These days chain restaurants swamp every corner, and they're cornering the market in very much the same way. Opting to continuously dine at these places only feeds their growth, and soon they're going to be your only option. The problems with these chain restaurants are that they kill local economies, leave a huge stamp on the environment and frankly the food just doesn't taste good. If you think I'm wrong, ask yourself when you last ate at a restaurant that wasn't a chain.
1. It's not authentic, and it's not good.
The food at chains just isn't authentic, and thus not as good. Do you think a little old Italian lady is behind menu at Olive Garden? The lasagna certainly isn't an old family recipe, that much is for sure. In fact, it's the same exact recipe that is prepackaged and frozen at a dozen factories, then replicated across thousands of identical chains. The flavor was probably decided by a panel of shareholders deciding the lasagna was a.) visually appealing, b.) cheap enough, and c.) had enough cheese and meat to satisfy the poor souls who know no better lasagna. Just find the closest family run Italian place (if you can) and compare it to Olive Garden's frozen laziness and discover whose is better.
2. It's all the same.
Most chains are dishing up the same “American” types of food, just dressed a little different. Burgers, steaks, fish filets, shrimp to name a few. And let's not forget your all American sides: mashed potatoes, broccoli, french fries...these are the same foods that most families make for dinner. They're also so similar because many of them are owned by just a few companies. Wouldn't going out to eat be a better experience if you got to try different foods, foods you would never make at home? Think Indian, Thai, Mexican or even Japanese. Most of these places are going to be more authentic by default as well, because the food is being made by people who are proud of their food and not chefs simply regurgitating corporate recipes.
3. Eating local is good for the community.
Local restaurants boost the economy of community because they are more likely to purchase local products such a fresh produce (yet another perk of eating local). When restaurants buy local foods for their dishes they are putting money back into the community instead of feeding mass factory farms who ship their produce from across the country. Local restaurants are also more likely to support the community by holding events or raising donations through their restaurant, or by featuring and selling local goods such as art or that hot sauce you can't get enough of. Conversely, supporting chains chokes the life of local businesses until they can no longer survive, forcing our food to be sourced from miles away and our choices reduced to the same handful of boring chains.
4. It's better for the environment.
Shopping local reduces our collective carbon footprint. Foods that come from the same city, or even the same state have a drastically reduced their environmental impact versus when they are shipped, refrigerated, and flown across the country. Not only that, but it means your food is fresh and probably ripened on the vine instead of during the cross country truck journey. You'll find local restaurants also buying locally raised meats and dairy, which typically means your food was treated a little better than your average pump and dump slaughter farm.
Everyone likes to eat good food, so hopefully this will spur you towards a newer, fresher, and overall more delicious meal when you eat out next. Your community, planet, and most importantly- your stomach, will thank you for it.
