Have You Been To The (Not Really) New Olive Garden?
Have you been to the “new” Olive Garden?
Why do we, as a community, have to rush to the opening of a new restaurant, as if we’ve haven’t eaten in months?
Olive Garden
The opening of the “relocated” Olive Garden is a great example. The Olive Garden on Washington Road was in that location for about 15 years. I’m sure at some point, you ate there. Maybe you eat there often, ok, you like it. But at some point, just about all of us, at one time or another had salad and breadsticks on Washington Road.
So, on December 4th, the “new” Olive Garden opened in its new location on Cabela Drive, out by Costco. Have you seen the crowds? Have you tried to get into the new location? It’s crazy! It’s like we’ve never had salad, or breadsticks, or Italian food in our lives! Why? Why must we feel the need to try the new location? I’m guessing the food tastes just like it did on Washington Rd.
Jim N’ Nick’s
Then, there’s the case of the new BBQ restaurant, Jim N’ Nick’s Bar B-Q off the Robert C. Daniel Parkway, in the location of the old Macaroni Grill. Ok, at least this one is a brand-new restaurant to the area. But it’s not like we’ve never had BBQ before. I challenge you to count the amount of BBQ places in the CSRA. You probably have your favorite. But, like the Olive Garden, getting into this place right now seems almost impossible.
And what’s interesting to me is the fact that there are rarely if ever those types of crowds for locally owned and locally run restaurants, of which there are many. Right off the top of my head, I’m thinking of Kevin Goldsmith’s new venture off Walton Way Extension, Trattoria Polipo. It’s wonderful, the dishes are reasonably priced and the service is second to none. Kevin I’m sure would welcome crowds of folks, but I guess it’s no Olive Garden.
Steak N’ Shake
Let me just end with this cautionary tale. About ten years ago, a Stake N’ Shake opened in Columbia County, off I-20 near the radio station. For months, and I mean for months, you couldn’t come near the place at lunchtime. They had 10 EV charging stations that were busy toward the end of their existence…that’s just it. The Steak N’ Shake is gone. Now, all situations are different. I’m sure the Olive Garden will be here for a long time, it’s not going anywhere, unless of course Augusta National starts buying property out there. So, I’ll eat there at some point, and I’m sure I’ll eat at Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ at some point. Until then, I’ll find some BBQ somewhere else, and I’ll get my Italian at a variety of restaurants. I’m good…
4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants
Safer Bets & Convenience
One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.
jacoblund/ Getty Images
Familiarity & Nostalgia
For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.
Ivanko_Brnjakovic/ Getty Images
Affordability
Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.
kittimages/ Getty Images
Seating & Space
Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.
ViewApart/ Getty Images
