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Anyway, when you live in a place that's lucky enough to have them, you really should support local bakeries and restaurants, and keep your money in the city. Corporate chains are not only predictably mediocre, but they just funnel money out of Philly and to places like (in this case) suburban Missouri.
Exactly. Some people make it seem like not wanting to eat at chains is some sort of elitist snobbery, but the fact of the matter is independent businesses are far more likely to support and sustain (with real living wage jobs) local neighborhoods.
Exactly. Some people make it seem like not wanting to eat at chains is some sort of elitist snobbery, but the fact of the matter is independent businesses are far more likely to support and sustain (with real living wage jobs) local neighborhoods.
It has more to do with the fact that chains generally produce inferior quality food.
It has more to do with the fact that chains generally produce inferior quality food.
Well both aspects are positives, plus generally better variety and to me and I like some of the personal touches. That being said I do go to some chains but prefer non chains. My daughter loves Applebees so for better or worse at times can enjoy that, especially the smile it brings. Chains are not inherantly bad but having access to non-chains to me a huge plus on many levels. FWIW Panera is by no means awful and relative to many other chains and does an ok job
Overall though I hope that the generitization of America is held off in some places; it helps a place retain a unique character.
Well both aspects are positives, plus generally better variety and to me and I like some of the personal touches. That being said I do go to some chains but prefer non chains. My daughter loves Applebees so for better or worse at times can enjoy that, especially the smile it brings. Chains are not inherantly bad but having access to non-chains to me a huge plus on many levels. FWIW Panera is by no means awful and relative to many other chains and does an ok job
Overall though I hope that the generitization of America is held off in some places; it helps a place retain a unique character.
I can't believe panera is not getting the love-lol
Philly is very working class. 25% of the people live at or below the poerty line. Why would you buy a sandwich at Panera when you can buy a cheaper, better tasting sandwich at the corner store? There are Cosi restaurants in Cosi, which are somewhat similar to Panera.
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Originally Posted by FamousBlueRaincoat
It's not really that good. Considering Philadelphia is a sandwich city, and you can get good sandwiches for cheap anywhere, as well as good bread, that's probably your answer (although somehow there are plenty of subways here...never been able to figure that out).
It's also a pretty suburban chain to begin with - the whole concept of places like that is to try to fill a void (that is, less neighborhood delis and cafes in the suburbs, particularly automobile suburbs)
But you're right, if they did come to the city, they'd probably be on JFK or Market West. They'd probably be open like 7-5, in accordance to the fact that most of their customers would be commuters.
Philly is very working class. 25% of the people live at or below the poerty line. Why would you buy a sandwich at Panera when you can buy a cheaper, better tasting sandwich at the corner store? There are Cosi restaurants in Cosi, which are somewhat similar to Panera.
Because I don;t live in the Ghetto and there is no corner store in my area.
Because I don;t live in the Ghetto and there is no corner store in my area.
Not all corner stores are in low-income/working-class areas. That said, I would be surprised if a business like Panera or Cosi would do well in those neighborhood. However, Starbucks may have a shot IMO. Not that I wouldn't support homegrown business of a similar niche.
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That said, I would be surprised if a business like Panera or Cosi would do well in those neighborhood. However, Starbucks may have a shot IMO. Not that I wouldn't support homegrown business of a similar niche. 
