fish: http://www.nakedfish.com/
10 locations in Massachusetts
- Great seafood & cuban cocktails

Vinny T's - http://www.vinnyts.com/
8 locations in MA, 1 in CT, 1 in ME, and 1 in PA
- Excellent neighborhood style Italian food

Fire & Ice - http://www.fire-ice.com/
5 locations, 2 in MA, 1 in RI, 1 in AZ, and 1 in CA
- Improvisational grill - create your own all-you can eat dinner...

Paparazzi - http://www.paparazzi-restaurant.com/
13 locations - 7 in MA, 1 in RI, 2 in NJ, 1 in DC, 2 in NY
- Italian trattoria & bar

Joe's American Bar & Grill - http://www.joesamerican.com/
14 Locations - 9 in MA, 1 in CT, 1 in RI, 1 in NH, 2 in NJ
- All-American Bar & Grill

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The following are slightly larger, but I am including them because they are unique or something special (in my opinion)

Melting Pot Restaurant - http://www.meltingpot.com/
Locations throughout the US (except New England & a few others)
- Fondue restaurant!

Bugaboo Creek Restaurant http://www.bugaboocreeksteakhouse.com/
Locations throughout the NorthEast, NY, PA, MD, DE, and Georgia
- Steakhouse with the flavor of the Canadian Rockies.

Fuddruckers - http://www.fuddruckers.com/
Locations throughout the US
- Their slogan is: "The World's greatest hamburgers!". I'm including this because although it is just a hamburger chain, it is still a whole heck of a lot better than a McDonalds or other fast food restaurants.