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Chains like Starbucks and McDonald's are popular for a reason. They make products people like. They have optimized for scale and cost. They provide consistent product and service, especially when traveling.

In the medium-sized town where I grew up, we always loved it when a new chain restaurant opened up in our town. They made us feel like we got the same options as the big cities.

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I understand the sentiment, it does feel good to know your town is 'on the map' so to speak, but I do think there's something to be said for supporting local businesses too.

To give an example, I grew up in a small city. We had a McDonalds, a Burger King, etc... but we also had local burger places that made tastier burgers than those from the big chains. I found those local burger places gave me more pride in where I lived than just that we had what lots of other places had.

I guess what I'm saying is that local shops can add more to a sense of place than the ubiquitous chains. Is that something you'd agree with?

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