Since we are on the theme of consumer trends today, here is one that is a bit disturbing
The number of restaurant chain locations is on the rise, while the independent restaurant population is shrinking, according to global information company The NPD Group….Restaurant chain locations actually rose during the period, by 1 percent, to 287,312, from 283,600. But nearly 8,000 fewer independent restaurants were open compared with the previous year, 343,652, a 2-percent decrease from 351,433 in the fall of 2013.
This is a bad sign. We can’t create a genuine food culture out of chain restaurants.
When you go out to eat, please feed the locals.
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 
I so agree, when I am on holidays, I always look for a local establishment. The chain is going to be the same at home or in another location. Even at home I think the food tastes better from an independent.