Regarding Chains

Chain Restaurants. Ugh! I hear you all groaning from here, and I know what you are thinking. There are so many reasons for a foodie to get riled at the thought of eating at a chain restaurant. Drive-thru windows, wrong orders, cold food, bad food, boring food, waiting forever to be seated with black buzzy boxes in hand, hostesses who are of no redeeming value, Sutter Home and Columbia Crest, fake Greek pillars or murals of the Italian countryside, plastic grapes, dusty bottles of olive oil, crayons and kid's menu's, servers with no personality or too much personality, straws in your drink with the paper left on the top, microwaved food that comes in pre-portioned pouches, Manager's with goofy ties, "Would you like to keep your fork?" and other silly questions. The list goes on...and on.

I do get asked the question, usually by people who are not so interested in food, what chain restaurants would I recommend. I will preface this blog post by telling you that I would much rather support a great local restaurant, fancy or casual, who is doing it right, than give my hard-earned money to a chain any day. It is the right thing to do to support your friends and neighbors in this economy. So this question of chains, is painful for me to answer as I feel as though I am betraying my best friends.

But, let's be honest . . .many of the complaints I listed above, could also just as easily happen at one of our locally-owned restaurants. No one is perfect.

I consider it my job to hit all new and existing restaurants in town. Chain or not. I love restaurants. I think they are fascinating in all of their many forms, from food cart to five star. I am always searching for the new or unique restaurant experience or service. I am constantly spotting for the over the top, never-seen-before-ingredient or dish. But more than anything, I am looking for the surprise factor, the one thing they do or make that is truly special and worth buzzing about. Easier to do with locally owned restaurants, and sometimes hard to spot or even expect from chain restaurants. That's why when you do find a chain worth mentioning, you want to mention it. To give them props for getting it right, and because they deserve it.

As a Foodie, and a person who considers herself a passionate patron of the local culinary arts in Kansas City and beyond, I am also human. I am a mother and a wife and I am busy, much like all of you. With our busy work and social schedules, we sometimes turn to chain restaurants to fulfill our basic need to put something in our bellies. Usually, my son Tastie, has something to do with that decision. Do I wish we had time to eat at home, a well balanced meal, made from only the freshest local ingredients? Of course, and honestly with this economy that is more of the norm than the exception these days. 

Let me put it simply, there are some solid chain restaurants, that really do a nice job. Yep, I said it. They are the ones who are managing to keep it personal and those who truly care about the type of food and experience they are delivering. At their very best, these chains can compete with the best of our local restaurants. Remember, these chains didn't just pop-up out of nowhere. Most of them, started out as a single local restaurant. Mom and Pop's that kept growing until they were bought out by larger restaurant companies.

Chains fulfill our convenience needs at a reasonable price. You know what to expect when you walk through the door. If you are intimidated by the unknown or prefer not to risk spending your money on the untried, then chains maybe right for you. There are few surprises and the dish you came to get will most likely taste exactly the same way you remember it from last time. This is true comfort food, a hot trend in an uncertain time.

Having worked as the Marketing Director, for a regional Italian chain for many years, I know why people came back to my restaurants (or not) as John Cloud, wrote in TIME Magazine in an article called In defense of Applebee's,  "(a chain restaurant) doesn't strive to inspire, it strives to never disappoint." A feat, in an of itself. Don't you think? A chain restaurant needs to have good reliable food, fast, friendly servers that know how to quickly refill drinks and ensure orders are correct and they need to have clean bathrooms. Period. There is the secret to owning a successful restaurant. Consistent, quick, competent and clean.

At the end of the day, there are chain restaurants that meet my needs, that I can recommend to you. I am sure you have your favorites, but these are mine, and they are listed in order of fast food to fine dining.

1) Chick-fil-a - How can you not love those adorable cows, who can't spell, begging you to "Eat More Chikin"? A brand with a long family history, and a clever marketing campaign, Chick-fil-a finally opened their first locations Kansas City a few years ago. We had heard the rumors of how good a plain chicken sandwich could be, but didn't believe it until we tasted it for ourselves. With a free sandwich giveaway on opening day, their generous, honest spirit permeates everything including their food. With a strong commitment to their employees and the community they serve, Chick-fil-a is a chain with a heart, and 1,425 locations nationwide. Eat More Chikin', I guess so.

2) Culver's Frozen Custard and Butter Burgers - Any place that claims to sell butter burgers you know is going to do well, because what's not to love about butter? While I am unimpressed with their frozen french fries, I do think their large thinly pressed "lacey" butter burgers with fresh toppings hit the spot. The place feels clean and pleasant and the booths are very comfortable to sit in. I love the one table with the chandelier over it. I even like the fact that there is no playground, so we can sit and talk with our son, versus watching him wolf down his burger to hit the playground. The custard is also a stand-out, nice to find a place where dessert is really worth saving room for. With almost 400 locations nationwide, Culver's serves a better butter burger, for sure.

3) Five Guys Burgers & Fries - This is President Obama's favorite hamburger place. This is a place that came highly recommended by author Andrew Smith, who wrote a book called Hamburger, a global history. With 2 or 3 locations scattered across Kansas City and Lawrence, Five Guys Burgers & Fries opened with no press, no buzz. I accidentally stumbled across them doing some research on Andrew Smith when he was in town promoting his book. They have managed to keep the main thing, THE main thing . . .meaning they only sell burgers and fries, and it only takes 5 guys to run the restaurant. Exactly, as the name implies. Peanuts, to snack on inside the front door to hand cut french fries and hamburgers that automatically come with 2 meat patties on it are the wonderful surprises found at Five Guys. When you want a great juicy burger, a classic burger and fries joint, come here.

4) Chipotle - For a burrito chain that sold a majority stake in it's restaurant to McDonald's Corporation, Chipotle might have been suspect in their "desire to do good food" at one time. But with McDonald's having no stake in the company since October 2006, Chipotle has proven itself a force in the quick casual dining arena. They impress with their industrial decor, efficient streamlined operation and incredibly high food quality. Chipotle promoted the movie FOOD Inc. earlier this year as part of their on-going committement to local food. This summer Chipotle also committed to purchasing at least 35% of at least one bulk produce item in all restuarants from local farmers when it is seasonally available. There are two local farms participating in the Kansas City area. Farmers in Rich Hill, MO are providing local restaurants their green peppers and farms in Stanberry, MO are supplying their jalapenos. All I can say about that is, Ole! Besides, what's not to love about their online ordering system.

5) Pei Wei - Pei Wei is my "go-to" place for a great night out with my family, which is the little sister concept to another favorite of mine, PF Chang's. Pei Wei pleases because for a reasonable price you get a cool modern atmosphere, a bit of a show watching the guys clang woks around and the chance to have a decent glass of wine with my Asian food. The service is what is should be and the food, thankfully, comes out very fast to the table which means you have quick in and out times. I think the food is excellent and the quality of the dishes impressive for the quick casual place it is.

6) NoRTH - A Fox Restaurant Concept, NoRTH is their Northern Italian chain, but they are a chain that operates and acts like an independent restaurant. A wonderful indoor/outdoor patio coupled with an elegant upscale dining room, NoRTH is so flexible. It is a great family place, date night place, out with the girls or boys . . .you name it and NoRTH fits the bill. The food is also another surprise. With specials and a anti pasta platter that changes daily, food is a top priority here and it shows. I have enjoyed everything from salad to pizza to entrees and have not been disappointed. 

7) Fogo de Chao - I may be a little biased on this one seeing as I am married to a Brazilian and owned a Brazilian retail shop for 5 years here in Kansas City called Brazilian Cargo Company, but Fogo de Chao is a wonderful way to experience the true Brazilian Steakhouse. Once the gauchos hear us speaking Portuguese, we get treated like Kings and Queens. The service is very attentive which is a refreshing luxury. They also have a stunning wine list, unexpected for a chain restaurant in my experience. The salad bar is tempting and full of unusual gourmet things to tease the palate, but go light on the garden and wait for the main course . . .the meat. Covered in rock salt and spices then roasted over an oven flame rotisserie style, there are some classic cuts of meat that most of us would be familiar with, but I would tell you the Brazilian cuts are much more flavorful than the standard American cuts. Be sure to get a slice of the beef tri-tip steak. The other impressive thing about this meal is everything you get is included in one price. Easy to love.

8) Capital Grille - With their clubby, old-fashioned men's club feel, Capital Grille provides the classic American Steakhouse experience. Another wonderful bar area and a wine list and locker program that many heavy hitters in town participate in. Chef driven concept, they take great care with all of the details of your experience. Service is top drawer and the food is always good. I also like their extensive use of the OpenTable system to record the preferences and dining experiences of regular guests so that they can be remembered, welcome or addresses the next time they come in. Simply, a class act.

9) Bristol - Our own local seafood place, owned by Houlihan's Corporation, always hits the spot. My preference is the sexy new location down in the Power & Light district, where the Happy Hour deals and the opportunity to meet for drinks before a show is a convenient treat. The Lobster special on Wednesdays never fail to disappoint in terms of quality and price. Brunch is another wonderful way to treat yourself.

10) RA Sushi - Owned by Benihana Corporation, RA Sushi located in the Aloft Hotel in the Park Place Shopping Center in Leawood dishes up a hard hitting bar scene with sushi on the side. They deliver enough energy and excitement inside their restaurant that it feels more like a night club than a restaurant. Signature cocktails like the Saketini are excellent and the beautiful people that come here and work here are what makes eating here, fun. Stick to the sashimi hand cut at the sushi bar and you will not be disappointed with the menu.

So, there you have it. My preferred "Top 10" restaurant chains, out on the table. There are a few more places that I might feel less inclined to recommend to you, like Popeye's Chicken and Schlotzsky's only because although I personally love them, they are not everyone's cup of tea. 

Eat at our local independent restaurants as often as you can, and when you need convenience for all the right reasons, support those chains that are providing you with service, food and atmosphere that meet or exceed your expectations.

In other words, support your local restaurants.

Comments

[bfos7215]

I'm kind of disappointed that you had to be so apologetic to write a post about chains. I know you kind of had to, or risk an onslaught of snobbery.

The Time article you link nails the point. As much as we all love the concept of eating at local restaurants, the fact is that most are terrible. They are started by people with tiresome day jobs who long to work for themselves and misperceive that owning a restaurant is easy. They don't do anything interesting, they buy the cheapest ingredients and hire the cheapest staff, and they generally don't last more than a few months. Hell, it inspired a popular reality TV show. We go to chains because we are consistently let down whenever we don't.

[Megan Neher]

Jenny,
I enjoyed your blog post today. I agree! I love when I can patronize a locally-owned restaurant.

But, I think there's probably a whole bunch of us who have our favorite chains and who aren't ashamed to be regulars. I'd say yes to: Chipolte, NoRTH, RA, Pei Wei (haven't tried Five Guys yet, but I can't wait!). I'd add some of my favs: Panera, Mimi's Cafe, BD's Mongolian BBQ, Houston's and Brio/Bravo.

[The DLC]

The problem occurs when people rely on chain restaurants every single time they eat out (particularly for, ahem, lunch). No one should begrudge someone the opportunity to eat at a chain once in a while. It may take a little more time, a little more money or a few less than stellar experiences, but eating at locally owned places is really not difficult in this town. They are in every part of the metro.

Yes, some of them do suck

[Bob]

I DO eat at chains, but I find most of them to be uninspired at best. Some random comments:

If the restaurant name is supposed to indicate the number of people it takes to run the joint, then the Liberty store should be called 15 Guys. The burgers are good (though not as good as In N Out), the fries are acceptable (how pretentious is it to tell you what town the potatoes are from? Give me a break.) The place is so noisy...bad enough that I won't be back.

Chik-fil-a: Ate at my first store, Exton Mall, Exton, Pa. about 33 years ago. Nice sandwich, but though it is bigger (and more expensive) than a Wendy's or McDonalds, it isn't that much better.

Pei Wei: There's one in KC? Please tell me where. I rather like this place, but I've only eaten at one in Irvine, CA. It definitely is factory food, but one of the best, by my taste.

P.F. Chang: I've eaten at these 5 or 6 times and decided to swear off. I love the lettuce wraps, but little else. High prices for not much value.

The good news is, chains have gotten better over the years. The bad news is, as they get better, they get more expensive, and are not as much "value". So, here in Liberty, give me Lucia's, a great local place at no greater cost, over Olive Garden, a stone's throw away, which isn't very Italian in the first place.

Keep up the good blog work!

[Bob]

Not sure why my post was posted by "the DLC". It wasn't. Just my thoughts.

Bob

[Year on the Grill]

The post and choices are excellent. Sure, I disagree with a couple choices, your inclusion of Chic-Fil-A is spot on (if drive through is your only option). The sentiments about local we should all take to heart

[JH]

Hey DLC. There are at least two Pei Weis that I know about. One at 91st and Metcalf near Borders and the other at 199th and Strang Line

Now, regarding this online Chipotle system, my question is how do you pick up? Do you just go to the register? "Back up buddy! I ordered online!"

That is what I've not liked

Anyway, great list!

[JH]

Uh, or Bob. Whoever was looking for Pei Wei that is where they are

/seems like DLC should be aware of those locations...and all others. Damn that guy gets around

[The DLC]

There seems to have been some confusion. Your username appears beneath your comment on this site, so it was indeed Bob who was wondering about Pei Wei, not me (TheDLC). I've been to the one on Metcalf and thought it was ok. Haven't been to a Chik-fil-a in years, mostly because of the insistence that all their employees love Jesus in the same manner as the founders.

[JH]

Yeah, it is the formatting of the comments. The lines frame them in a confusing way.

True about Chik-fil-a though. That is why they couldn't open one inside OP Mall and had to do an external building (closed Sundays)