Have You Been To The (Not Really) New Olive Garden?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 22: A sign hangs on the side of an Olive Garden restaurant on June 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden, today reported quarterly earnings that topped Wall Street’s expectations, led by strong LongHorn Steakhouse sales. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Have you been to the “new” Olive Garden?
Why do we, as a community, have to rush to the opening of a new restaurant, as if we’ve haven’t eaten in months?
Olive Garden
The opening of the “relocated” Olive Garden is a great example. The Olive Garden on Washington Road was in that location for about 15 years. I’m sure at some point, you ate there. Maybe you eat there often, ok, you like it. But at some point, just about all of us, at one time or another had salad and breadsticks on Washington Road.
So, on December 4th, the “new” Olive Garden opened in its new location on Cabela Drive, out by Costco. Have you seen the crowds? Have you tried to get into the new location? It’s crazy! It’s like we’ve never had salad, or breadsticks, or Italian food in our lives! Why? Why must we feel the need to try the new location? I’m guessing the food tastes just like it did on Washington Rd.
Jim N’ Nick’s
Then, there’s the case of the new BBQ restaurant, Jim N’ Nick’s Bar B-Q off the Robert C. Daniel Parkway, in the location of the old Macaroni Grill. Ok, at least this one is a brand-new restaurant to the area. But it’s not like we’ve never had BBQ before. I challenge you to count the amount of BBQ places in the CSRA. You probably have your favorite. But, like the Olive Garden, getting into this place right now seems almost impossible.
And what’s interesting to me is the fact that there are rarely if ever those types of crowds for locally owned and locally run restaurants, of which there are many. Right off the top of my head, I’m thinking of Kevin Goldsmith’s new venture off Walton Way Extension, Trattoria Polipo. It’s wonderful, the dishes are reasonably priced and the service is second to none. Kevin I’m sure would welcome crowds of folks, but I guess it’s no Olive Garden.
Steak N’ Shake
Let me just end with this cautionary tale. About ten years ago, a Stake N’ Shake opened in Columbia County, off I-20 near the radio station. For months, and I mean for months, you couldn’t come near the place at lunchtime. They had 10 EV charging stations that were busy toward the end of their existence…that’s just it. The Steak N’ Shake is gone. Now, all situations are different. I’m sure the Olive Garden will be here for a long time, it’s not going anywhere, unless of course Augusta National starts buying property out there. So, I’ll eat there at some point, and I’m sure I’ll eat at Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ at some point. Until then, I’ll find some BBQ somewhere else, and I’ll get my Italian at a variety of restaurants. I’m good…
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4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants
Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.
Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including “your house,” family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.
Whether it’s a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?
According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.
More Background on Chain Restaurants.
The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.
Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it’s all about eating a meal.
“Fancy like Applebee’s on a date night.”
There’s something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that’s why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee’s. So, let’s chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.