re: Red Lobster goes vertical on plate to push quality. Wants to be Fine Dinning

My models show 88-92. I just averaged out.

Do you think the plumber or the guy who works at the plywood plant in Boise, Idaho gives a shite if he's eating a gulf shrimp? All that guy wants on a Friday night is to take his wife and couple of kids to have a family meal, maybe a cold beer and enjoy his family. And Red Lobster is the place he can do it. Or Chilis, or grab a little breakfast at Cracker Barrell. Just appreciate living in this locale with access to fresh gulf seafood. Most don't.

I had lunch today at Ninos. $12.00 three course. I had the tomato and Brie pasta. Great lunch, nice full restaurant and my wife and I after tip $35. Local place. I look across Bluebonnet and Applebees parking lot is full. Well dressed corporate people from the area I presume piling in. I didn't see one look forlornly across the street wishing THEY themselves could eat at Ninos.

They might eat at Ninos but not for today's lunch. They didn't look like rubes or peasants. Just good people wanting something in their book ok to eat. If I'm sitting at Applebee's I'm not necessarily looking across wishing I was in the local place.

And now. How exactly has national chains affected you? Taxes? Food? Didn't get the asphalt overlay on your street because too many people ate at a chain and the money didn't go into the community road fund? Really. Public schools failing because corporate greed is steeling yours and my money?

It doesn't affect me. Plenty of local everything out there if you just quit complaining and go look. Do we need more? Sure man. I'm all for it. I'm a small business owner in BR. You want to invest in a good hot dog stand? I'll pony up as much as you and we can go in business. It's one we sorely lack. Really. See its just not that easy.