Which country do you live?

[planck]

Probably, at some point in time long, long ago they used to make nice food (like Wimpy's of the UK).

Taco Bell is actually alright, maybe it's because I was a cheapo and the attraction of paying 3 dollars for a meal was there, or maybe it's because the food is nice. (Gray's Papaya mid new york is also nice-25c for a hotdog?!?!?!?!?! I was in heaven).

That's what I'm guessing too. When the first wendy's (et al) opened up, it must have been delicious. Then, after a while of doing well individually---they franchise.

Local franchising--just regional--is probably not all that bad either. They are getting larger, but the quality hasn't declined too much. But when they go full national--forget it.

Gray's Papaya is a great example of this problem. They make a great hotdog in NY. It's an amazing hot dog, actually. Jimmy's in chicago is amazing. Pinks in LA is also amazing. All these places stay local and that's the only reason why it still tastes good.

But then there's world famous Nathan's in NY. And Portillos in Chicago who both decided to go national. I can only imagine the plastic tasting hot dogs that I'll be buying from them in 10 years time.

I think it must be a property of the Restaurant uncertainty principle, whereby the more food you produce, the less quality there will be.

[planck]

Taco Bell is big and somehow manages to maintain a semblance of decency. But nowadays, in practically every single major market, you'll see a taqueria on every other block. These places are authentic mexican and offer a completely different style than the standard Taco Bell menu.

Knowing that the taqueria (comida rapida aka fast food) is taking off, Taco Bell decided to "go local." Now they offer their version of a local taco.

http://www.tacobell.com/menuitem/cantina-taco-chicken


even comes with the trademark limewedge. I haven't had one yet, but I doubt they compare to the real stuff.