What is the best widely recognized chain restaurant and why?

Question

What is the best widely recognized chain restaurant and why? Be specific and elaborate which one is the best in your book and why.

I mean best as in the best food, service, atmosphere... whatever makes it the best. McDonald's was not what I had in mind!

Answer 1

I would have to say the Cracker Barrel. Its unique atmosphere that presents a very warm, nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere. In the cooler months they lite their beautiful fireplace. They have lamp oil lamps on every table they lite as well. The ambiance is out of this world.A fabulous gift shop and food and service that goes beyond reproach. My husband and I patronize this chain whenever we travel or just an evening out by ourselves or with company. Many times we will plan our route around the restaurant chain. I especially love their chicken salad sandwich on their grilled sourdough bread. I eat that for lunch everytime. We have yet to be disappointed and have been trading with them for over 25 years.

Answer 2

The Keg Restaurants are pretty big here in Western Canada and Washington State. Great place for steaks and pretty good atmosphere and fun time for all. Earls is also big out here, and popular with under 35 croud. Both of the above have very young and spunky waiters, have large portions, high prices, but excellant quality. The noisy atmosphere appeals to todays youth, not to me, but they are the spenders...most of the cooks are within view at most Earls, and it's entertaining to watch all the activity.

Best steak I have ever had was a huge rib-eye at the Ouback Steakhouse in Spokane Washington. They have many outlets, but not in Vancouver so far and I wonder why. The atmosphere was ho-hum, but the shear volume of selection of steaks and the size of the servings were mind-blowing.

It does seem there are not many chain restaurants aside from fast food like McDonalds, Wendy's, KFC and so on....Denny's is probably the biggest of the non-fast foods and probably the most widely recognised. They have done a good job marketing, and it's easy to notice a Denny's sign from half mile away!

My gut-feeling is that the restaurants in the Eastern US are far better than in the west and better, or at least fanicier than most Canadian restaurants. I have never been there, but watched TV shows of restaurants in Boston, and the whole restaurant scene there seemed incredible with each restaurant specializing and such innovative menues. I love food and feel our restaurants here in Vancouver are good, and great Chinese, but certainly Boston seemed better in Italian and Seafood.

Overall, I prefer restaurants operated by their owners and not chain restaurants, which have some limitations to their own creativity and identity. The food at chain rests are more standard and predictable, but the chefs may not be as well trained.

Answer 3

The most widely recognized chain restaurant is McDonalds.....not sure if you meant the best recognized or the best in food. We all know it's not the best in food. The obvious reasons for it's popularity is the cost and the number of locations. They're everywhere as you well know!

Answer 4

Hey Nido,

My vote is going to the Palm Restaurant. It's been around since the turn of the century, has weathered depression, war, recession and the odd craze of diets that have banished most restaurants from our special event lexicon.

The food is Beef, beef and more beef. Their prices are high. I think the 1 diet thing on the menu is chicken breast or fish. It is old world dining (The place where our rich Uncle would take us to when he came to town).

BUT

They have managers and employees that have been with them for 25-30 years. Presidents and Members of Congress eat there. We finally got one in San Diego this past year. They don't issue coupons, they don't need to! They don't have an early bird or senior dining menu, they don't need one! Children's menu? Why? You're supposed to get a babysitter. They don't have valet parking, it's not part of the dining event! Yet they have nearly 30 restaurants in the United States, alone!

It's not snooty, it's just real good adult dining! I know that if I go there to have a relaxing meal with friends or my wife, I will have just that -- A Relaxing Meal!

That's my vote!

James in San Diego

Answer 5

i like chili's bar and grill. it's become more widely recognized over the past few years throughout the united states and it has a great atmosphere (each restaurant has decor that is from the local area, giving it a very community-oriented feeling). also, the service is usually quick and will accomodate whatever size group you may have (i once had a party of 20 and they did a fantastic job of accomodating us). as far as the food itself, they have great variety...anyone can eat there whether you're on a diet or vegetarian or just want good wholesome food.

Answer 6

McDonald's. Everywhere you go there is bound to be golden arches somewhere. Did you know that they actually put a form of crack in their food so that you get hooked? Actually that was something I just made up but it could be true the way that all of the world loves McDonalds.

Answer 7

McDonald's the the best recognized chain, as it is everywhere, even in Tahiti.

Best in my book? In and Out Burgers. Those are some damn tasty burgers.

Answer 8

The Golden Arch is global. That shouldn't be confused with being the best quality, though!

Answer 9

Ruby Tuesday's - All You Can Eat Salad Bar.

Answer 10

Unfortunately, McDonald's is everywhere worldwide

I don't have a favourite