Why are chain restaurants so popular in the US?
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?
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I think that, besides the "familiarity" factor, there is also the power of Advertising/Marketing. Chains use mass media advertising, so people just know those brands, what kind of food they serve, and a lot of times how much it'll cost.
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Originally Posted by Didar56
I know that both McDonald's and Starbucks have research that showed them that one thing people really value is having the confidence that they will receive the same consistent taste, portion, service, etc....a consistent and familiar experience....whenever they visit an outlet of the chain, anywhere they go.
So perhaps that applies at the "proper sit-down meal" type of places as well. I do also think that the majority of people are really not very adventurous when it comes to eating and trying new things...and again, going to the same familiar place over and over again satisfies that approach to dining. I also think that you find that the places in the U.S. with a more diverse ethnic population mix tend to be at least somewhat less "chain-centric", such as the East and West coast, than perhaps other areas of the country. I know that in my own city of San Francisco, there is actually a quite forceful movement to RESTRICT chain restaurants (and chain retail stores as well) from coming into the market and perhaps forcing out smaller, locally owned establishments. There is quite a bit of controversy regarding this, with some believing it is contrary to free enterprise, while others feel it helps protects small business and the individual nature of each neighborhood within the city.
Originally Posted by MariaSF
(Post 12553127)
I think that, besides the "familiarity" factor, there is also the power of Advertising/Marketing. Chains use mass media advertising, so people just know those brands, what kind of food they serve, and a lot of times how much it'll cost.
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I am always stunned that places like the Olive Garden and Outback opened and are doing well in Manhattan and other huge cities. It's not just the tourists either (though of course a good part of it is).
I am with you, I don't understand the popularity of them, but do know for example in many areas, people are just comfortable pulling into a place they know. They also know the food will be just so so and the prices not the best, but they know what will be on the menu, and they know what to expect. The local place across the street may be ten times better and half the price, but it's not a risk people are willing to take. Look at a place like Applebees. They have done tie ins with Tyler Florence for his "brick pressed chicken" or whatever it was called, which was a roasted chicken. People ordered it thinking Tyler was in the kitchen cooking it. They have done tie ins with Weight Watchers listing points values on the menu for a few "special items" which were just regular menu items with a salad instead of fries for example. People flocked for the stuff. Does anybody think Italians eat the stuff Olive Garden serves for Sunday dinner? Apparently so. That, and to a large amount of people, some of those chains are fancy places that don't cost them a weeks savings. I don't remember the last time we made a choice and stopped in any of the sit down chains, I'm sure it's been years. |
Originally Posted by cordelli
(Post 12553533)
I am always stunned that places like the Olive Garden and Outback opened and are doing well in Manhattan and other huge cities. It's not just the tourists either (though of course a good part of it is).
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I believe it's the familiarity and consistency factor. Some people tend to stick with what they know and are afraid to experiment. And prob lots of people still think Olive Garden is such a FINE DINING experience... :p
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Originally Posted by cordelli
(Post 12553533)
That, and to a large amount of people, some of those chains are fancy places that don't cost them a weeks savings.
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Originally Posted by exc3ll
(Post 12557622)
I believe it's the familiarity and consistency factor. Some people tend to stick with what they know and are afraid to experiment. And prob lots of people still think Olive Garden is such a FINE DINING experience... :p
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Originally Posted by stupenal
(Post 12558041)
Very true. I was stuck on a project for quite some time in a city in central California, which may have well been in the boonies.
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I think the chains do a very good job of serving middle-of -the -road, bland food. Their food may not be high quality, but in another sense, because it is tasteless, it doesn't really offend anyone: it appeals to the masses.
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Originally Posted by u2fan
(Post 12558442)
I think the chains do a very good job of serving middle-of -the -road, bland food. Their food may not be high quality, but in another sense, because it is tasteless, it doesn't really offend anyone: it appeals to the masses.
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Originally Posted by Non-NonRev
(Post 12558085)
Fresno's Blackstone Avenue, by any chance? ;)
Just to rattle off a couple more....Black Angus, El Torito, Old Spaghetti Factory, Marie Callendars, Outback Steakhouse... It's scary to think that these chains do so well... |
generally low standards, which is a reinforcing cycle
marketing > reality |
Originally Posted by milepig
(Post 12557039)
Add to this list Pizza Hut in Chicago. I utterly fail to understand how they survive in this market.
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I don't eat at many chains, but do enjoy Olive Garden on occasion. Perhaps my palate isn't refined enough, but when I've eaten at more expensive Italian places, I just don't see that much value for the money.
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