Houston - WHY are chains restaurants so bad and evil? (Pearland: buying, live in)

[Matadora]

Originally Posted by DejaBlue

I think it's Houston specific because there are tons of threads about food and non-foodies get shot down hard like a sniper for even daring to suggest a chain. It's kind of....weird and Houston specific. I search in other forums and that kind of hostility for chains isn't there as hardcore as it is here.


So I'm curious on why it's so hardcore here.

It's same out here in SF. Houston's Restaurant is family owned and has grown all over the US. I frequented the one's in Houston from the time they were established.

It is one of my favorite places to eat in San Francisco. I often recommend it to others in the SF forum who are looking for a good meal.

As soon as I mention it the snipers instantly come out of the woodwork's claiming it's just a chain! Give me a break

I don't consider Houston's Restaurant a chain like a McCormick and Schmick's or Olive Garden

[Texas Ag 93]

I think it is possible to fall somewhere in the middle. Someone who appreciates the creativity, quality and artistry that goes into food and the "event" that a meal can be, while also occasionally craving the consistency and ease of a chain from time to time. At least that's how I feel.

But how are people defining "chain"? Is it merely the fact that an establishment has multiple locations? Or does it have to do with price point? I find myself using qualifiers like "even though it's a chain" to describe places like Morton's and Ruth's Chris, which are very expensive and have high quality food and service.

[txdemo]

One good thing about chains are that they have corporate standards for cleanliness and food safety.

I'm not saying every single one of them meets those standards but I do have a certain level of comfort when I go to a random Chili's to get my burger on.

[RMMM]

There are a bunch of good chains in Houston. I like Cheddar's, Pappadeaux, Fogo de Chao, Gringo's. I believe there are much more great ones.

[Meyerland]

I think there is so much variety to the Houston dining scene, that people don't need to waste their money at a mediocre chain restaurant. They are fine, I would rather spend my money on food I can get excited about and not just tolerate. If it's mediocre, I might as well cook. It's cheaper and I am a good cook.

[War Beagle]

For me, its simply that the food at chains is usually inferior to what you would find at a mom and pop - no elitism involved. But I don't hate all chain restaurants either, though there are some I do hate because they just aren't good... Olive Garden is just plain bad Italian food.

The other thing about chain restaurants is that the menu's are designed for the lowest common denominator. This is especially true if the chain is national. There is no way that I am going to go to a national chain Mexican restaurant where the food is designed to be palatable for people from the northeast and Midwest who prefer bland food. For instance, why the hell would I go to El Chico when I can get good homemade Mexican food from a local restaurant?

Originally Posted by txdemo

One good thing about chains are that they have corporate standards for cleanliness and food safety.

I'm not saying every single one of them meets those standards but I do have a certain level of comfort when I go to a random Chili's to get my burger on.

Interesting you say that because I was going to use Chili's as an example of a chain that nearly always gives me GI trouble.

[texas7]

Well You have your food snobs, your trendsetters, your wanna-be hipsters and those who assume all chains are unhealthy. What one person deems as great may not be another persons cup of tea or fit within their lifestyle or budget. Houston is big enough for all -- eat what you want, enjoy life and don't worry if someone knocks your choice of dining. They may knock it without any knowledge of it whatsoever. Taste buds are unique to each individual. Bad to one may be great to another. Plus it's YOUR choice to make, not theirs.

[3shipguy]

Does this apply to coffee shops too? Evil Starbucks vs Agora/Catalina/Empire, etc ?

[crono_clone]

I think it's because Houston has finally transformed into a foodie town, so the level of disdain for chains is starting to become similar to what you'd encounter in places like San Francisco. In fact, we have one of the largest Yelp communities in the country, which was second only to Las Vegas in number of reviews last year.

Houston diners are now more savvy and informed than ever, thanks to our amazing restaurant scene. Five years ago nobody outside the city ever thought of Houston restaurants as anything special; now we regularly have chefs and bar/restaurants showing up in national food magazines and winning Best Of awards. Which in turn attracts even more talent and recognition to our area, and further feeds Houston diners' food obsession.

I think it's a point of pride for most Houstonians that our food is good and that it's finally being recognized. And chains present an easy target to most Houston diners to point out that since our restaurants are so good, "why would you ever eat at so-and-so? It's just a chain..."

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by 3shipguy

Does this apply to coffee shops too? Evil Starbucks vs Agora/Catalina/Empire, etc ?

If I have the choice, I'll go for the non-chain coffee shot if for no other reason than it is a different experience and product.