Millennials are killing restaurants like T.G.I.Fridays and Buffalo Wild Wings

Industry experts say millennials' dining habits are behind the decline of casual chains like Applebee's and Buffalo Wild Wings. Executive editor of Chowhound, Carleigh Connelly, spoke to CBSN about the shift going on in the restaurant business.

[@rockets4kids]

Who would have thought that people would want to avoid lousy and overpriced food...

[@gregoryeverson741]

its all frozen, flash fried food or microwaved

[@brutallyhonest9382]

I'd still eat it. If it were more affordable.

[@alexkrasnic3850]

Gregory Everson name 1 dish at Fridays that is mocrowaved

[@ronindebeatrice]

alex krasnic You're naive to think they fix all those menu items in the few minutes you're waiting.

[@alexkrasnic3850]

ronindebeatrice So your agreeing with me???

[@goodvibess31]

How about stop having terrible service and food? Boom, problem solved.

[@Jefff72]

Yep. It's pre-made crap that just needs to be heated. I doubt any sauce is actually made in the kitchen. It comes in bags that just needs to be opened by some teenager.

[@andrewclayterman6230]

And hire ENGLISH SPEAKERS!!

[@alexkrasnic3850]

Christian Goooman but the food and service said restaurants are good. Explain that

[@alexkrasnic3850]

Jefff what restaurant serves all microwave food??

[@alexkrasnic3850]

Henry the Hen what chemicals? And how does that explain drop in sales but increase sales at fast casual

[@njerecordings4296]

It’s called capitalism. Don’t blame us because we don’t want it. We vote with our money as they say.

[@kaisersosay4238]

I recently quit going to applebees. 70 bucks+tip for 3 of us. Food was garbage and the service was bad. Nothing to do with health or decline in casual dining... Applebees is just overpriced trash

[@bckazee]

kaiser sosay thats ridiculous. Add $30 to that and its my grocery bill for the week for a family of 3. And thats if we eat expensive stuff like t bones and lobster. Who wants to spend that on applebees?

[@juliekersten6050]

I agree Applebees is terrible. The last time I went there I had a terrible meal also. The meal that I was served was nothing like the description and was just gross. It just ruined everything. Even the manager coming over and trying to fix things didn't help. I've eating at Buffalo Wild Wings twice and both times. I've gotten sick along with everyone else at my table that ate their. I don't think the chain restaurants they mentioned as prefered alternatives are much better. I like a nice sit down restaurant but I'd rather go to some place locally owned.

[@MicrowaveDave-]

kaiser sosay Yep

[@Liltroublegrrl4eva]

Yea it’s like Applebee’s expects you to pay that much but personally if I was going to spend that much I’d want it to be somewhere special and interesting. Applebee’s doesn’t get that people don’t find them special enough to waste that kind of money on their trash food

[@dougn2350]

They are all lousy.

[@lightsnow123]

I find it interesting they use the word “killing,” as if it’s our moral obligation to spend money on corporations.

[@notafraid9683]

But they spent all this money advertising to us. Least we could do is pay it back.

[@mndlessdrwer]

Precisely. Either they offer services or products that maintain their relevancy in the market, or they go bankrupt. It's really not that difficult a concept, though implementation is incredibly challenging because certain restaurant chains are so resistant to such global alterations to their business model. But really, when you're trying to charge $15 for a plate of disappointing shrimp Alfredo, you're doing something wrong. Pasta is literally the cheapest ingredient you can use and these restaurant chains buy frozen shrimp in such ridiculous bulk that they're also pennies on the dollar for cost vs. profit. Serve appalling food, lose customers.

[@jazziered142]

I am a boomer, and personally, I am so sick of the Millennials getting blamed for everything. It's one of the most absurd things....

[@TySavage1]

Im cool with us killing TGI Friday’s. That just means society is moving away from their pre-frozen meals in order to eat at home watching Netflix

[@Justin-gl5kh]

It's economics. Not really a moral obligation but more so a dependency. The corporations need the consumers (us) in order to survive after all.

[@brianmcg321]

I don’t go to Applebee’s because I can microwave my own food.

[@SaintZachary]

brianmcg321 Lol

[@schnoz2372]

alex krasnic well it's unfortunate that I couldn't tell that by the taste of their food

[@spacedye2001]

Damn

[@april_dawn]

brianmcg321 😂💀😂💀😂💀

[@meetkrissyj1327]

brianmcg321 😂

[@ciaraofcourse1]

I mean...where is this money coming from? They write reports all day long about crippling student loan debt and ways to save...but oh...go out and spend money at this place because we need your business 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@Milesco]

_Exactly!_

[@jamesricker3997]

Fat Girl, Boujee Food Paul Ryan refusing to pass an agriculture bill didn't help.

[@bmillerdrums]

Thank you... Finally someone with some brains. Smart woman.

[@angurisloud]

Credit cards? These people have already borrowed THOUSANDS on things they can't afford, what another $50 for dinner?

[@justlistenfornow]

It is called "Stop The Bleeding". When you are overly in debted, you don't borrow or spend the money you don't have.

[@Tinker_Nerd]

Restaurants are failing because millenials don't have the money to constantly go out to eat, and the food quality isn't that great at a lot of places

[@DeltaPhoenix180]

geee... a group that has no money is staying home and cooking at home... it's all their fault!

[@KrAkEn710420]

Yeah they're robbing us all, statistics are in. And yet we are to blame. I say we just let these old people rot without social security until it's time for us to collect and then revive it again. Just keep it for people with disabilities until we are retirement age and then revive the retirement part.

[@alen_egret5815]

I know, what a selfish monsters!!!

[@scardes1]

DeltaPhoenix180 we makin avocado toasts at home than going out. oh wait we aint cause we poor af.

[@blaakcoffee]

Exactly, first we're not saving enough, now we're saving too much.

[@dontyouhateitwhen...8312]

"Damn kids making their meals at home when they could be spending $30 on the same meal. Kids these days." -Old people logic

[@dsp5328]

Easier to eat at home then waste gas money to wait for an hour to be seated and then get lousy service . Choice is simple to me

[@gregoryeverson741]

have friends come over all chip in like 10$ throw a party, its what me and my friends do once a month

[@apothecaryjohn]

If only we could figure out that pesky than vs. then

[@cz7rg8]

Go home and still be hungry that is what gets me.

[@alexkrasnic3850]

Dominic Purnell they don’t eat at hone. Yhey eat fast food

[@mawehe63]

“Our business is failing, let’s blame an entire age group for our shortcomings” how about restaurants like Applebees are killing restaurants like Applebees

[@bruceromero5451]

Yep and the millennials that are employed there are aiding in the deaths of the food service industry

[@Kcducttaper1]

I love how this entire story is presented in a "it's the millennial's fault that these chains are dying" as opposed to "these chains are not staying relevant to the current market". It's not the millennial's problem if you offer a good or service that they don't want.

[@robkrulish5260]

I didn't hear her say it was the millennials fault. I heard her say millennials were opting for other choices like cooking at home which I doubt. I think they are still opting for fast food. I think she did say these restaurants are not staying relevant to the current market. Is it me or is it you that didn't listen very well?

[@Kcducttaper1]

Do you mean apart from the opening statements, or were you not counting those?

[@fluffyzinger4465]

No one wants to eat frozen food, sit in crowded resturants, and be guilted into a 20% tip on your bill. I am not a millennial so how about we spread the blame if these companies want to blame the customers instead of themselves.

[@gregorysmith9706]

Fluffyzinger Yeah, I don't eat at any of these places, and I am not a millenial. I eat at local places more than anything and cook at home the most.

[@yoleeisbored]

Bill+tax+tip. Lol why.. when you could buy a bunch of food to make a bunch of meals, which is cheaper than just eating out once at a restaurant

[@simplyliving4011]

Fluffyzinger true stuff

[@remessinger]

Good point. I really don't like to tip for lousy service and sometimes I don't like paying tip on top of Bill. Bill is high enough. Try ordering a gin and tonic. $6 for the drink then tip. That's easily $7 for a glass full of ice.

[@rathelmmc3194]

Restaurants, like Applebees, are no better than frozen dinners. Why go then? Higher end dining is exploding and so is higher end fast food.

[@zach2473]

They're not ruining it. It's not their responsibility to go to these restaurants

[@alexo5190]

Zack Crossley Exactly. The nerve of people who want to eat healthy home cooked meals.

[@Byronic19134]

Lol NOTHING is a millenials responsibility.

[@josefkainrad]

Voting, definitely is.

[@Almighty_Mage]

Joe voting is a right not a responsibility

[@GoodKarma11]

These companies are acting like we OWE them something lol. This happens to crap businesses all the time and it’s no ones fault but their own. Fix your food and your marketing and maybe you’ll get more traffic, or maybe your time simply is up!

[@thebobsagetguy]

Lord Lew exactly if you serve good food there will always be demand that’s the problem with big chains they can’t implement quality control well enough over such a large distribution

[@dougn2350]

Exactly. These chain restaurants all have pretty much the same deep fried menus.

[@jamesgentry13]

Yet you don't even support local restaurants

[@Dexters.LaBOREatory]

I can cook the same ish at home for half the price... In my pajamas.

[@ediesimmons9391]

can I come over sounds fun

[@LuhRen]

With a drink in my hand lol

[@MrAwsomenoob]

you know my family always told me "buy what you need, not what you want" well i don't *NEED* to eat at these restaurants nor do i *WANT* to

[@munemshahariar2503]

Gregory Smith get a slow cooker in home...should halve ur worries incase ur working all day and cooking agter getting back is a hassle

[@takeover08]

Uhhh, people can't afford to eat outside everyday?

[@chrisweidner4768]

takeover08 Not all of is are on government aid. No saying you are. Just making a joke/point. All the best.

[@mattiefattie3895]

Does it cost money to go outside where you live? I just ate an orange from my kitchen outside in my backyard for free. Strange.

[@theroaringbohemian2189]

Chain restaurants are not that great. All the food is precooked-frozen, and processed. I’ll stick to homemade or local restaurants that use fresh and local ingredients 😁

[@johnstovall7503]

Locally owned are so much better because , honestly, they have to be to survive.

[@tallulahahrens-siegel9832]

Local restaurants are a lot better, but there can be some pretty good chain food. Five guys and local restaurant chains are good examples.

[@lcchill]

And the drinks are watered down at national chains!!

[@minidragger2254]

The reason for the decline is because people can feed their family for a week compared to one resturant visit

[@andrew_owens7680]

2017 - blame the customer for the decline of a restaurant. Big media propaganda.

[@mr.wednesday9173]

Fake news

[@CameronsCarReviews]

Andrew_Owens b

[@DylanWatson1]

*T.G.I is killing T.G.I there food is overpriced and taste’s nothing above average. But sure blame us because your restaurant chain is going under.* 👌🏻

[@michaelfox933]

Dylan Watson #Facts

[@davidskowronski4844]

TGI Fridays was so much better 10 years ago. I rarely go there anymore.

[@babyfink6446]

michael fox oooooooo

[@henrikalo3379]

You don't need any 'wisdom' to figure it out; more like 'common sense'. Serve good food, provide comfortable environment, have well-enough trained staff---then you get customers. You don't see restaurant chains like Gordon Ramsay going down on profit much less losing money. That's because Gordon is particularly picky in serving good food, keeping the environment comfortable and his staff well-trained. He has used the same principle over and over again in Kitchen Nightmares to turn things around.

[@dpcoronado]

Dylan Watson All food you eat out is overpriced, that's the nature of a business to be profitable. You think businesses WANT to take a loss? You don't want to overpay, don't eat out ever. But don't think supermarkets don't make a profit either. "Artisan" bread is just a term to justify a higher price point. It's Capitalism baby--if that offends you, maybe you're a Socialist.

[@cobrajitsudojo]

Millennials are smarter cost-conscious and make better choices than their parents. I say good for them!

[@dougn2350]

I wouldn't say that. Millenials are just at a very unfortunate time in America. Tax cuts for the rich. Minimum wage jobs for college grads. I'm sure millenials would love to have the high wages that would afford them a night out for casual dining.

[@davidscott8275]

Dream on

[@fastfoodcritic4353]

Ur just poor and went to college to make 36k. And be in debt.

[@jamesgentry13]

Millennials go to college for liberal arts and gender studies... NOT SMART

[@jamesloehr5657]

Restaurants are killing restaurants, lowering food quality and portions. Outrageous prices don't help either. Hmm buy a weeks worth of food or eat out once hmmm. Eating out is financially stupid when your broke.

[@jtburton4624]

They're killing themselves with their crappy food and ridiculous prices. Support your local family owned establishments unless of course they suck as well

[@nevermindforgetit]

Yep, it's the food and the crappy service. As a case in point, I went to Buffalo Wild Wings last night to get a sandwich, and the wait was so long that I gave up and walked out.

[@averix84]

So we wanna be healthy and save money? That's a problem?

[@doglover1834]

A Douglas Big business(news) looking after other big business. It goes in this order 1.Government(As well as corporate donations to key politicians) 2. Women 3. Children 4. Men Don't believe me? Follow the money. Numbers don't lie.

[@Xtremedog83]

A Douglas haha that's what the big money makers are trying to tell us. Stupid I know!

[@averix84]

Armando Mejia Takara to be an electrician? I'm asking because I'm interested

[@mattluis943]

Everybody's gotta look for a problem these days bro. No reason to listen to it.

[@Byronic19134]

The problem is on the restaurants not the people. So the restaurants should make cheaper healthier options and see if that works would be the discussion then.

[@HummingbirdCyborg]

Nobody's gonna miss them.

[@russellseilhamer4552]

The Texas Roadhouse in my hometown Altoona PA is awesome. 2 people can get a 11 to 14 oz steak dinner, sodas to drink, load up on bread and peanuts for under 40 bucks. The steak is absolutely perfect every time, no fat, great cuts, great service and the joint is always packed. So if you do it right they will come

[@erickburgos8242]

Nothing wrong with cooking at home and saving some bucks, a sign of not being lazy

[@CarloRufinoSabusap]

Geo Thomas You mean the hardest working generation in US statistical history? Millennials (persons aged 16 to 36) work more hours on average than any previous generation, according to the US Department of Labor and Statistics.

[@erickburgos8242]

Carlo-Rufino Sabusap I fall in that class since I'm part of that age group.

[@alexo5190]

You can't attain wealth, if you're always giving your money away

[@erickburgos8242]

Alex O I agree with you 100%

[@69bobr]

A sign of being SMART ("saving some bucks")! Lazy has little to do with it. Cooking is such fun and can be therapeutic too. I come from a culture where men aren't supposed to cook. I love it, by having some good music on and then putting something together from scratch, no recipes. Funny, I learnt by watching my mother, who cooked for up to 200 guests when she threw parties. I cook 3 - 5 days a week, breakfast/brunch and dinner. The appreciation and second helpings are the BEST feedback.

[@davidazinger5639]

They don’t want sit down because sit down = tip. These kids got student loans. Can’t afford the waitress essentially. Irony is a lot of waitresses have student loans. What a disaster we have on our hands.

[@bobdoor233]

And they will never get that threw their greedy corporate heads.

[@lizzygraham748]

News flash! Get student loans you can actually pay back and get a degree you can afford.

[@lizzygraham748]

Somewhere someone will give them the reality check that they desperately need.

[@illinoispatriot5295]

Most people tip too much. Bad service = no tip.

[@davidazinger5639]

it is no fault to tip in excess because there is no fault in generosity. The fault in tipping is tipping short ----- many a waitress is shorted. If you can't afford to pay the 15% tip; then you cannot afford to eat there.

[@davidchidester5463]

What in the world is this story? Hahaha. It's not just millennials skipping out on these restaurants. Everybody prefers faster service. The idea of having a server bring you your food is dying. Has nothing to do with millennials. Industries fade and new ones take their place. Has happened for all of human history. No clue why they went with framing the story around millennials. Guess to attract older views to sell ads to? This story could have easily been casual dining is losing customers because of their long wait times and unattractive menus. It takes an hour sometimes to get a seat at Applebee's. The reason Chipotle style restaurants are killing it is because of the speed, quality ingredients, and customizability. You ask for something different at an Applebee's, and they'll do it wrong the first time and spit in the second batch.

[@kropking]

Your argument doesn't make sense. You say that casual dining is losing customers but follow that with a claim that it takes an hour to get a seat at Applebee's. Well, if it takes that long, they must be busy.

[@osmango19]

I dont know. Why people say chipotle is better then those restaurants ? They just offer burritos , salads and maybe tacos. Which btw is not even real mexican food

[@marcofalzone6469]

oscar dominguez booyah!

[@ClassicRock1973]

David Chidester I love these sweeping generalizations about certain groups. Everybody loves to eat out. These sit down restaurants are not suffering. Nice try though

[@loredomattoni6248]

David Chidester dont wat to pay tips

[@drdaunaldpaunald]

Okay but why pay $20+ for defrosted food when I can defrost it at home

[@vegasperez5867]

those restaurants are killing themselves. they suck.

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

I'm not a millennial. BUT, whats wrong with supporting local business and cooking at home?

[@cymoncyrado2879]

I absolutely refuse to eat at any restaurant with more that two or three locations and try my damndest (although it's hard to do) shop at any chain stores...you know the ones, the ones that drove all the mom and pop stores into the ground and ruined so many people's livelihoods, The ones that treat their employees as nothing but a number rather than part of the family.

[@nunyadambusiness3530]

Because corporations buy out the Media to try to blame an age group for not buying their overpriced services.

[@themadmgtow5196]

cooking at home is cheaper.

[@cymoncyrado2879]

and healthier

[@crammit6601]

Hawk 1911. Most local businesses don't sell gift cards.

[@jackcarver5488]

Support small local and diversified businesses. Let the large corporate chain trash die.

[@shandispace651]

This happened before...cafeterias and mom and pops were my parents generation and gone by the time I hit adulthood run out of business by these chains. Can't be unhappy that people are rejecting the mass produced slop turned out by these unhealthy conglomerates. Guess food will get its soul back.

[@luisfigueroa5922]

So my responstability as a millennial is to eat at Applebees every weekend instead of making delicious food at home? 😂

[@jlopez0027]

Off.. responsibility.

[@luisfigueroa5922]

Stupid auto-correct

[@ChefClary60]

Luis Figueroa As a 30 year restaurant owner I applaud you for not eating that crap.

[@RobertMorgan]

First that requires you, as a millennial, to become responsible enough to actually be able to make delicious food in the first place. As a 34 year old millennial, I can say that, because I have done so.

[@luisfigueroa5922]

Robert Morgan I agreed with you, i might not make the best food out there but it's simple and very nutritious.

[@lyleswavel320]

Mexican restaurant, chopped up little meat, refried beans, rice, cheaply made, charge $7, hard to compete with, no tipping if you order at counter

[@___Truth___]

If you ever come to San Diego, spend your monies on some California Burrito, buying two will feed you for the winter.

[@teriyakichikin7160]

7$ are you kidding, did you get a drink with it cuz if not thats crazy expensive

[@zjones9876]

You don't need sugar water you will get diabetus.

[@VroodenTheGreat]

I went to a Mexican restaurant so authentic the waiter brought me a glass of water and told me not to drink it.

[@UnchangedHipster]

lyle swavel right.

[@pittsburghpirateshat8950]

did anyone in the comments notice the fly in the video

[@MrBrownnn696]

Pman PAAZ no I was looking for it

[@blorrancurry303]

I was thinking it was going to go in her mouth..lol..🤣😂😅

[@KushSalad]

Just make your damn menu cheaper. And with takeout you don’t have to tip.

[@southernbrew4252]

Way to blame millennials because of new competition. Change your menu and your marketing and get back in the game.

[@Darkpara1]

They tried, they just didn't do a good job of it.

[@democracydignityhumanrights]

We are broke too pay us better while they are at, wages have not kept up with inflation or productivity, the most productive workers in the world aren't payed fairly.

[@democracydignityhumanrights]

Wages need to be based on the rate of inflation and productive output, if your job is low productivity you'll be payed less, if its producing a lot you get more, so fast food is low productivity, it'd be higher wages than now but the lowest pay, a factory worker would see some gains I'm sure, and so would other laborers, it should be legally enforced, if that fails we should socially enforce this.

[@11Eagle25]

You have nothing to lose but your chains fellow comrades!

[@cymoncyrado2879]

better skills make more money.

[@doubleoseven273]

I'm a millennial and when it comes to sit down restaurants I only dine at local, family-owned restaurants. Better food, better service, better price.

[@Almighty_Mage]

Double O Seven better ingredients, better pizza, Papa John's

[@yasha12isreal]

The Dark Side 🤣🤣 i felt that coming

[@notnickDPT]

Ya because I don't have 15 dollars for 10 wings kind of money. It's not me, it's the restaurants killing their own business. They're raising prices and lowering portions. No thanks, I can cook food cheaper 👌

[@billyjoe7225]

Maybe because the world is moving forwards and when you price your food ridiculously everyone is going to find a better option. Most people I know who aren't millennials don't go to these restaurants for the mediocre food and the laughable prices. Personally; There are >some< good casual dining restaurants. Usually, when I eat somewhere it's local and it's better. Also, some of these aren't around me like Buffalo Wild Wings.

[@hkirkk]

tgif, bfw wings, ruby tues, etc are wayy overpriced blah food

[@gregoryeverson741]

their food is basically a frozen dinner, i worked at places like that everything is frozen

[@garymusic8254]

Hank Kirk right the food is like what ever

[@matthewbroz25]

Pay, $19.99 for Apple tuesday, or 25 to 30 for mom n pop. I don't eat out every day so I'll pay extra for better service 3 to 4 times a month

[@teresamcmillan4837]

Hank Kirk yes pricing is an issue

[@MrProp46]

N S And that's on the total meal, not just the main course... soda pop / iced tea alone is almost $4 per per person, what next tipping on the usage of tolit paper in the restroom I dont even think you can get a watered down cheap product Amaretto Sour anymore for under $10 at Applebee's... several years ago the last time I was there I paid almost $8

[@tomverderber1565]

Millenials don't have money.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Tom Verderber They're too lazy to work.

[@VictorCardoza]

aguyandhiscomputer Meanwhile the latest goliathan Twitch streamer is making more than half a million a month not including other assets

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Victor Cardoza Yes, crazy world. I can't be mad at them since there's only a few and every industry has a few people that get lucky (sometimes along with hard work) and find that well-paid job. There's a guy here in Michigan that supposedly handles every deal with car manufacturers on factory car wheels in America. Amazing how some people fall into those positions.

[@vinceEsposito]

aguyandhiscomputer I tend to disagree with this, for millennials were taught from a young age that college was the best way to a high paying job. Meanwhile trades remain the best paid jobs among the middle class. Furthermore, the government has failed over the past 30 years to protect the market (as pointed out by our President) from trade deals, diminishing the American Dollar, and Union Participants are at their lowest. That creates an environment where although Millennials are working, they’re not making living wages. Teachers are underpaid, education suffers; police, firefighters, and military are underpaid. Companies like Walmart prey on families with their business practices. Times will get better, I have faith in that. President Trump is kicking back some of the poisonous trade deals, it’ll bring Better jobs for all. It’s the only thing I keep faith in.

[@billgrandone3552]

Maybe it's because they learned math in school and figure that there is no need to l order a steak for $20.00 or more when they can buy one at the store for $8.00 to $10.00 and cook it themselves . No 20% tip required.

[@illegalalien6542]

Exactly !! See kids, math isnt so hard!😂😂

[@therollsroycetrent9863]

Heck, I don't even order #PizzaHut pizza anymore. And really I don't miss #PizzaHut . Home cooking is the way to go.

[@morganpenny6154]

How come it's millennials "fault"? This is the result of a free market with competition. If those restaurants didn't blow then they wouldn't be failing.

[@holliemollie5409]

Thelondonbadger Mexicans do jobs Americans don't want to

[@yourethebossbabenowdawg1613]

Why do these companies with terrible products and services (overpriced microwaved frozen foods) feel entitled to be wildly successful? It is no wonder they are unpopular.

[@BruceL33Roy]

You're the boss babe now, Dawg Because our parents are what made them successful at first ( when the food was actually of quality) now that most restaurants are Franchised out now (Fri, Red Lob, Olive Grdn, etc.) Us millennials are notincing the food isnt the same anymore. Its sad because THEY KNOW the food isnt as good either. But theu expect to get the same amount of return on their product like in the past? Hypocrisy! Good Riddance we dont need it..

[@bobdoor233]

Yep, these companies feel entitled to success by doing nothing. The same thing they accuse the millennials of doing. They deserve to go bankrupt. The damn Hypocrites.

[@hexonxonx]

these places are always packed where i live so idk what these people are talking about

[@warp9p659]

Exactly, around here they've got more customers than they have space for most of the time. If you try to get in during a weekend for dinner you can expect a very long wait. They're not hurting at all where I live.

[@dennisclaros6021]

This is not true, it's all about service. I've been to multiple Fridays and good service is rare. They have mediocre servers training new people to be mediocre

[@Timinator62]

Millennials teaching Millennials

[@youngsamuel1]

It couldnt have anything to do with the chain restaurants serving highly processed, frozen, plastic tasting food along with rude service.

[@MommyCassReborns]

I had a waitress at apple bee's be so rude to me that she made me cry...I have no idea what her problem was...made that she had to get me a refill I guess.

[@spartan117i2008]

If any microwaveable meal can beat Applebee's then somethings wrong

[@daddyosink4413]

The amount of money that I would spend on a dinner at Applebees, I could buy groceries for the week and eat a WHOLE lot better and healthier.

[@brianaddis9]

@KevinLee -- Which microwavable food tasted ten times better than Applebee's (at less than half the price)? I'm always trying to save some hard-earned money, and stocking up on that product(s) would certainly help.

[@Jefff72]

I think you just described Applebee's. Why do I want to eat there when I can make better at home?

[@wilddesigns857]

I don't own a microwave! I haven't own one in 2 years.

[@kennyworth1053]

Finally, someone says it. Applebees isn’t doing bad because of millenials. They’re doing bad because they serve terrible food.

[@MyWasteOfTime]

Most of my friends are Millennial's and they are lucky if they can toast bread without burning it! I would say most of my friends can't afford to eat at these restaurants and are hitting up Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A!

[@Liltroublegrrl4eva]

A lot of my friends know how to cook

[@thesandboxbandit3838]

I'm a millennials and so are all of my friends. With the exception of one, we all know how to cook. (A total of 9 millennials)

[@mdelvalle2456]

Exactly

[@daveb5041]

Those chain restaurants have terrible food and are way over priced. Why would I pay 12.00$ for something I could microwave or cook myself and tastes way better for less. They should go out of business because their food sucks.

[@kermitkardashain9664]

ohh goodness I decided to pay for my student loans and cook at home instead of eating at olive garden.

[@gregoryeverson741]

Olive Garden, HAHA charge me 10$+ for noodles and sauce, i can make that at home for like 2$ with meat 4$

[@sabersahoge2695]

Living Well With TJ it's funny how you assume we all take gender studies class.....

[@glennbarrera8353]

random dude - what I find funny/sad is that they think of gender studies when they hear the word college. Your world outlook will be small when you have a television based education

[@BigRed2]

Living Well With TJ Dave Ramsey is a genius, people who take college loans should be denied admission to the college that accepted them

[@BillyBob-jb3yy]

No the government pays for your school loans or parents

[@masonkufahl8407]

Student debt is at it’s highest then it’s ever been, and y’all want us to spend more money?!😑

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Mason Kufahl Maybe student debt is the problem. Maybe too many kids are going to college. Maybe they should go into skilled trades.

[@masonkufahl8407]

aguyandhiscomputer college is not a bad thing. I’m a college student. I’d rather spend the money on trying to get into medical school than to work an industrial job. I can’t speak for other students. My quote is stating that the industries are complaining that our generation are the problem for the decrease in income in the company. They don’t realize that most of our generation are in college spending thousands of dollars on a quality education. I’m not spending $30 on chicken when I can just get it at chick til a for cheaper.

[@masonkufahl8407]

*Chick Fil A

[@cheekybum1513]

To pay for their retirements.

[@masonkufahl8407]

Ferguson101 I would hope that parents are encouraging the best occupations instead of these arts degrees. As a parent, a responsible thing that I would do is to encourage the medical, law, or science degrees for more of a successful occupation instead of a drama degree or a design degree which is a very unrealistic, very expensive waste of time.

[@therollsroycetrent9863]

I would rather cook at home than eat out. Rarely, I mean rarely now do I eat out. Cooking is FUN. I love to cook. And I would rather buy the FRESH ingredients at the store and make a very healthy salad at home. #Food

[@mstcherie13]

One solution may be more quality vegetarian and vegan options. Times have changed

[@airplayrule]

I support that.

[@Orih9]

Yup. No way would I ever waste my time and money on a place like Applebees that, at best, can get me a plate of lettuce, veggies, and olive oil, or a plate of pasta with only veggies and olive oil, both for $9-13 because those are the only vegan-friendly things they can make. I can spend less money on better quality ingredients at a grocery store and spend just as much time making it as it would take for me to drive to the restaurant and have that food delivered to my table. I'd rather go to a restaurant designed for vegans, or if I'm with some omni friends, a place that at least has a few, real options and not just vegetables.

[@DGD4Landy]

tgi has a beyond burger option now

[@emmacoates6406]

Yes!

[@sassygirl4728]

Yes!!!

[@SierraRamblesALot]

The food is just trash & over priced. Why would I go get a Uber, wait in line, get seated, wait,order food,wait longer, eat, & pay $20 including a ridiculous $5-10 tip when I can just go to a local corner store buy a sandwich with a salad and a drink for not even $7.

[@Jinks1995]

Geo Thomas Or better yet why not grow the chicken and the cow and make them from scratch.

[@noneyabusinezz6671]

TGIF is a good place to drink after work. Cheap!

[@bb2status]

Why take a Uber to a restaurant when you can drive yourself..... Who wants to wait around for a uber

[@nunyadambusiness3530]

^maybe some people don't have a car.

[@BroccoliBeefed]

@bb2status , Because millenials arent buying cars either...LoL! ;)

[@cjw4christ]

Oh it can’t be the overpriced food at all could it...

[@KodeLiMe]

Cory Jenny Weeks But, go to Chipotle and get a burrito, chips and a drink for just a mere $12!

[@cjw4christ]

Jason Smith when you think in terms of a loaf of bread, lunch meat, mayo, and lettuce- you could have a bunch of sandwiches for the price of a one time $12 meal.

[@michaeleakin3424]

Cory Jenny Weeks the tip is what really makes it expensive 6 dollars on a 30 dollar check

[@robjohnson5981]

I like casual dining and usually get better food than fast casual. The fact that you can get a lot of food for less than restaurant prices isn't even the point. You're supposed to eat at home most of the time. Poor tippers have lead to worse service at many restaurants. The good servers get out or go to higher end chains.

[@howtoteachscience]

Not to mention, entertainment in all its forms has moved from being the domain of corporations to the individual. The youth have grown up on indie music, indie films and corporate entertainment being the more expensive and rarer form of entertainment. They value startups, individuals, kickstarters, supporting each other. Food trucks are today's version of that as well. My kids have been teaching me by showing me how they have spent their money from early ages supporting musicians they like, Kickstarters they believe in and buying and cooking at home following blogs and learning recipes, videos and supporting those on Patreon. Corporate food along with corporate entertainment is going away unless they find a way to transform their structure. I homeschool and I see a huge growth in that population also. And they're choosing local classes and teachers, over the 3 major corporate textbook companies. I like what's happening.

[@davidmathew2918]

dude we keep getting blamed for everything lol if an asteroid hits the earth I bet we will be blamed for that to

[@RIXRADvidz]

no, that would be me, I'm the one singing, ''Bring Down the Asteroid''...you're off the hook.

[@jesusbalderas329]

David Mathew Poor millenias. Internet surfing all day.. They need a break.

[@cardion411]

Lol, facts David. Everything.

[@brutallyhonest9382]

seriously man. Millenials are their scapegoat, the elders want to blame the young for their own mistakes, society is degenerating when the older people are behaving like kids.

[@mrnoname3909]

To--two--too; Stupid millennial.

[@tootiredtothink12]

WE ARE BROKE!!!

[@bennygoodmanisgod]

tootiredtothink12 I will gladly mail you $10

[@EndTimeNews144]

Flipyap - I’m broker than him wassup

[@dust7962]

Flipyap Maybe they can get a subway for that.

[@bennygoodmanisgod]

GMS Lions Of Judah oh great y'all aren't entitled to my money. To put it nicely: no

[@neanam]

Flipyap shoot me a hundo

[@anonymousposter6671]

I don't think I'm gonna take eating advice from someone who works at a place called "Chow Hound"

[@martymartyn7829]

Besides undesirable food offerings, operating costs for restaurants is also a big problem. The inflationary cost of real estate and oil is passed on to the customer. Greedy property owners jack up the rent for restaurateurs to an unreasonable rate. The cost for gasoline to transport supplies is constantly rising. As oil prices rise, these costs are passed on to consumers. Looking at my own personal records, the cost of gasoline has risen 40% in the last two years. My salary has not risen 40%. Most people like to take a break and eat out occasionally, but some prices are unreal.

[@arcaneusumbra1539]

Damn, I apologize for you charging me $20+ for half assed meal with abysmal portion sizes, and expecting me to tip when I am forced to wait 30 minutes at the entrance for a table when there is no line.

[@idkidk7087]

Arcaneus Umbra no line=\=open tables

[@davehal4503]

Can't blame the Millennials. These restaurants are over priced for so-so food. So, if they are killing these places, the Millennials' stock just rose in my book.

[@davehal4503]

Geo Thomas ehhhh, blaming large groups collectively is too much of a logical flaw for me.

[@blargblarg5657]

Dave Hal so so food? Have you no taste buds? Their food is rancid vomit with a side of fetid dingo kidneys.

[@FlamingFlamingo756]

No its the business fault its basic business adapt to the current market or the company will die.

[@acidtablockshifty]

They need to adjusts their microwave training at these chains

[@perryamberson]

I ate at a Buffalo Wild Wings once. Worst hot wings I ever had anywhere. Chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebee's and T.G.I.Fridays got by for decades with selling frozen fast-food at sit-down restaurant prices. They absolutely deserve to fail.

[@perryamberson]

Homemade is best, but there are local restaurants who make very good hot wings. Whenever I've tried them at any chain restaurant, they have been awful.

[@shhhh6174]

Exactly the quality of food at these places is dismal. Why spend money at a chain when there are way better independent restaurants? I live in NYC and we have a ton of these but they’re closing and usually empty because we have better options.

[@bee4pcgoldrule592]

Or maybe they are overpriced grease pits with crappy service.

[@rabbidpotatoegaming4514]

bee4pc goldrule oh you mean like fast food

[@ethioethi7124]

RabbidPotatoe Gaming lol since when was fast food overpriced?

[@rabbidpotatoegaming4514]

ethio ethi the day they started using fake cheese and powdered milkshakes. You can end up spending 20 bucks for fast food if you have a family of 4 so why not just go get some real food and make it or go get some chinese take out which you would probably get nore for 20 bucks

[@billyjoe7225]

So wait, twenty dollars for a family when these restaurants are charging 50-60 in comparison? I mean yeah home cooked is always better unless there's something local and reasonably priced, but you don't want to eat that every day. But yeah I mean home cooked will save you the most money. It's just compared to another casual dining experience, fast food is more straightforward for some people and will cost less than these restaurants.

[@davidlafleche1142]

TGI FRiday's. What an example! They are definitely overpriced, and I can get much better food at a one-of-a-kind place, like Stanley's Burgers. TGI Friday's also has its own brand of store-bought snacks; but they sell tiny little bags at higher prices. Why buy their stuff, when I can get higher-quality Lay's or Wise, for a lower price?

[@MerchantIvoryfilms]

Oooooh nooooo the once rich CEO will have to sell his private jet... BOOOOOWHOOOO!

[@suaptoest]

Last time I have been even in a restaurant was for about 45 years ago. I'm 70 now. Going to the restaurant is not worth the price.

[@seansartor]

These youngsters don't wanna eat high sodium, high carb, and high glucose high calorie CRAP ! Cooking at home. Maybe the country will lose some weight. These kids are going "Old Skool" with their diets. Congrats

[@marvinmckinley6220]

Sean Sartor. Plus they can't afford to pay medical bills out of 7 50 and hour wages for unconsumable waste food

[@hw7348]

Millennials aren't youngsters. The majority of millennials are 20-30+ years old.

[@Paaka]

Haley Jen Sooo 19-28 that's not young to you? People living to see 100 on average now

[@democracydignityhumanrights]

We're just broke we love junk food

[@d.phillipsracing4981]

Sean Sartor ramen noodles lmao

[@bridgetnash1980]

I feel like the restaurants are out of touch with this generation. I don't to be pandered to. That's not gonna get me to spend money at your restaurant. I just would like to save money because I sure the heck can't be spending money on going out when I have bills to pay. That is why millenials are cooking at home because it's expensive to eat out.

[@gregoryeverson741]

there was a family restaurant in my town, it was run like it was your home, we bussed our own tables

[@andrew_owens7680]

This generation is so brainwashed, you could probably convince them to wash the dishes and stock the inventory if you told them it was a game or a club and that it was cool.

[@johnnyappleseed4794]

Andrew_Owens So they really are ruining everything! Even shopping and relationships in favor of online stores and sexbots!

[@thehomeplatespecial597]

the restaurants are out of touch with every generation.

[@andrew_owens7680]

I'm not going to blame them for what amounts to 20 years of social engineering.

[@Mo-cd7do]

There’s a lot of factors why we don’t go to these restaurants anymore, mediocre food, bad services, convince, money, and etc so TGI Friday’s used to be my favorite restaurant as a kid but I no longer go there because of the quality of food example (they went from fresh ground beef to frozen patties ) and service is horrible.

[@Eurotrash4367]

"Cooking food over a fire has been going on for a few years now"....silly me, I thought people have been doing this for a few millennia.

[@petepyeatt6909]

Not even a Millennial and I can’t stand Chili’s or TGIF. Overpriced food, $3.99 for a soda and I have to tip $8? No thanks.

[@omgspiderman]

If the service is good you should tip accordingly. If you can't afford to go out and eat then don't.

[@petepyeatt6909]

omgspiderman I agree with you in theory, but why even go out when the food and soda is overpriced, and on top of that you have to tip 20 percent of an already overpriced number?

[@omgspiderman]

Pete Pyeatt Well simply do not go out to eat. Servers do not have a say in the price of meals and drinks. They're simply there to serve you food, pick up after you, and make sure you have a great dining experience. If they're rude or do not attend to you properly by all means do not too or go ahead & tip less than 20 percent.

[@petepyeatt6909]

omgspiderman Do you have trouble reading? Are you a little bit simple? I’m telling you tipping, but moreover the overpriced food, is the reason I stopped eating out. ETA: So we are clear, I do not eat out. I can type it in all caps if you do not understand it in proper punctuation.

[@omgspiderman]

Pete Pyeatt I read just fine sir. Just trying to help a cheapie out. 😉

[@HouseJawn]

The framing on this story is horrible

[@Yewon2001]

I'm a millennial hate going to those types of restaurants. The staff demand huge tips (I think it's 20% now), the food is mediocre at best, and they take too long to serve your food.

[@madpuss427]

She lost me at “Chipotle uses higher quality ingredients”

[@johnkim4176]

Maybe if they maintained high food quality- more customers would eat there. People work hard for their money and do not want to eat bad food.

[@Jkur2009]

John Kim Are you even aware of all the food poisoning cases that chipotle has had??? I WOULD NEVER EAT AT CHIPOTLE!!!

[@puttputt524]

lzvagias lol chipotle and Applebee’s are both disgusting. Just eat real Mexican food.

[@JC-xi8bw]

elijah mikle Mhm tell em! haha

[@AmkoVK]

John Kim got that right.

[@nang4218]

True, like my husband and i used to love going out to eat hot wings but for some reason there has been a decrease in the size of the wing lol so much smaller and less of wing quantity but still same or higher prices, outrageous! We buy and prepare our own delicious wings now, cheaper, bigger, tastier 💚

[@coachb2766]

Fast food. Cheap. No tips required.

[@mistertexaz]

Tacoooo belll

[@bluntheadass6863]

mistertexaz dollar menu

[@coachb2766]

BluntHeadAss ever taste the meat in most dollar burgers.? I'll put down 5$ for the better taste. Still no tip required.

[@bluntheadass6863]

Coach B what restaurant u talking bout

[@nang4218]

Lol i know! Tips are supposed to be optional now all these restaurants are adding tips on their receipts🤔

[@outurk2002]

Why would anyone go to one of these places when there are a ton of good non chain restaurants? You can eat better and cheaper out of food trucks. Mexican restaurants are everywhere! That being said? I loves me some jack in the box tacos!

[@SpacecowboiKilu]

Damn I wish casual dining would die down here. Can't even go to chillis without a 30 minute wait

[@Mama0322]

They need to make better food and not have it be so expensive. Thats it

[@skyesthelimit910]

And they should serve all the food they offer to anyone regardless of their age!! I’m glad those two restaurants are going down cause their customer service sucks!!

[@robertspitze7232]

Oh yeah use better (more costly)ingredients and lower the price. You've go to be kidding.

[@stockjonebills]

Well in their defense, the cost of college and loans is so out of control that most students I know watch their money very carefully. If you had over 70K in debt just from a state university and you cant even get a decent paying job with a masters what do you expect this generation to do? I'm Gen X and I do feel bad for millennials. That same state university when I went to college cost me about 2K a year. So after 4 years thats 8K which I could pay off as I went to college. Apparently your colleges and universities have gone full machiavelli under the integrity of education veil.

[@Byronic19134]

Millennials may never understand how bad Obama and democrats destroyed their lives with high taxes, mass migration and economic sabotage with the aim of a global government. I voted for Obama myself in 08. And lets just say Trump may be this countries last chance and so far hes been like manna from the sky for us and most dun even understand.

[@louisaloi9178]

Vincent Salamatino+I totally agree,yet the majority of this group wanted Bernie for Prez.Glad I'm 57 with no kids.Go Donald👍

[@phillipsmom6252]

Louis Aloi ...... Right on.

[@louisaloi9178]

Eileen LeValley+Thanks & Go Donald👍📈Finally a growing not stagnant economy.How bout that🇺🇸

[@MstangMch4]

Louis, they wanted Bernie because their parents never made them EARN any thing. So they think of FREE EVERY THING the same as their parents handing out to them. No consequences, and never having to pay it back. Thats why almost all college kids were Pro-Bernie. They are struggling with the concept that they will have to PAY for the "education" they are getting in school. An very very very few bothered to pick a degree that they will earn enough money in.

[@tuesdaypatience]

Many people prefer local restaurants over these bland chains - I don’t think it’s an age thing. I’m 44yrs old and have never eaten in a TGIFridays and have only been to places like Olive Garden, Applebee’s, etc... a handful of times. However, we don’t eat out much at all. With kids, it makes no sense to waste money on restaurants when we can make better food for less at home.

[@465fire]

I try to only go to restaurants that arent chains, You usually get better service and food thats more unique. Why would I eat at texas roadhouse or applebees when there's a steak house down the street that serves in house aged steak for a few dollars more

[@joosunkmybattleship]

What a funny title. That's an odd way of saying these restaurants suck and are going bankrupt.

[@Sadobawwab]

Applebee's is crap and has been in decline long before millennials were old enough to dine out as adults. T.G.I. Fridays too. Stories like this definitely won't win back the 30-40yo crowd.

[@rlsjunior797]

2 years ago I would have agreed on Applebee’s being awful. I recently gave the one near me a shot to see anything had changed, not expecting much. I got a to go order and was pleasantly surprised. That said the place was really empty, too little too late.

[@fvgbe342]

Stories like this will not get the 30 to 40 year olds who have millenial kids.

[@AGENTSIXTY9]

The people have spoken. We demand cheaper buffalo wings and free chips and salsa

[@ritaferreira1371]

we ruined the internet? i think we fixed it. and i am sorry for supporting local business

[@SapphireX413]

Lower the prices, renovate the franchise locations, provide better service, and better food. I'm not paying $30 to get service from a rude teenager and eat mediocre food.

[@SapphireX413]

Thelondonbadger What are you even talking about? Nobody said diddly squat about race except for you

[@liamo6677]

As a teenager working as a server, I agree.

[@VroodenTheGreat]

Remodel, pay the wait staff more, better service, better food!!!! Oh, and lower the prices too. Another economics major, I see... SMH

[@SapphireX413]

VroodenTheGreat You can go to a family owned restaurant with better environment, wait staff, and food quality for the same price. No excuse for a multi million company

[@PhenomShyt]

Well she missed the part about how that food sucks

[@user-gq8ly9hk4m]

PhenomShyt I was gonna say. Atrocious food for high prices. Who wouldn't want those restaurants shut down?

[@respobabs]

As well as the part about wealth and income inequality being at its highest in a century. Low wages means less disposable income to spend.

[@pinkfreud62]

Restaurants still are booming in my area. At least all the parking lots look full on all days of the week.

[@Spoonypictures]

is it just me or was there an actual bug flying around the guest speaker?...