[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I disagree with you. Connecticut residents elected the leaders that made this mess. They also did not hold them accountable for poor decisions made.

And why should healthcare facilities be exempt? You seem to be bias toward the healthcare industry in general. Shouldn’t all industries be treated the same? Jay

[hvexpatinct]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

It kind of depends on your zip code. In new construction middle class sprawl, chains dominate. There isn't much of that in the Northeast Corridor.

True, although even that is starting to change (thinking of Raleigh and Atlanta in particular)

We dine out regularly... my school-aged CT-raised child has been to a sit-down chain restaurant exactly once

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by hvexpatinct

True, although even that is starting to change (thinking of Raleigh and Atlanta in particular)

We dine out regularly... my school-aged CT-raised child has been to a sit-down chain restaurant exactly once

several by milford, buffalo wild wings, Red Robin, TGIF, Chilis, Olive Garden....

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

several by milford, buffalo wild wings, Red Robin, TGIF, Chilis, Olive Garden....

But many more independent, or local chains (like Plan B, Colony, Tomato & Co)

Originally Posted by GeoffD

It kind of depends on your zip code. In new construction middle class sprawl, chains dominate. There isn't much of that in the Northeast Corridor.

Yes, true. But even still on a macro level they are declining.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I disagree with you. Connecticut residents elected the leaders that made this mess. They also did not hold them accountable for poor decisions made.

And why should healthcare facilities be exempt? You seem to be bias toward the healthcare industry in general. Shouldn’t all industries be treated the same? Jay

I didn't elect these leaders. I voted other. For the past five year's hospitals have had an additional tax levied on them to help pay off CT debt. Not 100% sure how it works but the Medicaid/Medicare cuts to area hospitals with this tax have increased hospital cost and caused hospitals to reorganize/collaborate together to survive.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

But many more independent, or local chains (like Plan B, Colony, Tomato & Co)

Yes, true. But even still on a macro level they are declining.

Exactly. It is all about whether chains dominate the restaurant scene or not. While there are chains here, they do not necessarily dominate. Milford is an excellent example. There are chains mostly along the Post Road but get away from the mall area and you find many great local places. Manchester is very similar and West Hartford is the direct opposite with local restaurants far exceeding the chains. Jay

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

I didn't elect these leaders. I voted other. For the past five year's hospitals have had an additional tax levied on them to help pay off CT debt. Not 100% sure how it works but the Medicaid/Medicare cuts to area hospitals with this tax have increased hospital cost and caused hospitals to reorganize/collaborate together to survive.

Nor did I elect the ones that started these issues but it is what we have to deal with. The best we can do is to become well educated and let our opinions known to our elected leaders. You may even consider getting actively involved. It is all too easy to come to a forum like this and complain. It is not much harder to take the next step and be part of the solution. Jay

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Exactly. It is all about whether chains dominate the restaurant scene or not. While there are chains here, they do not necessarily dominate. Milford is an excellent example. There are chains mostly along the Post Road but get away from the mall area and you find many great local places. Manchester is very similar and West Hartford is the direct opposite with local restaurants far exceeding the chains. Jay

That is common in many states, partly because chains often deal at the parent company level with major mall corps like Westfield who, of course, owned the Ct Post for decades, while at the single strip mall level, its more likely, in most states, it will be a deal between 2 local businessmen. So BWW and Red Robin likely arranged to have several dozen sites in Westfield malls years, or decades , ago, with Milford being just 1 of many in same deal. Gets better rents.

[MrGompers]

I noticed within the last few months a Dunkin Donuts on the Berlin Trpke (going north) next to Town Fair tire closed down. I can't remember ever seeing a dunkin close down. Seems to me that a dunkin franchise is basically gold, so I wonder what happened behind the scenes.

[htfdcolt]

Speaking of chains, here's another one that's struggling (although I would consider this one a regional, not national, chain...and one that did not lack for quality). I know the West Hartford location sadly closed down over a year ago at Bishops Corner, now maybe more of them to follow.

Bertucci’s Reportedly Preparing For Bankruptcy Filing « CBS Boston