# Restaurant Chains You'd Like to See in Your Area **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 19, 2005, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703 "2005-08-19T02:42:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Who\_me\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/958977/32.png) [@Who\_me\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Who_me_1)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/61 "2005-08-19T17:29:14Z")
> [@Winnie](#): > > **SONIC SONIC SONIC!!!** > > I had breakfast at a Sonic in North Carolina and a green chile cheeseburger at another one in New Mexico. WHY DON’T WE HAVE ONE IN VIRGINIA even though the stupid tv commercials are aired on our local networks? > > I needs me some Sonic. Why don’t you have ONE? Because there are 10 of them in Virginia. Admittedly, none are close to you (it appears Roanoke is closest). You can check [here](http://www.sonicdrivein.com/index.jsp). ---
**Author:** ![Winnie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e480ec/32.png) [@Winnie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winnie)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/62 "2005-08-19T17:35:00Z")
> [@Who\_me?](#): > > Why don’t you have ONE? Because there are 10 of them in Virginia. Admittedly, none are close to you (it appears Roanoke is closest). > > You can check [here](http://www.sonicdrivein.com/index.jsp). Thanks for sending that link, I had no idea. I don’t even know anyone here in Northern Virginia who’s been to one because they’re so far from this area. Roanoke is a haul, especially when all you want is a cheeseburger, tots, and a cherry limeade. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/63 "2005-08-19T17:38:47Z")
I would like to see FEWER restaurant chains and more unique restauarants. In fact I would like to see fewer of any and all kinds of chains, replaced by unique retail businesses. It is the homogenization of commerce, and it is to weep. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/64 "2005-08-19T17:48:35Z")
> [@Evil Captor](#): > > Nothing else will satisfy the appetite of a 60-foot centerfold like a 25,000 Fatburgers! I don’t get the reference. I’ll second the desire for a Rubio’s. I haven’t found a decent fish taco since I’ve been here. I’d also like a Buca de Beppo nearby. Someone mentioned The Charthouse. I’ve been to a couple (a _long_ time ago) and I enjoyed the food and the view. Nice place to take a date for a nice dinner. Unfortunately I’m pretty inept at meeting women so even when I lived near a couple of Charthouse restaurants I never went. One of my favourite places is The 94th Aero Squadron at VNY. Great escargots, French onion soup, bread, prime rib… There was one down by MYF, but I don’t know if it’s still there. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/65 "2005-08-19T17:51:31Z")
> [@E-Diddy](#): > > I’d also like to see a Rocky Rococo Pizza out here. Fellow Dopers in Wisconsin probably think I am nuts for that. Not me! A few years ago when Mr. S and I went through a few months of being pretty broke, we allowed ourselves a weekly splurge of dinner out at Rocky’s. Two slices and a trip to the salad bar for ten bucks. I want a Steak ‘n’ Shake and a White Castle. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/66 "2005-08-19T17:53:03Z")
> [@An Arky](#): > > There used to be a local chain called Little Tavern, which had little burgers like White Castle, except they were fresher and meatier, and just freakin’ awesome. Sadly they’ve gone out of business, but you still see their distinctive little white buildings holding other businesses. Not true, you’ll just have to travel north to get to one. They have restaurants in Highlandtown, Dundalk (about a mile from my house) and Laurel Maryland. The closest one to you is outside White Flint Mall in Wheaton, Md. As for chains you’d like to see, my wife would cheerfully kill all of you to get a **Tim Horton’s** in Baltimore. Columbus, Oh and Buffalo, NY are the closest ones we know of, and that’s just a bit of a jaunt for morning coffee. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/67 "2005-08-19T18:04:41Z")
We’re about to get a Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins store near where I live. I am pleased by this development, even though I need either one like a hole in the head. Although PA is known for its great diner food, I would love to see a Sweet Tomatoes or Chipotle here. You know, something with healthier choices than a PA diner. Robin ---
**Author:** ![Walkabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/46a35a/32.png) [@Walkabout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walkabout)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/68 "2005-08-19T18:14:21Z")
There are quite a few restaurants I wouldn’t mind seeing here, but the one I’d like the most is [Quaker Steak and Lube](http://www.lubewings.com/default_in.html), and wings and burger place in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mmmm, I love their wings! ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/69 "2005-08-19T18:31:00Z")
> [@Weirddave](#): > > Not true, you’ll just have to travel north to get to one. They have restaurants in Highlandtown, Dundalk (about a mile from my house) and Laurel Maryland. The closest one to you is outside White Flint Mall in Wheaton, Md. Oboyoboy, I’m making a trip there! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/70 "2005-08-19T19:03:35Z")
I wish there was a Lucille’s Bad To The Bone BBQ joint near where I work now. Not only is the food good, but they have a huge selection of hot sauces. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/71 "2005-08-19T19:11:31Z")
> [@jrfranchi](#): > > There was a small chain in San Diego area called Soup Plantation. > I wish they would decide to open there first North-East location near my home. > > I always loved their food. Soup Plantation is owned by the same company as Sweet Tomatoes. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/72 "2005-08-19T19:15:50Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > We’re about to get a Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin-Robbins store near where I live. I am pleased by this development, even though I need either one like a hole in the head. > > Although PA is known for its great diner food, I would love to see a Sweet Tomatoes or Chipotle here. You know, something with healthier choices than a PA diner. > > Robin Robin - are they going the Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins/Togo’s trifecta by you all or just the two?? ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/73 "2005-08-19T20:31:32Z")
> [@Bambi Hassenpfeffer](#): > > Sweet Tomatoes / Souplantation are the same company. Yeah, I always get Souplantation and Soup Exchange mixed up, for some reason. And I’ll gripe that Souplantation used to have some really awesome clam chowder, but now they’ve got that “Yankee Clipper” chowder that’s nothing more than white water. :mad: You know you’ve got problems when Sizzler’s makes a better chowder than you do… ---
**Author:** ![Poonther](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Poonther](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poonther)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/74 "2005-08-19T22:01:10Z")
> [@Bambi Hassenpfeffer](#): > > I don’t miss any restaurants, but I’m going to echo **Lou** ’s lament in re Trader Joe’s and IKEA. 16 million people in this state, most of whom are crammed into 4 metro areas, and we don’t have either. Tempe, AZ has an IKEA, for God’s sake – why don’t we? 17.3 million people as of 2004 figures **Bambi**. Over a million old people snuck in while you weren’t looking. I’ve read too where Sawgrass Mills Mall (Sunrise/Suburban Lauderdale) is definitely getting an IKEA, but I’ve heard nothing about O-town gettin’ one. No word heard either about Trader Joe’s trying to crack into FL. I think that Fresh Market is “trying” to take there place here in FL. ---
**Author:** ![rexnervous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e9c0ed/32.png) [@rexnervous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rexnervous)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/75 "2005-08-19T22:08:52Z")
Would love to have a \*\*[Baja Fresh](http://www.bajafresh.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE) \*\* closer to me. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/76 "2005-08-19T22:49:23Z")
> [@WVmom](#): > > There are quite a few restaurants I wouldn’t mind seeing here, but the one I’d like the most is [Quaker Steak and Lube](http://www.lubewings.com/default_in.html), and wings and burger place in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mmmm, I love their wings! We’ve got one of those… you can have it. BW3 has much better wings. ---
**Author:** ![Barely\_Adequate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/58956e/32.png) [@Barely\_Adequate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barely_Adequate)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2005, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/77 "2005-08-19T23:24:43Z")
Yo, **ShibbOleth.** You should know this. I know it’s not a chain, but is **Berns Steak-House** still around? I’d give mos’ anything if there was one within 60 miles of here. And maybe it’s just a fading memory blessed by nostalgia, but it seems that no one has successfully replaced the late, lamented (at least by me) **Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips.** ---
**Author:** ![Walkabout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/46a35a/32.png) [@Walkabout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walkabout)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/78 "2005-08-20T00:57:54Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > We’ve got one of those… you can have it. BW3 has much better wings. I’d be happy to trade you. I didn’t care for the wings at the BW3 here. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/79 "2005-08-20T01:04:13Z")
Is Beef O’Brady’s any good? I thought they were just a Tampa restaurant, but we’re getting one here in Orlando(ish). ---
**Author:** ![beckwall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b487fb/32.png) [@beckwall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beckwall)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/80 "2005-08-20T01:10:29Z")
> [@Winnie](#): > > **SONIC SONIC SONIC!!!** > > I had breakfast at a Sonic in North Carolina and a green chile cheeseburger at another one in New Mexico. WHY DON’T WE HAVE ONE IN VIRGINIA even though the stupid tv commercials are aired on our local networks? > > I needs me some Sonic. Recent conversation in the beckwall house - bw: we need to go see a baseball game soon mr. bw: should we go to LA, Anaheim or San Diego? bw: hmmmm, I’m thinking Phoenix mr. bw: sheesh, that’s a 4 hour drive, the others are so much closer bw: but, um, they have **SONIC** in Phoenix mr. bw: mmmmmm, fresh lime slush jumbo size and pancake on a stick (dreamy look on face) We keep hoping that every new building that looks like a drive thru around here is going to be a Sonic. We have Del Taco, we have In and Out, we have Rubio’s fish tacos, we have Jamba Juice, we have it all except for Sonic. Sob. I’m so thirsty right now. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703.md?page=5)