Olive Garden used to be the go-to chain for the middle class?

[QueBert]

Cheesecake Factory fucking OWNS, only had a few dishes there so I can't comment on the entire menu. But even if 95% of it's beyond crap I'd still give them a thumbs up for the Buffalo Blasts alone.

 

[thegimp03]

I think the last time I was at a Red Lobster (and only time) was 8 years ago. Olive Garden was > 10 years ago. The reason I don't go to either of them now is that there are so many great non-chain restaurants in this area that are miles above both Red Lobster and Olive Garden in terms of service and quality, and the prices aren't that much different. But I agree with the other people who've said it, that both of these places are PACKED on Friday and Saturday nights around here.

 

[ZaneNBK]

Personally I just prefer to go to locally owned restaurants anyway if there's a decent one for the type of food I'm in the mood for. It helps the local economy more and usually the food is better, cheaper and actually fully cooked on site.

 

[mistercrabby]

Both suck. The "economy" is a lame excuse for a company to give for underperforming. Presumably all companies in the sector suffer. It's what they do individually that makes the difference, in a good or "bad" economy.