Yesterday, South East Nebraska, DW touring quilt shops. 3 small towns, each listed 2-4 non-chain restaurants on GPS. None open when we started looking for lunch, about 11:30. And most had "For Rent" signs on the buildings. Finally ate at a chain about 2. I wonder if floods are hurting? Or the trade war?
Over the years, when I had time, I have asked utility or city workers where to eat lunch. But as the workers have got younger, they only know of the chains.
When wife and I first started to vacation together we decided to hunt for restaurants the locals used. If we had a good meal, next find another local. But if we got a meal we did not like, go to chain so we knew what we would get...