With more than 900 chain restaurants in the country, ranging from chicken to waffles to burger joints to high-class steaks, there is certainly something for everyone.
Most guests select dining with a multi-restaurant operator for the things they cannot see. All they know is that the spots are well run and they consistently get good food, good service and a clean dining area.
The key to this attribute is two-fold. One is that chains are generally well-funded. They can put money behind good equipment and specialized training for staff. The other reason chains thrive is that they can leverage their size with purveyors. Bulk buying for several locations means that ingredients, fixtures and furnishings are available at a lower cost per restaurant.
Still this does not ensure that a chain will survive.
One thing is for sure in the restaurant game: it is mercilessly Darwinian. Where once the highways and byways of America were dotted with Howard Johnsons, now just a few remain.
Still the training that defunct chains spent on managers, cooks and servers is often put to work not only in another chain but in independent start-ups.
Next time you are in a spiffy new spot ask the owner his or her background. More than likely you will hear a big chain name in the bio.
That small restaurant has the potential to vault into a chain, much like Seattle’s Red Robin. That chain started as a single restaurant by Lake Union, started franchising, was sold to an operating group and now has more than 460 restaurants in North America.
From breakfast and burgers to steaks and salmon – what is your favorite restaurant chain?
Ivar’s in Mukilteo; my mom and I love going there.
Darian, Mukilteo
Olive Garden. Unlimited breadsticks are bad for my diet, but I can’t resist!
Rae, Everett
I love going to In and Out Burger when I’m in California. I wish one would open up in Snohomish County!
Katie, Edmonds
Cheesecake Factory, particularly at South Center Mall because there are Seahawks sightings there! My friends and I order different types of cheesecake and rotate plates so everyone can try a different flavor.
Sue, Edmonds
Taco Time, of course.
Blake, Mountlake Terrace
Soup, salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden.
Scott, Mountlake Terrace
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