619137 Mon May 11 19:36:26 -0700 2009 13 32 Chains 0 4675329 Hi All, I'm trying to find rare chains in New York City. Either those on the way out or those barely in basically. So far I have: New York City's last Roy Rogers: The remaining one is right outside Penn Station and eating there is like a trip through time. I wrote up a piece about it here: http://newkai.com/weblog/2009/05/dinner-at-new-york-citys-last-roy-rogers.html New York City's only Chick-Fil-A: It's in a public area of a NYU dining hall right off Washington Square: http://newkai.com/weblog/2009/05/lunch-at-new-york-citys-only-chick-fil-a.html Tomorrow my friends and I are going to check out one of the only two Boston Markets in Manhattan, and then I also have the only NYC Church's Chicken near the PABT on the agenda. Any suggestions on what else to check out? I'd also value rare casual dining chains, as that will be my next venture. Thanks for your help! -Kai Mon May 11 19:36:26 -0700 2009 291929 newkai 1 4675885 I find this a very puzzling quest. Basically my question is - why bother? :) The great thing about NYC is the abundance of unique restaurants that are the antithesis of corporate food. I'm not a chain snob, but given the choice, I'd try to be adventurous and eat at a one of a type restaurant. Tue May 12 04:57:59 -0700 2009 4675329 22285 dpan 2 4678508 It's more of an adventure. 9 times out of 10 I do eat at unique non-chain places, but it's more like a puzzle I'm trying to solve. And some of these chains are so rare in New York City, it's almost like they're one of a kind! Tue May 12 19:05:20 -0700 2009 4675885 291929 newkai 3 4682721 Sigh.....you need to get out of the City more. Chains are the norm everywhere else in the country. Thu May 14 06:11:11 -0700 2009 4678508 22285 dpan 4 4686924 You want chains? Come out to the mid-west like where I live in Dayton, Ohio. Every intersection you come to: McD's, Wendy's, Arbys and Taco Bell. For a unique dinning experience you come to an intersection that has: McD's, Wendy's, Arby's and KFC. I wish we had someplaces like what you have in NYC. Fri May 15 10:41:58 -0700 2009 4682721 21203 jackrugby 1 4688251 What about Krispy Kreme? I think those are a dying breed in NYC... WON http://whatsonmyplate.wordpress.com Fri May 15 18:41:37 -0700 2009 4675329 92591 wontonfm 2 4696243 Good point, thanks! There are a bunch in Penn Station. I don't think there are any of the full-size ones where you can watch the donuts fry though, that'd be great. Actually found a "Dunkin' Deli" in a DD/BR near Houston & Hudson. Apparently it's a leftover from the days when DD owned Togo's. I took some pics: http://newkai.com/weblog/2009/05/lunch-at-a-rare-dunkin-deli-in-new-york-city.html Mon May 18 23:03:00 -0700 2009 4688251 291929 newkai 3 4698597 I used to go to a location on the UES (maybe 3rd just south of 86th) but I just checked the site and it seems to be gone :( The only locations are in Penn. RIP Krispy Kreme in NYC Tue May 19 16:34:52 -0700 2009 4696243 92591 wontonfm 1 4770576 I believe Bon Chon and Kyochon are fried chicken chains in korea with outposts in flushing queens. That would by an interesting addition to your journey. Sat Jun 13 18:51:35 -0700 2009 4675329 19768 BaconBits 2 4800542 Oh, wow, that would be the rarest find yet! I'll look into it, thanks for the tip. By the way, I've expanded these adventures into their own blog, http://fastfoodnyc.com. Tue Jun 23 22:05:36 -0700 2009 4770576 291929 newkai 1 4775939 I seemed to remember Arthur Treachers as being tough to find and their website shows only one left in Manhattan - on 14th St. Mon Jun 15 18:25:33 -0700 2009 4675329 17012 Enfielder 2 4800538 Thanks, I'll check it out! I love their fish 'n chips. I've seen a few inside Nathan's... Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and Queens Center Mall I believe. Nathan's owns them now so they appear to be stable, yet still very rare. Nathan's also own Kenny Rogers Roasters for awhile. They sold it last year to a Philippine franchiser, where they're blossoming. Nathan's retained the right to operate them inside Nathan's, however, so there's at least one left (sort of), inside the main Coney Island location. Tue Jun 23 22:03:44 -0700 2009 4775939 291929 newkai 3 4803746 great quest. Wed Jun 24 19:27:32 -0700 2009 4800538 10651 bbqboy 1 5043939 A Miami Subs opened in Jamaica, Queens. I went there yesterday - their menu is huge! http://bit.ly/PjR1J Submarina California, a chain from out west, is supposed to share space with The Häagen-Dazs on Steinway St in Astoria, but they've had a "coming soon" sign up for months and it doesn't look like anything has been done inside. Sun Sep 20 11:44:20 -0700 2009 4675329 291929 newkai