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Locally owned and operated restaurants are great - except when they leave big gaps in local food expectations. How many years has Buffalo gone without a truly awesome Mexican restaurant? Considered Burger King or Wendy's to be the pinnacle of fast food burgers? Or used Starbucks and Tim Horton's as benchmarks for coffee shops? Our list looks at the top ten great national chain restaurants that Western New Yorkers should actively work to bring here, a collection that focuses mostly on local tastes rather than the exotic, and leaves plenty of room for local independent operators to chase other important cuisines. Every chain except one offers franchise opportunities, linked below for entrepreneurial readers who might be interested in the business potential - note that we have no ties to any of these restaurants, or any others.
10. El Torito Grill. We hear this time and time again from readers: why doesn't Buffalo have a great Mexican restaurant? If we had to pick one chain that could single-handedly thrill Mexican fans around here, El Torito Grill - not its lesser sister El Torito or Chevy's restaurants - would be the one, thanks to its upscale, high-quality menu items and nice interior designs. Those accustomed to seeing Mexican food served in puddles will feel their mouths water with the El Torito Grill photos and details here. Most similar local alternative: La Tolteca. Franchises are offered.
9. Five Guys Burgers and Fries. In a world filled with McDonald's and Burger King locations, only a few burger chains are revered as freshness- and quality-focused alternatives; this is one of them. Five Guys serves only burgers, fries, and hot dogs, but fans (including one of us) find them thrilling due to fresh included toppings and good meat. Our full Five Guys review is here, from one of the Rochester, NY locations. Most similar local alternative: Burger King. Franchises are offered.
8. Yogurtland. We enjoy ice cream, but Italian-Korean frozen yogurt is just better - a reason that it took off like wildfire when chains such as Pinkberry hit the streets of Los Angeles and New York City. The best of the bunch, and one believed most likely to be the "last man standing" in froyo-obsessed California, is Yogurtland, which for a fixed price per ounce offers lots of different self-serve flavors and toppings - a DIY formula that has hopelessly addicted customers from coast to coast. Most similar local alternative: Yogen Fruz. Franchises are offered.
7. McCormick & Schmick's. As the only non-franchised chain on this list, McCormick & Schmick's operates physically beautiful, "smart casual" seafood restaurants with great menus, using locations deliberately chosen by the company to be interesting and appealing to customers. Consequently, it elevates seafood dining to near-steakhouse levels - a step or two above similar competitors in class. Most similar local alternative: Bonefish Grill. Doesn't franchise; e-mail your request.
6. Jamba Juice. Technically, Buffalo scored its first Jamba Juice back in September, but it turned out to be a substantially limited location, with very little of the popular "healthy" smoothie chain's full menu of drinks, and none of its non-drink options. One of us still hungers for a full Jamba location, available without having to duck into the U.B. Student Union. Most similar local alternative: Jamba Juice. Franchises are offered.
5. La Salsa. No one - no one - has as great of a quick serve taco restaurant format as this chain, which lets customers customize everything from tortillas to chips with a big, multi-flavored salsa bar, a step that currently available taco shops either eliminate or pare down to triviality. If you can imagine a wing restaurant that lets you self-apply the sauces to your flavor and intensity preferences, you'll get why this is important. Read more about La Salsa here. Most similar local alternative: Chipotle. Franchises are offered.
4. Gloria Jean's Coffees. Does Western New York really need another coffee shop? And another chain, no less? If you really like coffee, the answer's yes. A wider and tastier array of blended drinks is only one of its advantages - the one we love - while its hot drinks are popular even with Buffalo Chow readers overseas. The closest location is in Rochester, NY. Most similar local alternative: Spot Coffee. Franchises are offered.
3. Wahoo's Fish Taco. As optimistic as we tend to be about such things, the arrival of a Wahoo's in Western New York seems like a long shot: this famous Southern California fish taco restaurant serves its outstanding signature dish using high-quality fish, alongside shrimp tacos, fantastic onion rings, salads, and beers. The recipe isn't difficult to duplicate at home, but works really well at a fast service restaurant, and Wahoo's has become hugely popular by focusing on fish tacos. Read more about Wahoo's here. Most similar local alternative: None. Franchises are offered.
2. Carl's Jr. / Hardee's. Known under different names depending on which half of the United States you're in - it would be a Hardee's here - Carl's Jr. is tops for grilled hamburgers of various sizes, and continues to grow its menu in interesting ways, producing far better food than most people here would expect from a drive through. Read more about Carl's Jr. here. Most similar local alternative: Burger King. Franchises are offered.
1. Chick-fil-A. Dedicated to selling pressure cooked and grilled chicken sandwiches, the former of which it's credited with inventing, this quick service chain has a location in Erie, Pennsylvania but none here. Its tender, peanut oil-hinted sandwiches, waffle-cut fries, and lemonade have made it a massive success in the South and the West. Read more about Chick-fil-A here. Most similar local alternative: None. Franchises are offered.
Do you agree? Disagree? Are there other chains you think should be on the list? Add your thoughts - and be specific about "why?" - to the comments below!
Comments (24)
One chain that I would like to see in the Buffalo area is a Yard House Restaurant. They advertise Great Food, Classic Rock, and the Largest Selection of Draft Beers in the World. To walk into one and see the long bar with all the different beers draft handles behind it is quite a sight. They say there are around 200 draft beers offered. And the food was excellent with a well rounded menu. I visited a couple when I was on business in Southern California, and the closest one I think is in the Chicago area, but one is opening near Boston in 2010. I don't believe they are currently franchising though.
Posted by Mike Maciejewski | December 14, 2009 1:37 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 13:37
I'm glad to see Hardee's so high on your list. For the longest time, one of my best friends kept telling me to try them when I got a chance. On a trip to North Carolina, I made sure to do so, and boy was I pleased. They put any other fast-food chain restaurant burgers to shame. Flavorful, massive, and their fries are delicious, too.
Posted by Patrick | December 14, 2009 2:42 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 14:42
Any of the "Mongolian BBQ" chains would be very welcome. Often called just "Mongolian BBQ" or "Mongolian Grill" back west, they were a favorite for lunch, that I dearly miss.
Posted by David Bishop | December 14, 2009 3:21 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 15:21
ok, there are a few things i might have to disagree with, but i'd rather give more suggestions.
Add to the list:
Bertucci's - italian in New England
Vinny Testa's - Family Style Italian
Legal Seafood
Wasn't there already a Gloria Jean's at the Walden Galleria? wouldn't that be like bringing back Quizno's?
Posted by jim | December 14, 2009 4:19 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 16:19
I think California Pizza Kitchen would have a decent chance of coming to the area.
Regarding fish tacos, maybe others remember a few years back the Baja Fish Taco restaurant on Transit near Main in Williamsville had great fish tacos but sadly is now closed.
Posted by Kelvin | December 14, 2009 4:26 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 16:26
Yard House is a very good pick, though it would have a ton of overlapping competition locally in most regards: the selection of beers and food quality are both impressive, but I'd be willing to bet that an ambitious local operator (of, say, Amherst Pizza + Ale House caliber) could pull off an expansion to achieve much the same effect.
Re: others, Gloria Jean's apparently had a location at the McKinley Mall, which probably wasn't the right venue. On Baja Fish Taco, my understanding is that it no one knew that it was there, but that it was directly replicating Wahoo's, and shut down due to lack of publicity. We returned to town shortly after it disappeared, apparently. On Mongolian BBQ, yes, yes, yes, though the only good chain we've visited (BD's Mongolian) pulled out of California years ago... it does have locations in near-ish states, not New York. So that would be a great opportunity.
Posted by Jeremy Horwitz | December 14, 2009 5:48 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 17:48
Yeah! That's right Chick-fil-a Numero UNO!!!
I would replace carl's Jr with a sonic, but I can deal...
In Myrtle Beach they had a fast food Japanese Hibachi chain (I think it was called kyoto - not affiliated with the one on Maple)
I would die for one of the them. Cheap and delicious!!
Posted by Marc | December 14, 2009 10:53 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 22:53
The best part about Bertucci's is their bread. We have a lot of good Italian restaurants already. I would LOVE a Chick-fil-a or Steak n Shake here, and I totally agree with a bigger Jamba Juice -- the one at UB doesn't have their granola smoothies, which are one of the best choices.
Or how about a Joe's Crab Shack? Casual, sort of on par with a Friday's or something like that, but with seafood...
Posted by Angela | December 15, 2009 7:58 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 07:58
Noodles & Company- Each dish made to order, healthy and the most wonderful Thai Curry Soup. When I fly to Minneapolis its the first place I go. -Good value, good size portions for not a lot,
Posted by Carolyn Liarakos | December 15, 2009 9:56 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 09:56
And I forgot one, don't know how I could, Caribu Coffee. Clearly the best best best coffee shop. They just do coffee with a few snacks but it's the best coffee and the atmosphere is extremely relaxing. My favorite place to read the Sunday paper. Noodles & Company and Caribu next to each other, a winner.
Posted by Carolyn Liarakos | December 15, 2009 10:02 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 10:02
I'm disappointed that no Canadian restaruants made this list. Have we forgotten about the success of Tim Hortons? I would prefer a Harvey's to any of the other restaurants listed.
Posted by Brian | December 15, 2009 10:42 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 10:42
Besides The Keg, which might be worthy of listing, we would love to hear some additional Canadian chain suggestions!
Posted by Jeremy Horwitz | December 15, 2009 10:59 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 10:59
Moxies or Milestones are great Canadian restaurants.
Posted by Brian | December 15, 2009 11:13 AM
Posted on December 15, 2009 11:13
Wasnt there a Gloria Jean's in the Tops on Transit and North French? I could have sworn one of my friends worked there.
Suggestions:
Jack in the Box
In and Out Burger
Sonic
White Castle
Fazolis
Baja Fresh
California Pizza Kitchen
Five Guys
Au Bon Pain
Del Taco
Steak and Shake
Macaroni Grill
A & W Restaurant
Cici's
Pinkberry
El Pollo Loco
Firehouse Subs
Fatburger
Skyline Chilli
Qdoba
(as you can see Ive eaten at alot of places)
Posted by Beth | December 15, 2009 4:53 PM
Posted on December 15, 2009 16:53
Didn't I hear that there was Steak n' Shake opening in the area soon? Maybe I'm wrong. Add CPK, Jack in the Box, and Sonic to the ones I'd like to see also.
Posted by Mike M | December 15, 2009 7:56 PM
Posted on December 15, 2009 19:56
Should I be surprised that nobody mentioned Waffle House?
If you've ever wanted to enter The Twilight Zone, then just walk into a Waffle House at 3:30 A.M. and wait a few minutes.
Posted by JJ | December 16, 2009 6:45 PM
Posted on December 16, 2009 18:45
I would love to see a Culvers, nothing better than fried chedder cheese curds (anyplace have them around here?) and Noodles & Company in WNY.
Posted by Sara | December 19, 2009 5:36 PM
Posted on December 19, 2009 17:36
Not sure it has grown to "chain" size yet, but I would kill--literally--for a Mad Mex in Buffalo. They do great in college towns and there is not enough Mex 'round here.
Posted by Drew | December 20, 2009 7:37 PM
Posted on December 20, 2009 19:37
I'm from Toronto but shop (and dine) in WNY frequently. And unlike most Canadians I hate Tim Horton's and Harvey's... YUCK....
Here's my list... pipe dream I know :-(
Gold Star Chili
Gino's East
Macaroni Grill
Del Taco
Rubio's
Tumbleweed
Sonic
Roy's Hawaiian
Dreamland BBQ
Ruth's Chris
Krispy Kreme (bring back the anti-Tim)
Levain Bakery
Trader Joe's (I know, not a restaurant chain, but a fun place to shop for food)
Posted by TexSquared | December 21, 2009 3:38 PM
Posted on December 21, 2009 15:38
Recently moved back to Buffalo from Virginia. There was Sweetwater Tavern, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Big Bowl, Potbelly Sandwich Works and yes, Chick-Fil-A!!
Posted by Bob | December 22, 2009 9:34 AM
Posted on December 22, 2009 09:34
Wow ... considering the hyperlocal, anti-chain sentiment of most blogs and message boards focusing on Buffalo, I expected the comments would be page after page of flames. Glad to see others have recognized the "everywhere but Buffalo" phenomenon as well.
If Rochester, Erie, Cleveland and Pittsburgh gets prominent national chains that are lacking in Buffalo, what's wrong? I don't think it's fear of local competition or some regional anti-chain sentiment -- look at the lines area Olive Garden restaurants get on just weekdays. The presence of high-end national chains in those cities certainly haven't turned them into "sterile, soulless, corporate and fake" places, nor have they damaged the prospects for innovative locally owned restaurants. Before you bemoan another chain entering the market, ask yourself if you'd rather see yet another mediocre Greek or red-sauce Italian restaurant instead.
My additions to the restaurants that should be taken off the Everywhere But Buffalo list:
* BD's Mongolian Barbecue
* Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (advertises on local radio, but no local locations, much like Sonic in other cities.)
* California Pizza Kitchen
* Dinosaur Barbecue
* Firehouse Subs
* Flying Saucer (if they ever expand this way)
* Legal Seafood
* Joe's Crab Shack
* Caribou Coffee
* Stir Crazy
* Claddagh Irish Pub or Fado; either one.
Also, ever meet any Buffalonians that think Tony Roma's is a Buffalo-based chain, confusing it with Tony Rome's?
Posted by Dan | December 26, 2009 5:07 PM
Posted on December 26, 2009 17:07
Culver's - mmmm, butter burgers! Wide variety of menu choices including walleye sandwiches and dinners. None of that disgusting haddock here!
Skyline Chili - Greek style chili from Cincinnati. Excellent coneys!
Posted by Lolly | January 10, 2010 12:18 PM
Posted on January 10, 2010 12:18
I'm originally from Salt Lake City, and as much as I love the local restaurants here in Buffalo, I would love to have some chain restaurants come to town as well. I agree, there should be some variety! Here is my list:
Noodles & Co.
Sonic
Rumbi Island Grill
In & Out
McGrath's Fish House
Bajio Mexican Grill
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Qdoba
Jamba Juice
Fazoli's
Posted by Brooklynn | February 25, 2010 12:22 PM
Posted on February 25, 2010 12:22
Can't believe no one has mentioned Earl of Sandwich.
http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com/
Posted by Jonathan Koziol | March 4, 2010 3:30 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 15:30