Predictable

     Before I begin a diatribe against all food franchises let me say that they do have some positive points.  First of all, they have name recognition.  When you drive into the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel or Old Country Buffet restaurant you pretty much know what to expect.  Their menus are universal with little variation.  (OK, yes you can purchase beer in McDonald's in Germany, and the Burger King's in Hawaii does serve Spam.)  But for the most part there are no surprises.  And with that, no creativity either.  Secondly, you know the costs of the items on the menu, since there is only minor variation across our great nation.  And if you own one of these franchises you have the support from a national headquarters that assists in marketing and collective buying power for raw materials and supplies.  There is also guidance as to decor and layout.  And no deviation from that standard is permitted, even down to the color scheme in the restrooms!

     But my major complaint of franchise eateries is two fold.  It has been my experience that most, if not all of the food on the menu is predetermined and trucked in from some central kitchen facility which weighs, measures and cooks most of the food to be served, according to a standard created by someone far removed from the restaurant.  This makes for a bland, but predictable product that ultimately lowers the public's expectations of a good, healthy meal.  Contrary to the marketing of Applebee's, diners aren't really, "eating good in the neighborhood."  The food is notorious for containing way too much sodium and sugar to preserve and flavor it, to say nothing of the high caloric content. 

     Another problem I have with franchise food is that a large portion of the revenue is removed from the local community and must be paid to some corporate entity, often in another state or region of the country.  Royalties and franchise fees support nameless and faceless executives, not Johnny's little league team or Suzie's cheer leading squad.
     But sadly, franchise food has become the way of life for our fast paced society.  Touch down in any town and you will see the logos of dozens of familiar food chains serving up something that we have come to recognize as more of a way to get fed inexpensively, rather than to really enjoy something special that has been personally prepared with care and attention.

     So the next time you are headed out for something to eat, give a thought to the quality of your meal and the person serving it.  And then expect just a little more than a franchise experience.