Food - Drink
The Major US City With The Fewest Chain Restaurants In The Country
By ALEX SCHAUER
San Francisco is a foodie's dream destination, and each neighborhood in the city has a distinct culinary scene. This magic is preserved by mandates passed by the city's government.
Certain parts of San Francisco have banned chain restaurant locations from setting up there. Other neighborhoods also make it challenging for chains to acquire an operating permit.
As a result of these measures, San Francisco has the least amount of chain restaurants of any large U.S. city, with nearly 95% of restaurants being local and independent.
In particular, Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Arby's, Dairy Queen, and Wendy's are found nowhere within San Francisco city limits, so fans have to drive a few miles away to get their fix.
Chain restaurants are more affordable than independent eateries, making San Francisco food a bit pricier, but the protection of the city's many culinary subcultures is worth it.