2008.02.25
Cutting the chains some slack
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.
The service, by a waiter named Shad, was friendly and impeccable. My husband's prime rib was perfectly cooked, my crab-stuffed shrimp were rich and delicious, the baked potatoes were huge and salty and the rosemary bread we were served at the beginning of the meal was so tasty that we took the second loaf home and reheated it for dinner last night.
With the coupon, our dinner with one cocktail each came to $35. Had we not had the coupon, it would've been about $55. Of course, we tipped on the second amount.
It just seems ironic that we had a $100 meal in a local restaurant last weekend and left completely unimpressed. Then, we settle for a chain restaurant this past Saturday and have one of the nicest dining experiences we've had in a long time.
What do you guys think? Do you usually find satisfactory service at chain restaurants, or is it really hit-or-miss? Do you have a favorite chain restaurant in the Roanoke or New River area?
My husband and I have been operating under a similar philosophy for the past several years. However, after a bad experience at a locally owned restaurant last week I also wonder if sometimes we aren't better off at a chain restaurant. Olive Garden is our favorite of the local options and Flat Rock is a close second.
We took some out of town business associates to a locally owned eatery that has gotten good reviews and were totally embarrassed with the poor service and cold (should have been hot) food! I'm quite sure the Olive Garden wouldn't have let us down!
Comment by Rebecca — February 25, 2008 @ 10:28 am
I think the way everyone looks at it should be somewhere in between.
What I mean is, people should be open to both types of restaurants, and not snobby towards one or the other. A good restaurant is a good restaurant, whether it is owned locally, or owned by a company that is half way across the country.
I love local restaurants (i.e. Blue5), but sometimes I like to visit the chains, as well.
Comment by Jesse — February 25, 2008 @ 11:18 am
I think you should check into it, but I am almost certain that Flat Rock is no longer a chain restaurant. I think the chain essentially dissolved and this location was purchased by persons who were involved in its original management. It is one of the best values and dining experiences around.
Comment by Teresa Z — February 25, 2008 @ 11:39 am
It occurred to me that your Blog might answer a question we have: Where are the best (& leanest) baby back ribs in this area? We ate some in Clarksville, TN, while visiting family that were the best we had ever had, so now we're hoping there are some in the Roanoke area that might compare.
Comment by Marion — February 25, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Attention ribs lovers: Does anyone have a suggestion for Marion, who is looking for the best and leanest baby back ribs in the area?
Mac 'n' Maggie's used to have a decent rack of ribs, but they closed. What else?
Comment by Lindsey — February 25, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
"Lean" and "ribs"???
That's funny.
Check out Wildwood on 419. They're so tasty you won't even notice a little bit of fat hanging off the ends.
Comment by Rich — February 25, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Henry's Memphis BBQ, on Brandon across from Towers (I saw a new location opened in Salem as well). Not a "night out" destination, but great ribs in a super-casual restaurant.
Comment by __Nathan — February 25, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Well they aren't baby back but Henry's Memphis BBQ Has awesome ribs. Go on Wednesday as you can get a full rack for $11.99. It is large as I got two meals out of one full rack with nothing else. I like mine dry from them as I think they are better and you can try their different sauces. They were so tender that they fall off the bone.
Comment by Mike — February 26, 2008 @ 3:25 am
I have been there and also been very impressed. The service is impeccable and the food seems fresh and was cooked perfectly. My kids even had a good time!
Comment by Amy Hanek — February 26, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I think that the service in chain restaurants IS hit or miss. It's the food that is pretty consistent, and in my opinion it consistently MISSES! So, I don't go to the larger (national) chain restaurants that often. I NEVER go to Applebee's, and in recent years have avoided Red Lobster as well. Olive Garden is OK every so often, and Friday's is OK though I rarely go there. I like Chili's a bit better, but we don't have one here. I guess my favorite that is here in the valley is Abuelo's.
Comment by Dennis — February 27, 2008 @ 10:02 am
I've never understood the irrational snobbiness towards chain stores. I was out with a group recently and was mocked for suggesting a fairly nice chain restaurant. Instead we had to go to a local restaurant which wasn't really that great. I just don't understand the logic. What are they going to do when that local little store that they love so much succeeds and becomes a chain. Maybe they're heads will explode.
Comment by Kyle — April 1, 2009 @ 10:59 pm