Americans are known for many things but what seems to be one of the best known cultural aspects

of our country is our love of food, eating out in particular. The restaurant industry is projected to make $660 billion dollars in 2013, and there are almost a million restaurant locations. Society has become used to having options, when you go to a store of any kind there are always multiple variations of the same products, multiple stores of the same kind! Restaurants are no exception. When someone turns any street corner in any city there is a very likely chance they will see a McDonalds or Burger King. Not just fast food but Olive Gardens, Red Lobsters, PF Changs are scattered throughout the country. There is however another option that is just as popular as these huge chains, local mom-and-pop restaurants. Americans today are challenged with the decision of eating at chain or local restaurants which have pros and cons to each. Another huge aspect of American society and especially in recent years is health and nutrition. With so many people counting calories and watching their weight deciding where to eat out can be challenging. Chain restaurants have more detailed menus with calorie count sometimes next to each option. Also there are symbols to distinguish light options, vegetarian options, and eve gluten-free options. If not displayed directly on the menu chain restaurants all have a website and do a good job at providing all nutritional information. Local restaurants on the other hand do not, although in general they use local fresh ingredients. Even if the calorie count may not be less all ingredients are less processed and have much less salt, butter, and sodium. Local restaurants do not have a set menu. Items can frequently and are seasonal. Vegetarian and gluten- free options can be ordered though, you just have to ask. Local restaurants can also cater to even more diet needs such as allergies since their menu items can be changed dramatically and they can even create a whole new dish on the spot.

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Along with health and nutrition another factor to consider when eating out is environment. Chain restaurants are themed and have a certain type of cuisine. Employees dress in uniform and have to uphold certain standards. These standards guarantee a certain level of professionalism which is always appreciated but lacks the personal touch of local restaurants. Local restaurants have fewer restrictions and can have a very inviting feel. A lot of local restaurants are family owned as well and make customers feel at home. Chain restaurants are constantly hiring and replacing employees but at family owned restaurants you can get to know who is there on a personal level. For example, when I went to Olive Garden on three separate occasions to research and observe I had a different server every time. Not just dining environment is taken into consideration when deciding where to eat but always environmental concerns. Chain restaurants use processed ingredients and animal products that are made in factories or in fields with crops covered in pesticides that are not only bad for the environment but our bodies. Local restaurants buy from local farmers. The food prepared in these kitchens are less processed, they can even be organic. Recently there has been a trend in sustainable restaurants that partake in catering their menus to dishes made from ingredients specifically for this cause.
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