To not resurrect an old thread, so I decided to just open a new one as it is similar to the restaurants on the road chain.
I am currently in Kansas and just finished a trip down to DFW and was in TX and OK for a few days, and found a restaurant chain in both Kansas and Oklahoma, called Braums. They have a neon pink and blue sign at night and the one I did visit had a little convenience store inside of it with a fast food area serving burgers and dogs along with ice cream.
To all of you who live in Kansas and Oklahoma, I must say you have something real good. I am glad I stopped at one as I have seen dozens of them all along i-35 from Kansas to the Texas Line.
BTW this is not just to advertise a specific chain, but all who want to rant about new restaurants that are not in your hometown or state, but you like when in other regions of the nation or even world for the overseas road geek.
I didn't know Church's Chicken existed up until last year.
Denny's and IHOP were actually new things for me when I started traveling outside of Québec.
Whataburger, Freddie's, Cook-Out, Friendly's, Hoss's Steak & Sea, Eat-n-Park, Tudor's Biscuit World, Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti, to name a few. I haven't eaten at all of them, however.
Sonic (Bowling Green, KY)
Burgerville (Portland)
Zippy's (Hawaii)
Zaxby's (Huntsville)
Fatburger (Santa Barbara area)
Shake Shacks have recently popped up all over here. I really don't see what the big deal is.
PDQ (Wake Forest, NC, along US-1 on my way back from Florida)
Biscuitville (Salisbury, NC, along I-85 on a trip to Atlanta)
Zaxby's (Columbia, SC, along SC-60 while in town visiting family)
Probably one of the first chains we discovered while on the road was Cracker Barrel before it expanded outside of the Southeast. I'm also am glad to have experienced many of the Pennsylvania-based chains (Sheetz, Hoss's, Quaker Steak, Eat'n Park) on my travels to that state. I also got to experience Zaxby's while on a road trip, and I'll probably discover a few more while on my Charlotte trip later this month.
In general order of discovery...
Little Caesars, northern Michigan, late 1970s
Hardees, Knoxville, early 80s
Sonic, some small town in Arkansas, early 90s
Whataburger, same trip, in Oklahoma
Jack in the Box, St Louis
Happy Chef, Iowa or Minnesota
Ted's Hot Dogs, Buffalo
Culver's, Wisconsin
Krystal, Mississippi
Tudor's, West Virginia
Zaxby's, southern Georgia
Ivar's, Seattle
L&L Hawaiian BBQ, California
Jollibee, California
Harvey's, Ontario
Bojangles, North Carolina
Cook Out, Virginia
Gino's, Baltimore
Shipley Do-Nuts, Houston
Add to those a few others I knew about before visiting and actively sought out once I got to their territory (In-N-Out, Arctic Circle, Burgerville, Pal's, Shake Shack).
Chains I like that I discovered outside Virginia/S. Carolina:
Culver's (midwest)
Sonny's BBQ (deep south)
Tropical Pollo (Florida)
Shari's (similar to Dennys or Shoneys) northwest
Tim Hortons
Opa! Souvlaki (large Canadian cities Ontario and westward)
Al Basha (Louisiana)
Hungry Howies (scattered)
Nandos
Pret A Manger (largest cities)
Cabana (Texas)
Smithfield's BBQ (NC)
Miami Subs (mostly Florida)
D'Angelo Subs (New England)
Woody's BBQ (mostly Florida)
Canes Chicken Fingers
Mike
I gravitate towards Cane's, In-and-Out, Taco Cabana, Culver's, Tim Horton's, Rudy's, and Hoss's if I see them and I'm without any local suggestions.
I wasn't terribly impressed with Braum's, but the two locations I've stopped at had convenience stores attached to them, which helps if you want something for later.
While I can't remember all of them off hand, Bojangles is one that sticks in my mind. I finally hit a Zaxby's as well.
When I was down in Florida back in 2008, I first discovered Steak N Shake. When we went back down to DC in 2010, we tried finding one but it was closed. :angry:
Steak n Shake on the PA Turnpike.
Atomic Burger on the Atlantic City Boardwalk (something like that - I don't know what other locations).
Quote from: US 41 on July 01, 2015, 09:59:26 PM
I didn't know Church's Chicken existed up until last year.
There has been one in downtown Petersburg for a long while. Considering the crime issues in that area, I am not sure how that one stays open.
Probably the most surprising chain I have found was Graeter's ice cream (from what I understand a chain based in Ohio). The only reason my friends and I went is because a friend we went to see begged us to try it.
I just re-read the thread title, and I was re-imagining it to go like this:
Concrete Barrier > Tractor Trailer > Steel guardrail > Cars > Two-Legged Big Green Signs > Wooden Posts > Motorists > Birds > Bugs
Southern Maid Doughnuts in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Dixie Inn, LA. These doughnuts are so good they will make you puke anytime you see a Krispy Kreme or a DD. Also in Shreveport... Strawn's Eat Shop.
Lambert's in Foley, AL, Ozark & Sikeston, MO. Home of the throwed rolls.
I had Checker's/Rally's for the first time on Monday. I thought the burger was good but the fries were unspectacular.
Too many to count for me, but some that I discovered in travels and stick with include Firehouse, Zaxby's, and Raising Cane's. I already knew about some others, like In-N-Out and Five Guys before I first was able to try them while traveling.
A little variation on this is my experience with Hot Harry's Burritos, which has several locations in the Capital District and Berkshires, and one out in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We go all the time locally, so when passing through Cedar Rapids a couple years ago, we just had to give it a try and mentioned that we'd been to most of the NY and MA locations. The person working was not nearly as impressed as I thought he should be..
Quote from: formulanone on July 02, 2015, 05:52:04 PM
I just re-read the thread title, and I was re-imagining it to go like this:
Concrete Barrier > Tractor Trailer > Steel guardrail > Cars > Two-Legged Big Green Signs > Wooden Posts > Motorists > Birds > Bugs
Yes, every time this is how it reads to me.
Quote from: cjk374 on July 02, 2015, 06:06:20 PM
Southern Maid Doughnuts in Shreveport, Bossier City, and Dixie Inn, LA. These doughnuts are so good they will make you puke anytime you see a Krispy Kreme or a DD.
Good one...wish I could have been in Shreveport after 4 when they're hot, but even the not as fresh examples they sold me at 11 am were still far better than most donuts I've ever had.
Chains we don't have here, to my knowledge:
We went over the sub chains in another thread, and I can say I see no difference between Penn Station, Smiling Moose, Firehouse, Quizno's, and probably something else I'm forgetting. At least only Penn Station posts the error "East Coast Subs" on their sign (this chain dreck is not what is native to this coast).
I have been to Schlotszky's Deli and... is it Fazoli's? a couple of times, and both were pretty lame.
I have been to a Carl's Jr. exactly once, ten years ago, and I remember the toppings and burger seeming remarkably fresh.
I have been to Captain (Cap'n?) D's once, which will likely remain my lifetime total.
I finally ate at a St.-Hubert in the past few years, but for the life of me I can't remember much about it.
Quote from: roadman65 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:14 PM
I am currently in Kansas and just finished a trip down to DFW and was in TX and OK for a few days, and found a restaurant chain in both Kansas and Oklahoma, called Braums. They have a neon pink and blue sign at night and the one I did visit had a little convenience store inside of it with a fast food area serving burgers and dogs along with ice cream.
To all of you who live in Kansas and Oklahoma, I must say you have something real good. I am glad I stopped at one as I have seen dozens of them all along i-35 from Kansas to the Texas Line.
Braum's is awesome. Their food seems to be very like-it-or-hate-it–I like it, but I know several people that hate it–but the mini-grocery is a wonderful thing. I used to live within walking distance of one and it was very nice to be able to pop in and grab a few things.
But. The milk. Oh, my goodness, the milk. You are lucky you did not drink any of the milk while you were there. Once you taste Braum's milk, you simply can't go back to the stuff at the grocery store.
P.S. They have locations in southwest Missouri as well. Springfield is about the far end of their range. I don't know if they have any Texas locations, but they might.
Before I fled New York and moved to Florida and now Georgia, there a several chains I had never seen before:
Waffle House
Church's Chicken
Bojangles
Krispy Kreme (before it became a phenomenon and since it retracted)
In-And-Out
Sonic
Chick-Fil-A (everyone who buys there chicken seems to go bananas over it)
Zaxby's (started to see these when I moved to middle Georgia)
Huddle House (couple exist in Milledgeville, folks here tell me it is a kind of Waffle House)
Checkers
I have never eaten at any of them.
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 03, 2015, 12:38:05 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:14 PM
I am currently in Kansas and just finished a trip down to DFW and was in TX and OK for a few days, and found a restaurant chain in both Kansas and Oklahoma, called Braums. They have a neon pink and blue sign at night and the one I did visit had a little convenience store inside of it with a fast food area serving burgers and dogs along with ice cream.
To all of you who live in Kansas and Oklahoma, I must say you have something real good. I am glad I stopped at one as I have seen dozens of them all along i-35 from Kansas to the Texas Line.
Braum's is awesome. Their food seems to be very like-it-or-hate-it–I like it, but I know several people that hate it–but the mini-grocery is a wonderful thing. I used to live within walking distance of one and it was very nice to be able to pop in and grab a few things.
But. The milk. Oh, my goodness, the milk. You are lucky you did not drink any of the milk while you were there. Once you taste Braum's milk, you simply can't go back to the stuff at the grocery store.
P.S. They have locations in southwest Missouri as well. Springfield is about the far end of their range. I don't know if they have any Texas locations, but they might.
My wife and I love this place. My in-laws live in Oklahoma City, and we always manage a few visits to Braum's during our visits. We also stop at one in Springfield on the way home to Michigan for lunch.. Good stuff.
There's a few in the northern Dallas area, at least. I've been to one in Plano and there's one in Carrollton too.
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 03, 2015, 12:38:05 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 01, 2015, 09:38:14 PM
I am currently in Kansas and just finished a trip down to DFW and was in TX and OK for a few days, and found a restaurant chain in both Kansas and Oklahoma, called Braums. They have a neon pink and blue sign at night and the one I did visit had a little convenience store inside of it with a fast food area serving burgers and dogs along with ice cream.
To all of you who live in Kansas and Oklahoma, I must say you have something real good. I am glad I stopped at one as I have seen dozens of them all along i-35 from Kansas to the Texas Line.
Braum's is awesome. Their food seems to be very like-it-or-hate-it—I like it, but I know several people that hate it—but the mini-grocery is a wonderful thing. I used to live within walking distance of one and it was very nice to be able to pop in and grab a few things.
But. The milk. Oh, my goodness, the milk. You are lucky you did not drink any of the milk while you were there. Once you taste Braum's milk, you simply can't go back to the stuff at the grocery store.
P.S. They have locations in southwest Missouri as well. Springfield is about the far end of their range. I don't know if they have any Texas locations, but they might.
There are also a couple of locations in Western Arkansas. I think Alma is about as far east as they go, but there are a couple in Fort Smith and NWA.
You're 100% right about the milk.
I have not eaten at this place and do not plan to do so. I recall seeing a couple of these in Jacksonville on a football trip back in 1991, so I assume it's a local chain. My two friends and I couldn't stop laughing. On a later football trip in 2008 I found at least one of them is still there. I just love the name.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FRoad%2520sign%2520pictures%2F8a85fc2a.jpg&hash=c575b162936e702a697c143bc4d76d971a16945f)
Just checked the Braum's store directory online, and they pretty much are in the panhandle/Red River/DFW areas. None on the list south of Athens, Corsicana, or Ennis.
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 03, 2015, 09:08:54 AM
I have not eaten at this place and do not plan to do so. I recall seeing a couple of these in Jacksonville on a football trip back in 1991, so I assume it's a local chain. My two friends and I couldn't stop laughing. On a later football trip in 2008 I found at least one of them is still there. I just love the name.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FRoad%2520sign%2520pictures%2F8a85fc2a.jpg&hash=c575b162936e702a697c143bc4d76d971a16945f)
"Chinee" is a politically incorrect term, but I believe primarily as a noun and uncommon since the 19th century or so. Cracks me up that it has this little bit of slightly embarrassing resurrection.
I first discovered Pizza Ranch around the turn of the millennium in various smaller eastern Iowa cities with populations of 2,000-5,000. They've expanded a lot over the last five years and are now in 13 states -- I was surprised to see one in Kansas City a couple of years ago.
Harris Teeter in North Carolina. If you're from the Buffalo area it's much like Tops.
Oh, how could I forget National Coney Island? Whenever I'm changing planes in Detroit I use the flight delay to get whatever they call their ground-beef-in-a-hot-dog-roll thing. The seasoning is delicious, that sort of sweet Greek seasoning the chili has at Skyline and at hot dog places in New Jersey.
And while we're at it, Skyline Chili!
I'd forgotten about Braum's. I ate at one the night I had to stay in Springfield, Mo., a couple of years ago when I had to leave my car there to have it fixed.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 02, 2015, 04:12:29 PM
Quote from: US 41 on July 01, 2015, 09:59:26 PM
I didn't know Church's Chicken existed up until last year.
There has been one in downtown Petersburg for a long while. Considering the crime issues in that area, I am not sure how that one stays open.
They stay open in Detroit. And in some pretty sketchy areas too.
I just found out that there are Tim Hortons everywhere in Ontario last week.
Quote from: US 41 on July 18, 2015, 07:30:24 PM
I just found out that there are Tim Hortons everywhere in Ontario last week.
Timmies are everywhere in Canada and Northern New York (and other states). There are at least two within biking distance from my house, and three at my university. There are so many Canadians in Florida, I heard that they opened one there.
https://www.google.ca/maps/search/tim+hortons+canada/@50.861618,-98.4553102,5z
Runza (Nebraska)
Taco Time (Utah, though there is one in Iowa and now at least one in Chicagoland)
Taco Casa (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Taco Cabana (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Whataburger (Texas)
Grandys (sp?) (Oklahoma - did not have time to try them though)
Skyline Chili (Indiana and Ohio)
Gold Star Chili (Ohio and Kentucky - haven't tried them yet either)
Hot Head Burritos (on a logo sign on I-75 near Covington, KY - would like to try someday as well)
Some Mexican place near Joplin, MO that I can't recall the name of and haven't tried yet, but remember looking up later that day and finding out they were a local chain
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 18, 2015, 07:58:19 PM
Quote from: US 41 on July 18, 2015, 07:30:24 PM
I just found out that there are Tim Hortons everywhere in Ontario last week.
Timmies are everywhere in Canada and Northern New York (and other states). There are at least two within biking distance from my house, and three at my university. There are so many Canadians in Florida, I heard that they opened one there.
https://www.google.ca/maps/search/tim+hortons+canada/@50.861618,-98.4553102,5z
There are at least two Tim Hortons in Florida–one in the Florida Panthers' arena in Sunrise and another in the Tampa Bay Lightning's arena in Tampa. The latter is open only during games. The website doesn't have the same caveat as to the former, so maybe it's more readily open (perhaps it's accessible from outside?). I'd check it out when we're down there for Christmas visiting relatives in Pembroke Pines except I know I'll never remember this thread.
http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/ (http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/)
Here's a map of apparently every Tim Horton's location in the world. They seem to be concentrating their American expansion in the eastern half of the country. The eastern Great Lakes region has the vast majority. I wouldn't be surprised if New Hampshire and Massachusetts get a Tim Horton's in the near future. The competition from Dunkin might make further New England expansion a bit difficult though.
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 09:44:11 AM
http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/ (http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/)
Here's a map of apparently every Tim Horton's location in the world. They seem to be concentrating their American expansion in the eastern half of the country. The eastern Great Lakes region has the vast majority. I wouldn't be surprised if New Hampshire and Massachusetts get a Tim Horton's in the near future. The competition from Dunkin might make further New England expansion a bit difficult though.
Timmy's already tried (and failed) in Southern New England when they took over the (original) Bess Eaton stores. Honey Dew is another regional chain that challenges Dunkin, and the only Krispy Kreme remnant is at Mohegan Sun casino. If anything, BK should incorporate a Timmy's menu for breakfast, including the coffee.
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 18, 2015, 10:16:11 PM
Runza (Nebraska)
Taco Time (Utah, though there is one in Iowa and now at least one in Chicagoland)
Taco Casa (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Taco Cabana (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Whataburger (Texas)
Grandys (sp?) (Oklahoma - did not have time to try them though)
Skyline Chili (Indiana and Ohio)
Gold Star Chili (Ohio and Kentucky - haven't tried them yet either)
Hot Head Burritos (on a logo sign on I-75 near Covington, KY - would like to try someday as well)
Some Mexican place near Joplin, MO that I can't recall the name of and haven't tried yet, but remember looking up later that day and finding out they were a local chain
Skyline and Gold Star are about the same. If you didn't like one, you probably won't like the other.
Fatz - Carolinas
Zaxby's - Georgia
Cotton Patch - Texas
Culver's - Wisconsin
Quaker Steak and Lube - Pennsylvania (has since become common in my area)
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on July 19, 2015, 01:46:24 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 09:44:11 AM
http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/ (http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/)
Here's a map of apparently every Tim Horton's location in the world. They seem to be concentrating their American expansion in the eastern half of the country. The eastern Great Lakes region has the vast majority. I wouldn't be surprised if New Hampshire and Massachusetts get a Tim Horton's in the near future. The competition from Dunkin might make further New England expansion a bit difficult though.
Timmy's already tried (and failed) in Southern New England when they took over the (original) Bess Eaton stores. Honey Dew is another regional chain that challenges Dunkin, and the only Krispy Kreme remnant is at Mohegan Sun casino. If anything, BK should incorporate a Timmy's menu for breakfast, including the coffee.
I'm surprised that Timmy's is doing well enough to have multiple locations in Maine. The only time I've heard Mainers talk about Tim Horton's, it was to reference how terrible they felt their coffee was.
And Honey Dew doesn't extend too far north. There are none in Maine at all and only two in southern NH. Dunkin seems to reign supreme in northern New England with maybe token opposition from Starbucks. I literally have a 10 mile commute to work and I pass two Dunkins within that 10 mile drive.
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 09:36:17 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on July 19, 2015, 01:46:24 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 19, 2015, 09:44:11 AM
http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/ (http://insidetimmies.com/2014/07/05/google-maps-shows-every-single-tim-hortons-location-around-the-world/)
Here's a map of apparently every Tim Horton's location in the world. They seem to be concentrating their American expansion in the eastern half of the country. The eastern Great Lakes region has the vast majority. I wouldn't be surprised if New Hampshire and Massachusetts get a Tim Horton's in the near future. The competition from Dunkin might make further New England expansion a bit difficult though.
Timmy's already tried (and failed) in Southern New England when they took over the (original) Bess Eaton stores. Honey Dew is another regional chain that challenges Dunkin, and the only Krispy Kreme remnant is at Mohegan Sun casino. If anything, BK should incorporate a Timmy's menu for breakfast, including the coffee.
I'm surprised that Timmy's is doing well enough to have multiple locations in Maine. The only time I've heard Mainers talk about Tim Horton's, it was to reference how terrible they felt their coffee was.
And Honey Dew doesn't extend too far north. There are none in Maine at all and only two in southern NH. Dunkin seems to reign supreme in northern New England with maybe token opposition from Starbucks. I literally have a 10 mile commute to work and I pass two Dunkins within that 10 mile drive.
I had a 9 mile drive from my old apartment to work and passed 10 Dunkins along the way.
Tim Horton's actually built new locations in Mass in the late 90s, typically next to Wendy's because Wendy's owned the chain at the time. This was before taking over the former Bess Eaton locations.
In Rhode Island, many (all?) of those former Bess Eaton locations are now Marylou's, a chain that originated on the South Shore of Mass.
Bess Eaton has also revived themselves with four locations in southern RI. Their iced coffee is leaps and bounds better than Dunkins, IMHO.
I'm usually not a fan of chain restaurants, but I really wish Wagamama would expand into the US beyond the token locations in the Boston area. And Nandos Peri-Peri is one of my favorite drunk food spots. I was really happy when they finally opened up some in DC.
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Quote from: exit322 on July 19, 2015, 09:06:31 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 18, 2015, 10:16:11 PM
Runza (Nebraska)
Taco Time (Utah, though there is one in Iowa and now at least one in Chicagoland)
Taco Casa (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Taco Cabana (Dallas - Fort Worth area in Texas)
Whataburger (Texas)
Grandys (sp?) (Oklahoma - did not have time to try them though)
Skyline Chili (Indiana and Ohio)
Gold Star Chili (Ohio and Kentucky - haven't tried them yet either)
Hot Head Burritos (on a logo sign on I-75 near Covington, KY - would like to try someday as well)
Some Mexican place near Joplin, MO that I can't recall the name of and haven't tried yet, but remember looking up later that day and finding out they were a local chain
Skyline and Gold Star are about the same. If you didn't like one, you probably won't like the other.
I've found them to be about the same but have been told this is some kind of blasphemy. I like them both just fine.
Quote from: realjd on July 20, 2015, 09:03:33 AM
Nandos Peri-Peri is one of my favorite drunk food spots. I was really happy when they finally opened up some in DC.
To my knowledge, the ones in the DC area are the only ones in the US. I've wanted to go to one for years now, but I haven't had a bigger reason to go to DC.
Quote from: exit322 on July 19, 2015, 09:06:31 PM
Skyline and Gold Star are about the same. If you didn't like one, you probably won't like the other.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:08:41 AM
I've found them to be about the same but have been told this is some kind of blasphemy. I like them both just fine.
I was about to say: Them are fightin' words to some people. But count me in the "can't really tell any difference" category. At least Gold Star is closer than Skyline. There's a Gold Star in Lexington. You have to drive north to Dry Ridge to find a Skyline.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
This, I agree with (sorry, I don't drink coffee, so I don't know about that comparison).
Quote from: Takumi on July 20, 2015, 11:46:35 AM
Quote from: realjd on July 20, 2015, 09:03:33 AM
Nandos Peri-Peri is one of my favorite drunk food spots. I was really happy when they finally opened up some in DC.
To my knowledge, the ones in the DC area are the only ones in the US. I've wanted to go to one for years now, but I haven't had a bigger reason to go to DC.
There is
no bigger reason to go to DC than this:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbaysidejournal.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Flfuup.jpg&hash=ddcc1a5d65ed50e281299e6d5c58193c8f9a3d50)
:-P
Fatburger
In'n'Out
El Pollo Loco
Del Taco
BJ's Steakhouse
Elephant Bar
- all in Los Angeles area
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
And the current reincarnation of Dunkin is a pathetic substitute for the Dunkin I grew up with (late 80s/early 90s). I rather have a doughnut from Hy-vee.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 21, 2015, 10:40:47 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
Not quite - would you try to find a dunkin in Moscow?
If you do, you deserve a medal.
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 21, 2015, 10:44:10 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 21, 2015, 10:40:47 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
Not quite - would you try to find a dunkin in Moscow?
If you do, you deserve a medal.
When you're traveling domestically, at least.
But when I'm in Canada (for instance), I'd seek out a Harvey's because I've eaten there before and I know its menu items and quality. There are WAY too many bad local places to just blindly go to one. Yelp might be of some help but depending on how long your road trip is, that's a lot of pre-planning.
That being said, when I'm in my town, I eat at my local eateries and shop at local businesses.
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 21, 2015, 10:40:47 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
Except that's not true at all. The coffee tastes different in other parts of the country because the water tastes different in other parts of the country.
Quote from: DaBigE on July 20, 2015, 11:16:57 PMAnd the current reincarnation of Dunkin is a pathetic substitute for the Dunkin I grew up with (late 80s/early 90s). I rather have a doughnut from Hy-vee.
I have fond memories of sitting at the counter of Dunkin' Donuts eating chili from a ceramic bowl, drinking a soda from a washable and reusable plastic cup. And this was as recent as the 1980s.
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 21, 2015, 10:40:47 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
I'll agree with you — this consistency makes it possible to immediately rule out Dunkin' Donuts in other parts of the country, too.
I lived in Russia for most of 1995. I often thought of opening a doughnut shop there.
When I got back to the U.S., I learned Dunkin was already set to go in Moscow.
C'est la vie
Quote from: spooky on July 21, 2015, 11:21:29 AM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on July 21, 2015, 10:40:47 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
Most chains have objectively bad food. I would happily choose a local place over a chain every time.
But chains are at least reliable. I know that a Dunkin in Portland, Maine is going to be the same (or relatively same) as one in Madison, Wisconsin. When you're traveling, that's important.
Except that's not true at all. The coffee tastes different in other parts of the country because the water tastes different in other parts of the country.
Dunkin or a coffee place is probably a bad example for that. I'm not a big coffee guy but I would imagine that they at least taste similar, right?
McDonalds is roughly the same no matter where you go, ditto for most fast food places. A Big Mac in Boston is going to taste the same (or close to the same) as a Big Mac in Detroit. I've eaten at a McDonalds in both places and haven't noticed much of a difference. Maybe I just have dull taste buds or something.
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
Quote from: corco on July 21, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
McDonald's vary greatly from country to country, at least:
http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/crazy-meals-mcdonalds-menus-around-world.html
Quote from: corco on July 21, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
At the one I worked at, they were very anal about throwing out old fries the second the quality timer expired. But they didn't give two shits about how long beef or chicken went past the recommended time.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 21, 2015, 04:41:34 PM
Quote from: corco on July 21, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
McDonald's vary greatly from country to country, at least:
http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/crazy-meals-mcdonalds-menus-around-world.html
All American fast food chains vary from country to country. In my experience they generally serve higher quality food outside of North America. KFC in particular has a very different (and better IMO) product overseas.
I generally avoid fast food while traveling internationally, but especially if I'm driving somewhere the convenience of it wins out over my desire to avoid American food - which I can get at home - overseas.
Quote from: english si on July 20, 2015, 04:58:51 PM
Quote from: Takumi on July 20, 2015, 11:46:35 AM
Quote from: realjd on July 20, 2015, 09:03:33 AM
Nandos Peri-Peri is one of my favorite drunk food spots. I was really happy when they finally opened up some in DC.
To my knowledge, the ones in the DC area are the only ones in the US. I've wanted to go to one for years now, but I haven't had a bigger reason to go to DC.
There is no bigger reason to go to DC than this:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbaysidejournal.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Flfuup.jpg&hash=ddcc1a5d65ed50e281299e6d5c58193c8f9a3d50)
:-P
Nandos just opened up in Chicago also. I keep hoping Nandos and Wagamama come to Orlando given the number of British tourists, although I expect realistically that we're low on the list.
Speaking of UK chains, I've had generally good experience at Wetherspoons pubs. The ones I've been to all have a good beer list and better than usual pub foods. I get the impression that it's basically the UK version of TGI Fridays or Chilis, but that's my go-to pub chain over there if I'm too lazy to find something actually local.
Quote from: realjd on July 21, 2015, 06:45:56 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 21, 2015, 04:41:34 PM
Quote from: corco on July 21, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
McDonald's vary greatly from country to country, at least:
http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/crazy-meals-mcdonalds-menus-around-world.html
All American fast food chains vary from country to country. In my experience they generally serve higher quality food outside of North America. KFC in particular has a very different (and better IMO) product overseas.
I generally avoid fast food while traveling internationally, but especially if I'm driving somewhere the convenience of it wins out over my desire to avoid American food - which I can get at home - overseas.
It is common for rice to be served while going to a KFC or McDonald's in Asia. But, they still have the basics:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb551%2Fslik_sh00ter%2FDSC01652_zps2rvkswpb.jpg&hash=347f8cfe2c8cfe4619c4f23aa7c90aeb9fa4ec36)
Narita Airport, Japan
Quote from: realjd on July 21, 2015, 06:49:14 PMSpeaking of UK chains, I've had generally good experience at Wetherspoons pubs. The ones I've been to all have a good beer list and better than usual pub foods.
I was with you wholeheartedly until 'better than usual pub foods', where I feel I have to add small caveat. It's not bad, and good for the price, and ahead of the chain pubs going for a similar market, but some independent pubs I've been to do as-good and even perhaps-slightly-better food for similar prices (though not as wide a menu) and there's some seriously good food at pubs that aim for a clientele that can and will pay significantly more for a meal.
The drinks are as good as the food - wide variety (except maybe wine?), decent prices, often promotions. Not a lot of pubs that sell a lot of food pull that off.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on July 21, 2015, 07:04:27 PMIt is common for rice to be served while going to a KFC or McDonald's in Asia. But, they still have the basics:
Ketchup is Asian.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 20, 2015, 09:06:29 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 19, 2015, 06:40:47 PM
Honey Dew is a pathetic substitute for Dunkin.
Dunkin, meanwhile, is a pathetic substitute for coffee.
And the donuts are crap compared to the local shops. Another case of mass production perfecting mediocrity.
How 'bout Krispy Kreme? I haven't had it too too often but that is a chain that produces a good donut.
As to answer the question, I remember Carl's Jr before it came to Dallas... it was decent but it's no Whataburger.
I don't remember Krispy Kreme. I had them in the south twenty years ago. When they arrived here ten years or so ago, they were out of business so fast that I only had one once.
Does Krispy Kreme bake/fry in-store? A significant downturn in Dunkin's steady decline was when the donuts stopped being made in the vast majority of the stores.
Yes, they do.
I still don't think they're very good though.
I am quite happy that the Krispy Kreme craze died down. The only thing going for them is that they were served warm enough that the glaze melted on them.
I'll take Duck Donuts anytime. :D
I was completely unimpressed with duck donuts. They just didn't do anything for me.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 21, 2015, 09:51:09 PM
A significant downturn in Dunkin's steady decline was when the donuts stopped being made in the vast majority of the stores.
Dunkin is growing and expanding fairly rapidly, taking on the Western US. There's no 'steady decline' whatsoever of Dunkin Donuts.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 22, 2015, 06:18:04 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 21, 2015, 09:51:09 PM
A significant downturn in Dunkin's steady decline was when the donuts stopped being made in the vast majority of the stores.
Dunkin is growing and expanding fairly rapidly, taking on the Western US. There's no 'steady decline' whatsoever of Dunkin Donuts.
In quality, there most definitely is. Mass-market success via achieving a lowest common denominator is not a great indicator of actual improvement unless you're an accountsnt.
The doughnuts at Dunklin' Donuts usually have some weird ingredient (I'm guessing it's a preservative) that leaves a cloying aftertaste in almost every flavor. The coffee usually tastes watered-down and weak.
I don't get the appeal of it, although if someone else brings a dozen or two, I'll partake and temporarily forget what I just posted.
Quote from: formulanone on July 22, 2015, 07:06:37 AM
The doughnuts at Dunklin' Donuts usually have some weird ingredient (I'm guessing it's a preservative) that leaves a cloying aftertaste in almost every flavor. The coffee usually tastes watered-down and weak.
I don't get the appeal of it, although if someone else brings a dozen or two, I'll partake and temporarily forget what I just posted.
Yes, you have summed it all up nicely.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 22, 2015, 07:31:39 AM
Quote from: formulanone on July 22, 2015, 07:06:37 AM
The doughnuts at Dunklin' Donuts usually have some weird ingredient (I'm guessing it's a preservative) that leaves a cloying aftertaste in almost every flavor. The coffee usually tastes watered-down and weak.
I don't get the appeal of it, although if someone else brings a dozen or two, I'll partake and temporarily forget what I just posted.
Yes, you have summed it all up nicely.
Since I'm younger, Dunkin Donuts have this really great appeal to me and taste sweet. Well, I do have a strong sweet tooth :sombrero:
Makes me wonder if there's a doughnut place that everyone can agree is a great place for doughnuts.
There are a lot of well-established local donut places here, so I might be spoiled. But I do feel Dunkin has come to taste more and more like something out of a box.
Predictably, as they move down the line the hipsters have picked donuts the next food to overthink. The new thing here now is expensive gourmet donuts with things like bacon and bourbon in them. Me, I prefer a simpler product well made.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 22, 2015, 10:00:21 AM
There are a lot of well-established local donut places here, so I might be spoiled.
Spill the beans. Which ones are you talking about?
Quote from: Rothman on July 22, 2015, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 22, 2015, 10:00:21 AM
There are a lot of well-established local donut places here, so I might be spoiled.
Spill the beans. Which ones are you talking about?
Twin Do-Nut in Allston, Mass. Kane's in Saugus. Donuts With a Difference, Medford.
I have never had a Boston Donuts donut, nor a Dippin' Donuts one, but I admire their flirtation with visual trademark infringement.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 22, 2015, 11:36:59 AM
Quote from: Rothman on July 22, 2015, 11:32:26 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 22, 2015, 10:00:21 AM
There are a lot of well-established local donut places here, so I might be spoiled.
Spill the beans. Which ones are you talking about?
Twin Do-Nut in Allston, Mass. Kane's in Saugus. Donuts With a Difference, Medford.
I have never had a Boston Donuts donut, nor a Dippin' Donuts one, but I admire their flirtation with visual trademark infringement.
Thanks for the list!
I found a DD in Huntsville, AL during my trip in March. It was only their 2nd day of operation when I ordered my very 1st DD food. Not impressed with their donuts or other food items, but I was pleasantly surprised that their sweet tea was really good. But then again, anyone who lives down south should know how to make a good pitcher of sweet tea. :bigass:
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 21, 2015, 04:41:34 PM
Quote from: corco on July 21, 2015, 02:28:59 PM
McDonald's is consistent from restaurant to restaurant, but inconsistent from experience to experience. A Big Mac is a Big Mac everywhere, but a Big Mac that has been sitting on the warmer for 20 minutes is not the same as a fresh one, and some franchises are worse about tossing old food than others.
McDonald's vary greatly from country to country, at least:
http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/crazy-meals-mcdonalds-menus-around-world.html
Sure, but here is a quarter pounder meal from McDonald's in Costa Rica.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYBSbIwsl.jpg&hash=fc543eb57672f80df45d52593f7bf43f9e16a823)
It doesn't just look indistinguishable from what you'd get in the US. It also tasted identical to what you'd get in the US. Sure, they had a few difference in the menu, but there were more similarities than differences.
In terms of regional/local chains I enjoy:
In-N-Out (CA, NV, UT)
Burgerville (around Portland)
These billboards they used were always pretty cool:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Caution_Last_Burgerville_for_24%2C800_Miles.jpg/640px-Caution_Last_Burgerville_for_24%2C800_Miles.jpg)
Taco Time (this one's a stretch because they seem to have expanded fairly far and I grew up with it, but it was founded in Oregon and I know they're most common around here)
Taco John's (Mountain West area, based in WY; the one in Nampa recently closed unfortunately)
Five Guys (also a stretch because they're nationwide AFAIK, but I discovered it while we lived in Bend, and the closest one was over 100 miles away in Salem, so we found it while on the road)
Looking for chicken strips last night along US 78/Future I-22 but not finding a Zaxby's, Raising Cane's, or Guthrie's nearby, I found the Tupelo location of Abner's. Not bad. In fact, they tasted almost exactly like the chicken strips I make at home. From their web site, it looks like they currently have 5 locations in Mississippi and one in Tennessee. I hadn't heard of Abner's until looking for food options last night.
How do people feel about eating chains that you don't have close to home? For me that would be Quaker Steak & Lube and Cracker Barrel. I don't have an issue eating those on the road even though they're chains.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 25, 2015, 12:35:15 AM
How do people feel about eating chains that you don't have close to home? For me that would be Quaker Steak & Lube and Cracker Barrel. I don't have an issue eating those on the road even though they're chains.
That describes my relationship with Sheetz.
I've eaten at a number of the regional chains I mentioned in my post upthread (like Freddie's and the one whose name I forget but where I ate in Springfield, Mo.). Have never done Eat 'n' Park. I would like to try Friendly's sometime if I am ever in their area again. I stopped by a Friendly's once but it was jam-packed, and I didn't want to wait.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 25, 2015, 12:35:15 AM
How do people feel about eating chains that you don't have close to home? For me that would be Quaker Steak & Lube and Cracker Barrel. I don't have an issue eating those on the road even though they're chains.
Eat what you like. I usually try to avoid chains (not against it, just prefer something more interesting) but am generally much more open to eating at chains that I don't have at home. Cantina Laredo and PF Changs are two of my favorites. If they opened up here in Melbourne, I'd probably stop eating at them when traveling.
I know this will be an unpopular opinion here, but I really don't get the appeal of a Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans that specialize in "home cooked" style food. If I want that style, I'll just cook it myself. And while they do have decent breakfasts, I much prefer going onto help and finding an interesting local diner or something.
I suppose I should give an update since I took my Charlotte trip. I had lunch Friday at a Bojangles' in Huntersville, NC, then Sunday I lunched at a Krystal in Bristol, VA (got chicken wings instead of their signature sliders). It was interesting that many of the items on the latter's menu board looked to be discontinued. And then for dinner Sunday night in Lexington, I went to Pies & Pints, which has an interesting draft board (although I didn't drink that night) and only eight locations.
Quote from: rawmustard on July 30, 2015, 09:31:45 AMAnd then for dinner Sunday night in Lexington, I went to Pies & Pints, which has an interesting draft board (although I didn't drink that night) and only eight locations.
Here was me expecting a British restaurant, rather than a Pizzaria (probably as we never refer to Pizzas as Pies over this side of the pond).
A nice Chicken and Mushroom:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenhalghs.com%2Fimg%2Fuploads%2Fprod_large%2F1407_Chick_mushroom_pie.jpg&hash=13984f68126dd3cd9353a7c50856ec534370511e)
Steak and Kidney:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsausagekingone.com%2F37-213-large%2Fsteak-kidney-pie-350g.jpg&hash=63687fd8d499465e34c8dfbdc51b885904296abc)
Steak and Ale:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoodtoknow.media.ipcdigital.co.uk%2F111%2F000008120%2Ff614%2FSteak-and-ale-pie-recipe.jpg&hash=50e41df170847b47f725a7a6004c8fb1faf506eb)
and obviously Shepherd's Pie:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schwartz.co.uk%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Frecipe%2520photos%2Fschwartz%2Flamb%2Fshepherds%2520pie%2520recipe%2520mix.ashx&hash=a042b1e1dda05ef3b20016d3f4ea68d4b9a2e5ce)
Good hearty winter fayre. In summer, it's not so good.
Despite that, it looks a decent place, and it's good to see that the 'Pints' part isn't just beer, but also has cider.
Quote from: rawmustard on July 30, 2015, 09:31:45 AMSunday I lunched at a Krystal in Bristol, VA
Basically, a southern White Castle. Few towns have both a Krystal and a White Castle.
QuoteAnd then for dinner Sunday night in Lexington, I went to Pies & Pints, which has an interesting draft board (although I didn't drink that night) and only eight locations.
Not sure that I've ever heard of them.
Back in 1993 there was both a Krystal and a White Castle near Nashville both at the same intersection.
Quote from: realjd on July 25, 2015, 08:57:53 PM
I know this will be an unpopular opinion here, but I really don't get the appeal of a Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans that specialize in "home cooked" style food. If I want that style, I'll just cook it myself. And while they do have decent breakfasts, I much prefer going onto help and finding an interesting local diner or something.
Right, so much of their menus consist of foods that older people give you for free such as macaroni salad and pot roast. I'm not paying for pot roast; pot roast is free!
I believe Cracker Barrel doesn't offer beer either. Big negative in my opinion. Sure, fast-food joints are generally soda-only, but at a sit-down place I find that off-putting.
No beers at Bob's either.
I'm one to almost always enjoy a beer or two with a dinner out, but never really thought about the fact that Cracker Barrel doesn't serve it. Must be because I typically order breakfast there regardless of the time of day.
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 31, 2015, 11:28:49 AM
I believe Cracker Barrel doesn't offer beer either. Big negative in my opinion. Sure, fast-food joints are generally soda-only, but at a sit-down place I find that off-putting.
They're more family-oriented. A lot of sit-down breakfast places tend not to hold a liquor license. Granted, it seems like some bar chains have become family-oriented, even though I like to think of bars as places to get away from children.
I first found In & Out and Jack in the Box in southern California in 2010.
Tim Hortons was a first for me on my 2014 New England road trip.
Some recently newer and upcoming food (and beverage) chains in Missoula that I can remember:
DQ Chill and Grill
IHOP
Big Sky Hooters
A new MacKenzie River Pizza shop on South Reserve across from the new Missoula Fresh Market (formerly Safeway).
A new Domino's Pizza coming soon to sit on the site of the old Ole's Country Store gas station
A new Starbucks location on Brooks Street replacing the old Smokers Friendly/Cenex gas station
Who knows. Maybe some new food chain may take the place of the now closed Brooks Street Staples location next to Hastings (both sitting on the site of the old Tidyman's supermarket). It wasn't too long ago that Buffalo Wild Wings opened a Missoula location along the North Reserve corridor.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 25, 2015, 12:35:15 AM
How do people feel about eating chains that you don't have close to home? For me that would be Quaker Steak & Lube and Cracker Barrel. I don't have an issue eating those on the road even though they're chains.
Are you kidding me? I never eat chains! :bigass: