# 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:** 5
**Author:** ![soulmurk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b782af/32.png) [@soulmurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulmurk)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/81 "2005-08-20T01:18:50Z")
> [@Neurotik](#): > > Rubio’s. Forgot about them, the fish taco franchise that came to my mind first was [Wahoo’s](http://www.wahoos.com/index2.html). And for those that may not have known, Hardee’s = Carl’s Jr., so you may just have one closer to you than you thought. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/82 "2005-08-20T01:26:11Z")
I keep seeing TV ads for Sonic- but I haven’t seen one around. I’d like to try White Castle one day, don’t know if I need one “just around the corner”. I’d like a Hooters. In & Out is fantastic, and now there’s plenty. Trader Joes is cool. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![HubZilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/83 "2005-08-20T01:58:21Z")
Oh boy, sit down for this one. Here, in Hawaii (Oahu), I want: Olive Garden IHOP (on Maui, though) Steak & Shake White Castle Krispy Kreme (on Maui, though) In N Out Sonic Souplantation Chipotle Fuddruckers Panera Bread Can I name stores, too? Target (I can’t emphasize this one enough) Trader Joes Bath & Body Works (#1 gift to bring back from the mainland) IKEA Crate & Barrel Restoration Hardware ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/84 "2005-08-20T02:30:31Z")
Jack in the Box Kenny Rodgers (all the ones in NY closed) and Wegman’s (I know it’s a supermarket not a fast food chain but I still want one) But we do have Planet Wings ---
**Author:** ![bizzwire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/958977/32.png) [@bizzwire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizzwire)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/85 "2005-08-20T02:41:34Z")
I vaguely remember a chain of truck-stop restaurant/diners whose name escapes me. However, the had the coolest logo emblazoned on their coffee cups. It was a winged wheel with the words “In Sight…it must be right.” I’ve been jonesing for a set of those coffee mugs for years, now. Anybody? Does this ring a bell? Are they still in existence? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/86 "2005-08-20T03:16:45Z")
> [@bizzwire](#): > > I vaguely remember a chain of truck-stop restaurant/diners whose name escapes me. However, the had the coolest logo emblazoned on their coffee cups. It was a winged wheel with the words “In Sight…it must be right.” I’ve been jonesing for a set of those coffee mugs for years, now. > > Anybody? Does this ring a bell? Are they still in existence? That’s Steak N Shake’s motto, I’m 99% certain. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/87 "2005-08-20T03:18:49Z")
> [@WVmom](#): > > I’d be happy to trade you. I didn’t care for the wings at the BW3 here. Different strokes and all. I think we’re getting some BW3s around here somewhere. **Ivylass** , IMO, Beef O’Brady’s is nothing special. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/88 "2005-08-20T03:27:44Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > That’s Steak N Shake’s motto, I’m 99% certain. [You are correct](http://www.steaknshake.com/history.asp) ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/89 "2005-08-20T03:31:09Z")
Yeah, Beef O’Brady’s is typical sports bar food, nothing amazing. The Ale House chain (perhaps Florida only) does everything much better thanm they do. And for whoever requested Hooter’s, the food SUCKS. You have cute waitresses in tight white T-shirts and little orange short shorts, and most of them are flirty and pleasant, but the wings are HORRIBLE… overly greasy, crispy, dry, and too hot to mask the lack of actual chicken taste. I like looking at hot girls as much as anyone, but I’d rather eat at McDonald’s. Seriously, Hooter’s isn’t all that. ---
**Author:** ![Bambi\_Hassenpfeffer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Bambi\_Hassenpfeffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bambi_Hassenpfeffer)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/90 "2005-08-20T04:06:27Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Yeah, Beef O’Brady’s is typical sports bar food, nothing amazing. The Ale House chain (perhaps Florida only) does everything much better thanm they do. > > And for whoever requested Hooter’s, the food SUCKS. You have cute waitresses in tight white T-shirts and little orange short shorts, and most of them are flirty and pleasant, but the wings are HORRIBLE… overly greasy, crispy, dry, and too hot to mask the lack of actual chicken taste. I like looking at hot girls as much as anyone, but I’d rather eat at McDonald’s. Seriously, Hooter’s isn’t all that. Beef O’Brady’s is nothing special, and the Winghouse does Hooters way better than Hooters. So, that’s decent news about Sawgrass getting an IKEA, but that’s still like 4 hours away. Very sad. BTW, **HubZilla** – I don’t know what I would do without Target and Bath and Body Works. You can get substitutes for many restaurant foods that are pretty close, but the stuff at Bath and Body is _fantastic_ (especially the Black Raspberry Vanilla) and Target is my go-to for almost anything non-electronic. My entire bedroom set is Target, and so is much of the living room. I often just go there to browse, cause some of their furnishings and decor are just inspired. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/91 "2005-08-20T04:06:54Z")
> [@Johnny L.A.](#): > > I don’t get the reference. In the movie [Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfolds](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112408/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnx0dD0xfGZiPXV8cG49MHxrdz0xfHE9QXR0YWNrIG9mIHRoZSA2MCBmb290IGNlbnRlcmZvbGR8ZnQ9MXxteD0yMHxsbT01MDB8Y289MXxodG1sPTF8bm09MQ__;fc=1;ft=8;fm=1) which is a soft core parody of “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman” there’s a scene where the titular giantess gets hungry, so her boyfriend goes out and orders 25,000 Fatburgers for her. I had assumed it was a made-up name and not a product placement. Now I am not so sure. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/92 "2005-08-20T04:53:02Z")
> [@Evil Captor](#): > > Woman" there’s a scene where the titular giantess gets hungry, so her boyfriend goes out and orders 25,000 Fatburgers for her. I had assumed it was a made-up name and not a product placement. Now I am not so sure. It isn’t. There is/was one in Westwood CA. Not bad at all. The biggest even had a fried egg. Then, there’s Tommy’s…mmmmmmmm 🙂 I like Hooter’s wings. True, "Cluck U’ (a very small chain) has pretty good wings, too. ---
**Author:** ![Kitchen\_Wench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f08c70/32.png) [@Kitchen\_Wench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitchen_Wench)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/93 "2005-08-20T06:01:15Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Why am I giggling uncontrollably? 😉 Because you’re a naughty, naughty boy… 😃 > [@](#): > > There is a Grandy’s in Gainesville, Florida. Great greasy Southern home-cookin’, awesome breakfasts, salad bar, fried chicken, all that good stuff. Ok, I’m officially jealous of all you jackholes with a nearby Grandy’s. They haven’t been here in a good 15 years, and I still long for them. ---
**Author:** ![Kitchen\_Wench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f08c70/32.png) [@Kitchen\_Wench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kitchen_Wench)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/94 "2005-08-20T06:07:58Z")
I forgot to mention: I’d love to try Skyline Chili. After hearing about them here, and seeing them featured on FoodPorn TV, I got a hankerin’ to eat some. Apparently you can [have kits shipped](http://www.cincinnatifavorites.com/skylinechili.php) , but I’m skeptical as to how the canned stuff would compare with having it fresh. A chili recipe developed by a Greek dude? It’s _gotta_ be good. ---
**Author:** ![HubZilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ccd318/32.png) [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/95 "2005-08-20T08:10:48Z")
> [@Bambi Hassenpfeffer](#): > > BTW, **HubZilla** – I don’t know what I would do without Target and Bath and Body Works. You can get substitutes for many restaurant foods that are pretty close, but the stuff at Bath and Body is _fantastic_ (especially the Black Raspberry Vanilla) and Target is my go-to for almost anything non-electronic. My entire bedroom set is Target, and so is much of the living room. I often just go there to browse, cause some of their furnishings and decor are just inspired. Oh, we have plenty of stuff from Target, especially stuff for the [baby](http://www.dulcemichael.com), it’s one of our first destinations when we take our mainland trips! We just got Best Buy out here a couple weeks ago!! ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/96 "2005-08-20T10:07:59Z")
> [@HubZilla](#): > > Oh boy, sit down for this one. > > Here, in Hawaii (Oahu), I want: I hope you’re not expecting any real sympathy here, Mr. Hawaii boy. ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/97 "2005-08-20T15:55:57Z")
> [@Seeker74](#): > > And there was this taco chain in LA that I can’t remember the name of… They had great fish tacos. MMMMMM. I bet that was **Burrito King** and not **Rubios**. **Rubios** ’ fish tacos are bland; **Burrito King** knows how to make the sauce right. **Burrito King** also has the best carne asada burritos. But that “chain” is shrinking. I ran into the owner, and he told me there used to be quite a few through out the southwest. Now there are only two, I believe. Also: **Zankou Chicken** should be everywhere. But like **Burrito King** , that’s not quite a “chain.” In the same way, they’re more like great local places that have different “locations.” ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/98 "2005-08-20T16:03:59Z")
Noodles and Company. I’ve encountered them mostly in Wisconsin and once in Colorado, but none in Iowa. By far, it’s my favorite chain ever. There’s a couple of Noodle Zoos here, but they… really don’t have that many noodles. They serve mostly sandwiches. I find it a little puzzling. Trader Joes is a place I’m beginning to think I’d cut off part of my body for. Come to West Des Moines, Trader Joes! We have lots of yuppies and foodies here! You could even put one next to the gigantic eyesore mall we just built. Please, let us love you. There’s a Roly Poly about 20 mins away, but I’d like one locally. ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/99 "2005-08-20T16:07:17Z")
> [@Giraffe](#): > > El Pollo Loco (we actually have at least one in San Jose but it’s too far from me to be practical, so I want one closer) I feel for you, **Giraffe**. Everyone deserves a **Pollo Loco** nearby. But at least you have _one_. I think it’s the only fast food that came to the U.S. from Mexico, so give them some time. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2005, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703/100 "2005-08-20T16:19:08Z")
I haven’t eaten at many of the restaurants mentioned, but I would like to put in my eternal plea for a Trader Joe’s, preferably right near me. I will _single-handedly_ support a Trader Joe’s. Toronto is a natural location for a Trader Joe’s. Tons of middle-class foodies. I would also like any restaurant that can do a decent poutine. Thank you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restaurant-chains-youd-like-to-see-in-your-area/317703.md?page=6)