Ranking New England’s Top Casual Dining Chains: An Experimental Series, Part 1

Alright, New Englanders. I need your help—big time.

Last week, an enormous debate was sparked between myself and my colleagues: what is the best casual dining chain in New England?

I'm talking about sit-down restaurant chains, so not Chipotle or Dunkin. Perhaps the requirement is that the restaurant must serve appetizers on their menu. We're still working through the kinks.

First thing's first: The plan.

I am planning on going to every restaurant on this list. My hope is to visit one establishment per week.

Then, from when I am there to two days after the meal, I will rank. I am ranking friendliness/environment at the chain, taste, meal/appetizer size, and how my stomach feels the next day. And I am open to more suggestions on the criteria.

Next: Identifying the Chains.

I need help identifying the restaurants that need to be on this list. Here is what I have so far:

99's, Chilis, Applebees, Friendly's, Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn, Olive Garden, and Buffalo Wild Wings. What else? What other restaurants am I missing on this list?

If I am being honest, I think the 99 is going to take the whole thing. But I will not be biased once I have my chains identified and my criteria rock-solid.

These are the first three steps to finding the best restaurant chain in New England: identify the chains, identify the criteria, and identify the plan.

Please drop me a comment or an email (logan.sherwood@townsquaremedia.com) to help me build my criteria and identify the restaurants in the competition.

I will do my part ranking them and giving them all a detailed score. And of course, I'll report back to the public periodically and at the end.

So, New England, help me figure out the top casual chains in the region. Let's get to the bottom of this together.