Celebrating America's grotesque obsession with food chains.

Hottotty · 09-24-2008, 10:32 AM

Hi AMN!

I was pretty grossed out just two seconds ago to see that there's like a bajillion pizza chains in America. What is the deal with the chain restaurant? Do people really need focus-group-tested demographic-targeting entrees? Some are so obviously on the menu to satisfy a certain group of people, you can almost tell the waiter, "I'll have the bitter middle-aged wife trying to lose twenty pounds so I can have an affair, please."

I always feel when I'm in one of those places, with the wacky-but-sophisticated decor and the salespeople waitstaff who always try to upsell, I just want to shoot myself. You feed your belly and starve your spirit.

Amirite?

(The answer's yes, btw)

MAX · 09-24-2008, 10:40 AM

I think it has to do with familiarity. I'd say chain's cost less too, but dominoes (for example) proves that theory otherwise. So I dunno. One of the things I like about Boston and Manhattan is that there is more emphasis on the non-chain restraurants (Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks excluded...but I almost never go to those places). Lately, though, I've been craving food from the chain's... like dominoes... over their small non-chain equivalents.

I don't know. If your not careful with your eating habits, I feel that you're going to gain that 20 lbs regardless if you go to a chain restaurant or not...

goddamit, now I want pizza.

Smokey · 09-24-2008, 11:35 AM

I think you're overreacting. A LOT. Besides, at least with chain restaraunts you know basically what you're gonna get regardless of what location you go to. If every one of them were run by a different entity, sure there would be a lot of variety, but people aren't really that fond of change, is what it boils down to I think.

blokeymon · 09-24-2008, 11:40 AM

What I find disgusting is the lack of solidarity when it comes to who gets served.

I mean, alcohol is bad for you, as is fast food.

When you go into a bar, if you're drunk, they refuse to serve you any more alcohol.

When you go to McDonalds, if you're fat, they will still serve you more fast food!

Where's the solidarity? Some people just need to be told "No, fattie, you've had too much. Go hit the salad bar across town, and jog there, don't get a taxi.".

NOTE: I can say that, cos I'm fat, and I admit it, but at least I'm trying to get my chubby ass in shape.

**HGW XX/7** · 09-24-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blokeymon

What I find disgusting is the lack of solidarity when it comes to who gets served.

I mean, alcohol is bad for you, as is fast food.

When you go into a bar, if you're drunk, they refuse to serve you any more alcohol.

When you go to McDonalds, if you're fat, they will still serve you more fast food!

Where's the solidarity? Some people just need to be told "No, fattie, you've had too much. Go hit the salad bar across town, and jog there, don't get a taxi.".

NOTE: I can say that, cos I'm fat, and I admit it, but at least I'm trying to get my chubby ass in shape.

I approve this message.

Rensa · 09-24-2008, 12:16 PM

Ehhh... I don't mind fast food every now and then, but most of the time when I want a meal I'd rather go to a cafe with a decent menu - not too expensive, but some decent, interesting food, ya know?

Then again, Maccas has this awesome chicken burger ATM... *drools*

Hottotty · 09-24-2008, 12:26 PM

I used to not really mind going to these sorts of chains. Over time it just started to feel so... heartless and transparent. I wouldn't say I've been to everything from Applebee's to Zaxby's, but I've been to a few. I still like those peculiar hashbrowns at Waffle Hut or whatever that place is called.

Akshly, Applebee's in Canada at least had Stella Artois on tap when I went there, so they get +1 Defense.

Whenever I visit my auntie in Royal Oak she's like, if it isn't The Cheesecake Factory or whatever, she's not having lunch. I don't care that they put blue-cheese stuffed olives in my martini, I HATE that place. I love the drink, but I HATE that place.

And I hate Bob Evans. Like sitting in a senior's bingo hall.