When it comes down to choosing between a locally owned restaurant and a chain establishment, I almost always prefer to go local.
Not only does that mean I’m supporting a mom ‘n’ pop in a notoriously difficult line of work, but the service and food should be superior.
Should be.
But a couple of experiences lately have caused me to wonder if I should cut the chains a little slack.
This Saturday, after a long day of priming and painting our downstairs bathroom, my husband and I decided to clean up and go out for dinner. Because we had a coupon for the Flat Rock Grille at Valley View Mall and didn’t feel like going far, that’s where we ended up.
On a Saturday night, most restaurants around Valley View are full to the gills with tired shoppers ready for a table. That was the case at every restaurant we passed to get to Flat Rock, including Shaker’s, Olive Garden, TGIFridays and Texas Steak House. The fact that we were able to get a table immediately at Flat Rock sort of concerned me.
It shouldn’t have.

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