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I try to avoid chains as much as possible if only on principle. I like to support independently owned restaurants because I think they are a dying breed. Long Beach has a great collection of wonderful independent restaurants that I frequent as much as possible. One of my biggest disappointments in the city is that ALL of the restaurants in the newish Pike area are chains. It doesn't make it much of a destination for me - but I suppose conventioneers may like the familiarity. Still, it pisses me off that what could've been a great destination for both locals and conventioneers was blanded down to something that can be found anywhere.
I used to have the same feeling about independently owned bookstores, but most of those have gone out of business due to the monster chains that have infected every shopping area.
I have a few exceptions to my "independent" rule. Bookstores have become a necessity, but I still shop at an independent music store. I refuse to set foot in a Walmart, Kmart or Costco but I do go to Target. I will eat at SuperMex which is now a chain and I've eaten at Patina restaurants. I also frequent Peet's. PF Changs is probably the only chain restaurant I will willingly eat at.
I celebrate unique, different, independent as well as delicious as much as I can. I'm afraid that, if I don't, all choice will be lost to me and my life will become as bland as a day in Stepford.
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