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Love or hate chain restaurants? We want to hear your story

A sign marks the location of an Applebee's restaurant in Chicago, Illinois July 28, 2003.
Scott Olson
/
Getty Images
A sign marks the location of an Applebee's restaurant in Chicago, Illinois July 28, 2003.

Chain restaurants (think Red Lobster, Chili's, Cracker Barrel, etc.) can be found across the country, serving up familiar fare and comforting memories to millions. Even amid high food prices and increasingly stiff competition, these restaurants endure.

NPR is exploring why and how — and what keeps people coming back.

For many, these cozy, recognizable spaces are where some of life's most memorable moments unfold. Does this sound like you? We want to hear your stories.

What role have chain restaurants played in your life? Do they hold a special place in your heart — or a spot on your personal do-not-return list?

NPR reporters are hitting the road to examine the role chain restaurants play in American culture. Your stories may help shape our reporting — and we may even reach out to meet up with a few of you along the way.

Please note: Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Alana Wise
Alana Wise is a politics reporter on the Washington desk at NPR.
Jaclyn Diaz is a reporter on Newshub.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Federal funding is gone.

Congress has eliminated all funding for public media.

That means $2.1 million per year that Connecticut Public relied on to deliver you news, information, and entertainment programs you enjoyed is gone.

The future of public media is in your hands.

All donations are appreciated, but we ask in this moment you consider starting a monthly gift as a Sustainer to help replace what’s been lost.

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