Quote:
Originally Posted by GREENBACK
This stuff is a major issue in my area. My community is demographically diverse and is a great testing ground for the chain restaurants. There is one of everything here. When I moved here nearly 20 yrs. ago it wasn't quite that way and most restaurants were essentially Mom and Pops. No more. I've seen a ton of places go out of buisness thanks to the chains.
I use to eat at a lot of these places as much for the atmoshere as the food but that is now a thing of the past. There are only a couple of them left and I try to patronize them as much as possible.
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It really is a shame. We're slowly losing the local flavor and regional dishes. Food in New Jersey shouldn't be identical to the food in Texas or California or South Dakota or Tennessee. Years ago, it wasn't like the way it is now. Everything is getting homogenized. Unfortunately, lots of people seem to like it that way. When they travel, they take comfort in eating at the same lousy chain restaurants they eat at when they are home - Chili's, Applebee's, Friday's, Olive Garden, McDonald's, etc. They apparently have no interest in trying new things or having new experiences when it comes to dining. Personally, we think that is an important part of travel.