Restaurant chain

A restaurant chain (/rɛstərɒnt tʃeɪn/) is a set of related restaurants often with the same name in many different locations that are either under shared corporate ownership (e.g., McDonald's in the U.S.) or franchising agreements.

Etymology

The term "restaurant chain" is derived from the English words "restaurant," which comes from the French restaurer meaning "to restore," and "chain," which comes from the Old French chaine meaning "a series of things connected or following in succession."

History

The concept of a restaurant chain has been attributed to the rise of fast food in America in the 20th century. The first successful chain was arguably White Castle, which started in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and is known for its small, square hamburgers.

Types of Restaurant Chains

There are several types of restaurant chains including:

Fast Food Restaurants: These are also known as quick service restaurants (QSR). They are typically part of a restaurant chain and offer fast food cuisine served via a food line.

Fast Casual Restaurants: These are a type of restaurant that does not offer full table service, but promises a higher quality of food and atmosphere than a fast food restaurant.

Casual Dining Restaurants: These are restaurants that serve moderately-priced food in a casual atmosphere. Except for buffet-style restaurants, casual dining restaurants typically provide table service.

Fine Dining Restaurants: These are full service restaurants with specific dedicated meal courses. They are often characterized by their upscale atmosphere and their higher prices.

Related Terms

Franchise: A legal and commercial relationship between the owner of a trademark, service mark, trade name, or advertising symbol and an individual or group seeking the right to affiliate with or use the identified mark in a business.

Fast Food: A type of mass-produced food designed for commercial resale and with a strong priority placed on "speed of service" versus other relevant factors involved in culinary science.

Casual Dining: A restaurant serving moderately priced food in a casual atmosphere.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Restaurant chain
Wikipedia's article - Restaurant chain

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Restaurant chain