Chain Restaurants Extremely Popular - Why?

mtraininjax · October 15, 2009, 09:33:21 AM

QuoteCity's personality as a whole: lacking creativity, vision, thoughtfulness, effort, sophistication, risk-taking, edginess, adventure, investment, character. We like simple, easy, dumbed down, conservative, same-ol' (except for historic buildings), devoid of character, bland, on-the-cheap, instantly-gratifying approaches.

Well, yeah, of course, look at the history of the education system in Jacksonville? We had the world's busiest train station in 1920, but it took until the 60s to have a University. For so long our main industry was ship building, logs, and terpentine. What education did you need to hammer a nail into a board? Or move logs down the river? Or change sap into fuel?

We are a simple town, we may never be as fancy as Tampa or Miami in terms of culture or edginess, but while part of me wishes for it, the other part enjoys the simpleness of Jacksonville.

north miami · October 15, 2009, 10:04:45 AM

When out in the area woods I like to open the ice chest,announce "how about a pilsner!!?" and hand 'dem boys a Heinekin.....one of 'dem socialist beers.They look at the bottle as if it is bomb.

civil42806 · October 15, 2009, 10:09:52 AM

Quote from: north miami on October 15, 2009, 10:04:45 AM
When out in the area woods I like to open the ice chest,announce "how about a pilsner!!?" and hand 'dem boys a Heinekin.....one of 'dem socialist beers.They look at the bottle as if it is bomb.

Actually they are looking at it and thinking, "you drink this crap"

north miami · October 15, 2009, 11:31:10 AM

now civil that wasn't very civil of you...........your response is perfect reinforcement.
No, they would not know whether it is as bad as you suggest because they would never ever try it.

Captain Zissou · October 15, 2009, 11:41:01 AM

It may not be as bad as civil suggests, but it's certainly not as good as you suggest, North Miami. Have a bottle of Stone Ruination or Harpoon Leviathan to open your eyes to some real beers.

civil42806 · October 15, 2009, 12:10:49 PM

Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 15, 2009, 11:41:01 AM
It may not be as bad as civil suggests, but it's certainly not as good as you suggest, North Miami. Have a bottle of Stone Ruination or Harpoon Leviathan to open your eyes to some real beers.

Mmmmmmm Abita IPA

Dog Walker · October 15, 2009, 01:47:17 PM

To slant back to part of the subject; which is worse, chain restaurants or chain beer? Jeeze, I'm old enough to remember when Heineken was the ONLY alternative, better tasting choice. Times have changed for the better!

jlehr · October 20, 2009, 12:30:31 PM

Quote from: Dog Walker on October 15, 2009, 01:47:17 PM
To slant back to part of the subject; which is worse, chain restaurants or chain beer? Jeeze, I'm old enough to remember when Heineken was the ONLY alternative, better tasting choice. Times have changed for the better!

I've heard Yuengling called a "fancy import" though it's actually still American (unlike Bud/Miller/Coors) and the same price as Bud. Let alone trying to get some people to sample a microbrew...

blizz01 · October 20, 2009, 03:52:33 PM

Philly's Yuengling & Boston's Sam Adams are the new American "Big Boys" - Actually, Yuengling is touted as America's oldest brewer.

jlehr · October 21, 2009, 08:32:53 AM

Quote from: blizz01 on October 20, 2009, 03:52:33 PM
Actually, Yuengling is touted as America's oldest brewer.

Yeah, I don't understand how someone could miss that...

copperfiend · October 21, 2009, 08:35:07 AM

Anybody want to meet up for a Miller Lite and some mozerella sticks at TGI Friday's? How about a Bud Light and cheese fries at Chili's? Coors Light and chicken fingers at Applebee's?

Dog Walker · October 21, 2009, 09:18:58 AM

Oh god! And I've just finished breakfast!

Captain Zissou · October 21, 2009, 09:57:33 AM

For cheap tasty beer, try Shiner Bock! As cheap as bud light and as tasty as something legitimate. I am all against chains, but boy do I love Chick Fil A.

Ernest Street · October 21, 2009, 10:03:57 AM

Capt Z, do you realize how much more money they would make if the sandwiches were $1.99 and they were open on sundays? (I would buy a 4 pack every sunday!)

xian1118 · October 21, 2009, 10:20:03 AM

Quote from: thekillingwax on August 23, 2009, 12:25:25 AM
And you'd be amazed at how many people in Jacksonville and elsewhere DO list their favorite restaurant as a chain place. The little places always win in the folio but it caters to a different demographic than most of the town. If the Times Union did a big poll as to the best place to eat in town, I'd bet you'd see some chain place like Olive Garden as the winner.

This issue came up at lunch with some colleagues last week - why are chain restaurants so popular? (Aside from the many great reasons posted here) Someone made the comment "Jacksonville is still in the stage where we (as residents) are proud to have chain restaurants." Couldn't be more true. While I do believe it is good to have the chains, particularly the upper echelon chains as the city establishes itself as a business relocation and tourism destination (sporting events such as The Players, Florida-Georgia, Gator Bowl, etc), I think it is more important to have established local restaurants as part of our cultural identity. The best part about entertaining someone in your hometown, whether it be friends, family, or business, is taking them to a great local restaurant that leaves a memorable impression and spreads via word of mouth.