It was announced that Bennigan’s was closing all company-owned restaurants. I am never happy to see people lose jobs, but whenever I hear of a big chain closing, I always think it is a small victory for the local, little guys.

I have nothing against Bennigan’s. In fact, I liked several items on the menu. I am just not particularly fond of chain restaurants. I like my restaurants to be unique, especially when I travel. Years ago, while in New Orleans, my friend Laurie asked our cab driver for dinner suggestions, specifically stating that she wanted some good down-home New Orleans food. The cabbie suggested the Harrah’s buffet! While Harrah’s does offer a fine buffet, I would never consider it “down-home” from anywhere.

When I travel, I like to try the local cuisine or at least really local restaurants. Oh sure, when I am in Houston, I could go to a Bennigan’s and get a very good meal (especially the potato soup). The problem is that meal is exactly the same, whether I am in Houston, Chicago or Des Moines, IA.

I understand, I am railing against the very concept which gave rise to the franchised restaurant system years ago. Franchises offer consistency and familiarity. When you went to a Bennigan’s anywhere, you knew what to expect. That’s an understandable (and often profitable) concept, but it is also boring. When friends ask me for restaurant ideas in Chicago, I suggest LaLuce, Costa’s or some other local place, depending on their tastes. I want them to experience something good, but something uniquely special to Chicago. By the same token, for other activities, I suggest they go to Wrigley Field, the Sears Tower and Navy Pier, instead of just sending them to a multiplex movie theater.

While I miss the Turkey O’Toole sandwich at my local Bennigan’s, I look forward to discovering a previously untested local restaurant. That is my weekend suggestion to everyone. Try a local restaurant where you have never eaten. I plan on hitting a little Italian spot I noticed a few weeks back. Maybe I will discover a new favorite place (and maybe you will, too).

-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist