Chain Restaurants

You won't find many reviews of chain restaurants here. I probably won't review places like Applebees, the Olive Garden, Panera Bread, McDonald's, etc. For the most part, you know what to expect from a chain. And for many such places, you will not find any special dining experience. They can tend to a certain mediocrity. I do eat at some of these places, but I also don't expect much from them.

But there are also chain restaurants which I would recommend. There are some chains which can exceed what you expect. They can provide excellent food and a good dining experience. I recently reviewed The Melting Pot in Bedford, part of a chain, and recommended it. Flemings, McCormick & Schmicks, and Smith & Wollensky are some other chain restaurants that I recommend. What makes these places stand out?

I think one factor is the basic idea/concept behind the restaurant. What niche does it try to fill? Does it try to be unique? Whatever its niche/concept, it needs to aim for being the best in its group. Another factor is the quality of the food. The better the quality of the food, the more likely it will be one of the better chains. Mediocrity is easy to pull off. A third factor is likely management. Some chain restaurants are independently managed/owned and the hard work and care of those managers/owners can make a big difference.

Prices at the better chain restaurants are generally higher than other chains. But, that is the tradeoff for better quality and often is justified

So, don't write off a restaurant solely because it is a chain. Look more closely at it and give it a try. You might actually find a fine restaurant.