Chain restaurants in the United States and Canada

Understand

This is a very popular form of eating out in the USA and Canada as an informal meeting place for friends, family and work colleagues. Generally known as casual dining, the restaurant style can range from a basic diner to a reasonable mid to high range restaurant. The concept of a chain with consistent fare in every city is nothing new; the now-defunct "Harvey House" chain (84 locations constructed from 1876–1930, serving rail passengers) was historically merely the first of what has become a crowded marketplace of competitive vendors. Service at tables is generally quick and efficient although they can be very popular at peak periods, so waiting for a table can take some time. Unlike more formal or individual restaurants reservation of a table is generally not possible or practical; as with other restaurants in North America, you are generally expected to wait and be taken to a table. Some chains offer "call-ahead seating", allowing you to call in to get into a virtual queue and show up at the restaurant closer to your actual seating time. Others will offer you a short-range pager, allowing you to visit nearby establishments while you wait. With the exception of the breakfast chains and family restaurants, alcoholic drinks (with the usual North American restrictions) are available. A few of these chains include a bar (or a sports bar) inside the restaurants.

Well-known chains

American-style Chains that serve a traditional or contemporary American cuisine are probably the most common in the country. You'll find a variety of meat-based entrees (main courses), primarily beef and chicken. Vegetarian options could range from a token salad or veggie burger to a whole separate menu of creative choices. American restaurants fall generally into three broad categories.

Bars and grills The American bar and grill is a common restaurant format where seating is arrayed around a central bar. The bar is well stocked, though the capabilities of the bartenders can vary widely; not all of them are adept at mixing cocktails, for instance. Beer, either on tap or in bottles, is by far the most common beverage served. Patrons often get a drink at the bar and wait for other members of their party, or for a table to become available, rather than wait in the lobby. TVs are present, usually tuned to sports channels; while sometimes restricted to the bar area, other restaurants scatter them throughout the seating area. The food tends toward the fried, grilled, and barbecued end of the spectrum. Servers often have a collective "gimmick" they're all expected to follow, such as a provocative uniform or breaking out into song on cue.

Applebee's — mainstream American dishes, "neighborhood bar and grill". (US and 15 other countries) Champps Americana — sports bar style, reasonable classic US food (50 locations in eastern/midwest US) Red Robin — quality burgers as well as good reasonable Mexican, fish and salad dishes with unlimited fries. (over 500 locations, US and Canada) T.G.I. Friday's — food and alcoholic beverages (US and 60 countries internationally)

Steak houses Steakhouses are similar to bars and grills, but they usually have a more formal atmosphere, and a greater focus on quality steaks. Your average bar and grill usually has a steak or two on the menu, but a steakhouse specializes in it. You generally won't find TVs or too many gimmicks here, and instead of a bar with beers on tap, you're more likely to find a wine list. However, steakhouses listed here as "casual" are often closer in layout to bar & grill establishments. This is especially the c