Chains/franchises we'd like to see come to the area (California: calculation, vs)

[sskink]

Originally Posted by lifepgh2op

I remember a few people in this thread mentioned wanting a COSI in the area. I saw this article this morning ( Plans Move Forward for New Mattress Store, Shopping Center Renovation in Ross - Business - North Hills, PA Patch ) that mentions a "Panera-like drive thru restaurant" coming to the McKnight stretch.

And then this article from 2008 ( Cosi bistro chain searching for Pittsburgh locations - Pittsburgh Business Times ) that says that COSI was scouting locations in the city and in the North Hills for their restaurants.

Could it be our first COSI?

When I was working in Alexandria, VA, I used to do Cosi at least once a week. I found the sandwiches/salads interesting, freshy, tasty for the most part. But when working in Stamford, CT, I found the Cosi there to be bland, not worth it, except for the free internet (kinda how I feel about Panera).

[BarqCider]

carl's jr....

[Geeo]

If Cosi is something Panera-like, do we really need another mediocre place like that? Tons of great independent restaurants opening all the time around the city with much better food than these chains offer.

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by sskink

When I was working in Alexandria, VA, I used to do Cosi at least once a week. I found the sandwiches/salads interesting, freshy, tasty for the most part. But when working in Stamford, CT, I found the Cosi there to be bland, not worth it, except for the free internet (kinda how I feel about Panera).

I worked right across from the Cosi @ Metro Center (DC) - and ate there once, I'd gone over a couple times but wasn't impressed, this time I was time crunched and only got a cup of fruit - I have no idea why so many like them. As for Panera, they are okay every once in a while (I like the Asian chicken salad sandwich, can't remember the exact name). If I were to never see one again, I wouldn't miss them - imo, if Pgh. doesn't get one, no great loss.

[lifepgh2op]

Yeah, I've never been to a COSI to compare. But I feel the same way about Panera. Bland and can be pricey for more than one person.

[EveKendall]

Originally Posted by lifepgh2op

I remember a few people in this thread mentioned wanting a COSI in the area. I saw this article this morning ( Plans Move Forward for New Mattress Store, Shopping Center Renovation in Ross - Business - North Hills, PA Patch ) that mentions a "Panera-like drive thru restaurant" coming to the McKnight stretch.

And then this article from 2008 ( Cosi bistro chain searching for Pittsburgh locations - Pittsburgh Business Times ) that says that COSI was scouting locations in the city and in the North Hills for their restaurants.

Could it be our first COSI?

Interesting. I think Cosi are in a lot of financial trouble so I cannot see this happening. I used to go there a lot when I lived in Phialdelphia. I don't think they are anything like Panera. Great breakfast sandwiches, salads, and s'mores! Most of the locations in Philly are bars in the evening.

[BarqCider]

well based on the food thread, id say some true mexican tacos/burritos/food

nothing beats californias mexican joints maybe texas.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by BarqCider

well based on the food thread, id say some true mexican tacos/burritos/food

nothing beats californias mexican joints maybe texas.

There are true tacos/burriots places, including Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex along with actual Mexican. And more seem to be popping up every month or two.

Even in Cal/Texas, you don't get decent tacos/burritos at chains, which is what this thread is about.


Oh, and actual Mexican joints beat both Californian and Texan joints :-)

[UKyank]

Pret A Manger

[BarqCider]

Originally Posted by sskink

There are true tacos/burriots places, including Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex along with actual Mexican. And more seem to be popping up every month or two.

Even in Cal/Texas, you don't get decent tacos/burritos at chains, which is what this thread is about.


Oh, and actual Mexican joints beat both Californian and Texan joints :-)

i miss my cali burrito from a local place in SD. i dont think folks understand the pure worthiness of a cali burrito.

sadly it isnt known outside of SD, but id give any future children away for an order of two of them right now.