Sadly, that actually was the first thought that crossed my mind after hearing the news that Bennigan's restaurants across the country closed after its parent company (which also owned Steak & Ale and something called Tavern) filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The move comes amid hard times for horrible sit-down dining chains, but don't fret... more than 100 franchisee-owned Bennigan's outlets will remain open for people who can't get enough Guinness Glazed Popcorn Shrimp. (Erp!)
All snark aside, I have to admit that Bennigan's actually played a vital (sad?) role in the development of The Hungover Gourmet. It was the first establishment where a young, high school-aged THG was actually served beer thanks to the power of a fake ID. I still laugh at the memory of the waitress eyeing up the non-photo driver's license which stated I was a full six years older than my 16.5 years, all while I was wearing a high school varsity jacket with my graduation year (still a year away) affixed to the sleeves.
Farewell Bennigan's... you'll always have a special spot in my
1 comment:
When I take the bus to work every morning, I stand in front of a Bennigan's. I walked up to the door this morning and there was a hand-written sign taped to the window that said, "We have closed due to inability to pay payroll."
These kinds of places definitely served two types of clientele: families and legally-challenged drinkers. Up north, I used to frequent The Ground Round and Beefsteak Charlie's, whereas down south it's Chili's and Ruby Tuesday. At this point in my life, with no family and not a chance of getting ID'd, none of these places offer much appeal anymore. If I heard TGIF was going under tomorrow, I wouldn't shed a tear.
After all... I'll happily live the rest of my life if I never have an artichoke/spinach dip again.
All the best,
Fidge
Post a Comment