Changing Tastes

You know, it's so true about being another restaurant and suffering. This is probably my favorite chain restaurant, yet I never go. It's so bland and boring when you get there. You feel like you're one step above another hole in the wall bar. Their food may be fantastic, but in this day in age of high priced everything, it's going to take a little more than good food to get me to go out and spend my low-valued dollar.

Wow talk about kicking someone when they are down; nice article. All the private owners and their staff are allready faceing an uphill battle, and you just pull the carpet out from under them. At least you could of asked some of the owners now that head office is bankrupt if they have any plans to upgrade menu. You could have spoke to some of the many owners who are turning a profit with a happy staff.

You just gave a big slap in the face to all the loyal customers, hard working staff, and owners. I'm from Canada and never heard of the restaurant. Do you own shares in the Olive Garden? I have worked over 15 years in the Food and Beverage Industry in my life, and as you said there are always many reasons why all businesses fail,,,But there is no excuse for your story,

My brother and a few of his friends worked there for a few years. The simple reason they are no longer in business is because of their many years of poor business practices and very silly decisions from upper management. They all left within the last two years because of how it was run. They are all in the same industry, all working for successfully run businesses which are not having any difficulties. Some may blame the economic times but frankly, if the business had been managed properly, they would be just fine right now. That's all, nothing more and nothing less.

My brother and a few of his friends worked there for a few years. The simple reason they are no longer in business is because of their many years of poor business practices and very silly decisions from upper management. They all left within the last two years because of how it was run. They are all in the same industry, all working for successfully run businesses which are not having any difficulties. Some may blame the economic times but frankly, if the business had been managed properly, they would be just fine right now. That's all, nothing more and nothing less.

It's too bad that once successful companies are now forced to compromise who they are to please the overall public opinion, which is neccessary to stay alive in the limited choices our economy has to offer. I love going to Bennigan's. There is one an hour away. If I find myself in town, you can be sure it is a place I love to stop. The beer is cold, the wait staff is friendly, and their menus offer a wide variety of choices. It's hard to choose sometimes. It's kind of like an Indy-Applebee's, only much better in quality, service, and atmosphere. I always ate mini-cheeseburgers. They were so tasty.
I think the overall "public opinion" is corny and lacks taste, seemingly fueled by the bright glow of what everyone else has and what seems "natural." But don't get me started on that.

it is necessary to care for customers

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First of all, the economy is not weak. The economy continues to grow and unemployment is at historic lows. I know Newsweek could never say that because it contradicts the gloomy economic news this liberal mouthpiece has been writing for months. Wouldn't a bad economy and rising costs have affected multiple restaurant chains?? You note in the same article that Olive Garden sales were up 10% during the same time. I'm surprised Newsweek didnt recommend a government takeover of the chain or that Congress hold hearings on this. I wouldnt be surprised if the unedited draft of this article cast the blame on President Bush. All the restaurants in my area are busy and doing well except for the ones that are mismanaged like Benigans was.

I think Brad Hanson is right the parent company was over leaverged. Bennigans and Steak & Ale closed without notice in Macon Georgia about 10-15 years ago so this is not unusual for this company this is what they do. The restaurants are Testoterone freindly the food is good and I have been wanting a Monte Cristo w/ curant jelly since my Bennigans in Macon closed

Bennigans should have been gone out of BUSINESS .I went their 5yrs ago and never went back , poor service , poor quailty food and limited food options and the TABLES SMELLED LIKE A DRY ROTTED MOP!!!!

This article is shocking! All the Bennigan's that I have been in have been great! They have always had wonderful service and I actually think of it as a healthy option. On Bennigan's menu you can order a wheat bun instead of white, which is great for being diabetic...you can't get that at Applebees! Also there are several salads that you can get grilled chicken instead of fried. I think that there are plenty of other resturants open that a grades below Bennigan's. My family hates Olive Garden the food tastes cheap and the service sucks and Applebee's as well. I hope that the Bennigan's near our area is staying open. Oh and consumers should not blame resturant's for the fact that they don't pick healthy choices over the fatty ones.

The place was nothing special. The food was overprices and the theme outdated. I only ate at a Bennigans once, and when we were done I knew that I would never come back. It is no surprise to me. If you are in a service business you have to stay ahead of the curve. Customers do not want the same old burgers and fries on the menu, they want new and exciting.

Chato4444 are you suggesting that McCain is the answer?