I rarely ever eat chain food, but if i would have to I like Boston Chicken. The nearest one to whre I live now is 90 minutes, so I hope they're still as good as they were 3 years ago.

I second irseg's praise for Fuddrucker's burgers.

i shop local unaffiliated merchants, resaurants and cafe's. groceries come from local franchiser. It is about quality,service,community.

Chains that get my bump are Best Buy, Wendys, Subway and Chevron... Oh, guess i have to throw starbucks in there 'cause they always have cute girls working. Sure they charge $4 for a cup of flavored water, but it is the best legalized drug out there and is oh so addicitive.

1 chain = 22 yards = 1/80th of a mile.
I'm a railwayman... :)

Here's my list....

Starbucks
Caribou Coffee
Friday's
Maceys
Panera
Lifetime Fitness
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Romano's Macaroni Grill

How's that for a list that covers several product areas?

i dunno if i like it.. but they just opened in Times Square...

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

figures since it's a Viacom license from Paramount...

When I was in California last month for a job interview I ate at In n Out each night I was there. I loved it, great staff, order was correct, food was great. I hope I get the job there just so I can eat there occasionally.

Yes! Krispy Kreme is delicious. *runs off because the hot sign is on*

heh. ironic. I finally quit Mervyns not long ago. you guys just have no love for your employees, especially us poor backstock grunts. MUCH better than f'in Walmart though... gotta give ya that. HATE the security guards at the door demanding to see my reciept and my bag. how obnoxious to have me pay for my stuff, and then get f'in SEARCHED as I leave the place? How rude. why not post a sign saying "you are all theifs! give us our shit back!"

...ahem. feel better now.

Famous Dave's BBQ

Yeah, I'm going to have to agree with Steffi on Famous Dave's BBQ. I was in minnesotta during the summer from toronto, and this little 'shack' was awesome to eat at. A very backyard experience, especially on the patio.

The Wal-Mart You Don't Know

The giant retailer's low prices often come with a high cost. Wal-Mart's relentless pressure can crush the companies it does business with and force them to send jobs overseas. Are we shopping our way straight to the unemployment line?

http://fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html

Costco is first rate.

In-N-Out is the best burger chain by far - None out here on the east coast though.

I'm amazed I haven't seen the Dunkin' Donuts name yet. In New England it truly has a cult following for their coffee. I'm an adict.

i LOVE Costco

i like the fred meyer chain. :P
they have everything

None. I try to inhibit herd mentality.