We used to have a bunch of family-owned Italian places here. And a couple really good seafood restaurants. Even a Chinese place run by a local Chinese family.
It came to the point where the younger people in the families didn't want to do the work to keep them open. Chains came in and offered big money for the liquor licenses.
Now, with a few exceptions, we are stuck with Olive Garden and Red Lobster. My wife and I can outcook either of those places. At least there are a couple bars with honest bar food around.
