Cheesecake Factory is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in American food made with cream cheese, including burgers, Chicken, and steak dishes. According to Funding Universe, the restaurant was founded in the United States by David M. Overton in 1972, now owned and operated by NRN Inc. and headquartered in the U.S. The first Cheesecake Factory was opened in Beverly Hills, California. Since then, the chain has expanded to over 200 U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico stores.
It has locations on every continent except Antarctica. In addition to cheesecakes and other desserts, the restaurants also serve appetizers such as nachos, chicken wings, and quesadillas. Each restaurant features a unique interior design theme and serves a selection of drinks from its full bar. The chain’s signature dessert is its Grand Slam Breakfast, which includes eggs Benedict, country-fried steak, home fries, biscuits, and gravy.
What is a Chain Restaurant?
A chain restaurant is a group of related restaurants established in different locations but share a name or a concept. It can be owned either individually through franchising or by the same company (corporate ownership). A restaurant is regarded as a chain when one company manages the entire business program.
Interesting Facts about Cheesecake Factory
The idea of establishing Cheesecake Factory started in Detroit, Michigan, where the owner grew up. It has a long menu having about 6000 words and around 250 items. It sells more than thirty cheesecake flavors and ships it across the United States through Harry and David. The company gives back through a charitable foundation, and owns several other chains, including Grand Lux Café. Also, there is an interesting history behind the Factory’s eye-catching décor.
Drake, a famous American artist who owns a mansion near the chain headquarters in California, refers to the chain in one of his popular songs, Child’s play. Cheesecake Factory is one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for.” The Cheesecake may not be for everyone, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t other places with similar food, atmosphere, and prices. Plenty of restaurants offer a similar experience with a much smaller price tag. Check out these twenty places like the Cheesecake factory.
18. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is perhaps the best Italian chain restaurant. It has a casual atmosphere, reasonably priced food and drink, and a unique focus on hospitality that goes way beyond the norm. The menu features classic Italian fare – pasta and non-pasta dishes – and everything is prepared in an open kitchen so you can see it being made right before you. There are over 100 restaurants in the U.S. and several others in Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
17. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill is a seafood chain with a menu that largely focuses on those two items – “fish and more fish,” as the company slogan goes. There are a few non-seafood dishes, but this place is about fish. And that is a good thing. The fish is all fresh, delicious, and carefully prepared. There are over 230 restaurants in 25 states and a handful of others in places like Mexico, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
16. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a burger chain that started with just one NYC location and has grown into a successful national chain. While the burgers are very good, Shake Shack has several other delicious foods like hot dogs, frozen custard, and crinkle-cut fries. The company’s focus on sustainability is also very admirable. There are over 160 Shake Shack locations in the U.S., with more added all the time.
15. The Habit Burger
This is another burger chain slightly different from Shake Shack. The Habit focuses more on freshness and quality ingredients than fancy gourmet cooking. It is great if you want a simple, delicious burger that tastes like a backyard barbecue. There are over 400 Habit Burger locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona. Many burger enthusiasts usually prefer the burgers served here because they are considered healthy and better than the rest.
14. Dango – Korean BBQ Dining
Dango – Korean BBQ Dining is a chain specializing in Korean cuisine and traditional Korean barbecue. The restaurant has a nice and cozy ambiance that is perfect for a date or a family dinner, and the food is all fresh and flavorful. The menu has many different types of barbecue with various types of meat, like ribs, Chicken, pork, and squid. There are over 30 Dango locations in the U.S.
13. Chubby Chicken – Korean fried chicken chain
Chubby Chicken is an interesting Korean fried chicken chain, but it is also much more. Their specialty is a Korean-style fried Chicken that is both incredibly tasty and healthy. The fried Chicken is made with zero Trans fats and very little oil. The chain has a few locations in California and is expanding quickly.
12. Momofuku Nishi – Anh ̆eagle wings chain
Momofuku Nishi is a chain specializing in anh ̆eagle wings. Anh is a Korean word for “eagle,” and anh ̆eagle wings are a popular Korean dish consisting of deep-fried chicken wings drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce. There are currently a few Momofuku Nishi restaurants in New York City, but they are expected to expand to more places soon.
11. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s Little Italy is an American semi-upscale chain specializing in classic Italian-American cuisine. The restaurant chain was established in 1991 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, The U.S. If you’re a dead fan of salads, pasta, and sea foods, then these chain restaurants should be your go-to place. This charming place has a vibrant atmosphere making it a great choice for family, romantic dates, and large groups of friends.
10. Longhorn Steakhouse
This American casual dining was purchased in 2007, is now owned by Darden Restaurants, Inc., and is headquartered in Orlando. It is one of the most popular steakhouse chains in America, with over 500 locations worldwide. George Mckerrow founded this casual dining space in the state of Georgia in 1981. The restaurant chain is a higher grade and is equally expensive. But be guaranteed a top-notch quality of food and services. Additionally, you can visit these spots for the best Margarita and signature appetizer. Remember to bring your family and friends along to experience these best dishes.
9. Chili’s Grill and Bar
Chili’s Grill and bar is a casual American chain with a large variety of food items on the menu. You can get burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and many other foods; everything is reasonably priced and delicious. The restaurant has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with a southwestern-style décor, and it is a great spot to eat with friends or family. Chili’s has over 1,500 locations in the U.S. and other countries in the Americas. Many other smaller chain restaurants are just as good as the big players. You may have to travel a little further to get to them, but the trip will be worth it once you taste their great food.
8. Olive Garden
Olive Garden is an Italian-style restaurant chain that was founded in 1982. Darden Restaurants, Inc. now owns the company. It has a total of 1500 restaurants in North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Olive Garden serves Italian food such as pasta dishes and pizzas. The restaurant chain can be a substitute for Cheesecake Factory because they both provide Italian American cuisine.
7. Yard House
It is an American sports bar chain with 80+ locations across the U.S. The chain was established in 1996 by Steele Platt, Tom Yelenic, William Wollrab, and Steve Reynolds in California, the U.S. This casual dining has great beer, good and heartwarming food, and classic rock music to keep you entertained throughout the restaurant. It has a large selection of menus that features 130 taps of imported and crafted specialty Ales and Lagers. This modern American gathering place is where food and beer connoisseurs unite. It is a good sport where you and your friends can come for a night out or a get-together. The indoor patios have big screen T.V.s perfect for catching your favorite games and movies.
6. Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is an American Style restaurant chain and a sports bar franchise in Columbus, Ohio, the U.S. in 1982 and has locations in the US, India, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The restaurant’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes mainly in Buffalo wings and sauces. Additionally, it has an extensive menu and serves anything from appetizers to salads, mac and cheese, wraps, and kids’ meals.
5. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
PF Chang’s is a Chinese chain with various dishes, including, of course, a lot of Chinese food. They also have a few other Asian-themed dishes like sushi and pad Thai. The menu is large and offers something for everyone. The chain is also known for its high-quality drink menu that includes non-alcoholic beverages and a variety of specialty cocktails. There are over 400 PF Chang’s restaurants in the U.S. and three other countries.
4. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
This American restaurant chain, formerly known as Cheddar’s casual café, is based in Irving, Texas. It was established in 1979-about four decades ago, and was headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It has a large menu featuring quality homemade food at a generous price. They have American favorites, from ribs to chicken tenders, and there is always something for you and your family. Their foods are consistently French; moreover, according to the daily meal, the restaurant chain won its fair price share of awards in 2012 for having a top-rated food and décor.
3. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar
It is a casual American restaurant chain alongside bars established on November 19, 1980 – about four decades ago in Atlanta, GA, by Bill Palmer and T.J Palmer. It is headquartered in Glendale, California, the U.S. Applebee’s has 1787 locations as of December 31, 2019, that are nestled in Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, The U.S., Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Panama, and the United Arab Emirates. They have an extensive menu and offers a wide array of American cuisines like burgers, Chicken, Ribs, Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches, Wraps, and Kids Menu.
2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries
This American fast-food restaurant chain specializes in hamburgers, hotdogs, and French fries. It is headquartered in Lorton, Virginia, part of Fairfax County. The first restaurant was opened in 1986 in Arlington County, Virginia. They have an extensive menu having over 250,000 different burger combinations. All fries come with an extra scoop in the bag. This is a perfect spot to bring your family for a delicious and regular two-patty burger with two slices of melted American cheese
1. B.J.s Restaurant
BJs is an American restaurant chain headquartered in Huntington Beach, California. According to Zippia, it was established in 1978 by Paul Montenko and Jerry Hennessy. B.J. is just an abbreviation of Best Joint, and so far, this is the best brew house and restaurant I would recommend for a visit.
Conclusion
The American food scene is booming. Whether you’re looking for tacos, burgers, sushi, or something else, there’s a restaurant for every taste and budget. And don’t forget about the chains; even though they are often accused, many offer surprisingly high-quality fare. With so many fantastic dining options, it can be hard to figure out which ones to try. This list is a great place to start.
The sheer number of options can overwhelm those new to American cuisine. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. From barbecue to burgers and everything in between, these are the top dishes you absolutely can’t miss while visiting the U.S. Whether you’re traveling around the country or want to try something new, these are the dishes you need to add to your bucket list.
