Why do people go to chain restaurants?

Question

Like applebee's, chile's, and olive garden. All of these places suck! Why can't people realize that you can get better food, service, and atmosphere at a local place? It is also cheaper. Next time you think of going to a chain try your local Indian, Thai, Greek, or even American restaurant. Chains suck!

Answer 1

I agree to an extent.  I would love to patronize local mom & pop restaurants, however my experiences have not been the best at them. Even though the chains seem overpriced and the food sometimes is not the best, at least I feel I have a shot at getting a good meal, good service and food from a clean (supervised) kitchen.

Answer 2

some people prefer the guarantee of mediocrity..  my SIL's brother won't eat out at all except for Friendly's and a few other places like that..  he is in his late 30's..  once we had ordered Chinese food to eat at my brother and SIL's place and he went out to his car and got a can of chef boyardee..

Answer 3

when you go to a chain, you are guaranteed a certain level of food quality and service.

Answer 4

I like to patronize locally-owned independent places as often as I can and have often wondered the same thing.  I think the answer is that people don't like change, generally speaking.  People like what they know, and there is comfort in monotony, repetition, and mediocrity.  That being said, though,  there's nothing better than a good plate of Outback Steakhouse cheese fries and a tall Fosters.

Answer 5

I have to say with individual places you may be pleasantly surprised or surprised in other ways in which you never dreamed (basically screaming in horror).  Then again it is the same way with chain stores.  A lot of it really depends on the people that work in these establishments.  Customer interaction is a large majority of the dining experience.  If the food is iffy but the service was good, you will think twice about going again but you will think it was just a bad day and maybe something else will be good next time.  If you have some gum chomping moron dropping your food saying "Here!" you may think the food is great but hate the service you received.  That in itself would make a lot of people not want to go back.  Chain or not, customer service is important as well as the quality of food you receive.

Answer 6

They are generally located near places you shop or are busy doing running errands. It's just easier to to go there than jump in your car and drive 15-20 to a better restaurant. Especially if you have a grumpy husband, and screaming kids!

Answer 7

If enough people think as you do, they would be out of business by now, and they aren't, so I guess your opinion is wrong.

Answer 8

I'm thinking that maybe they actually like the food served at these chain restaurants. I know this is going out on a limb, but ...

Answer 9

My experiences with those restaurants are very pleasant

Answer 10

never heard of any of those places,i live in London England