Decline in casual restaurant dining, lets blame the millenials!

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No, let's not, please. Just a few days ago, I came across an article in my Facebook news feed that blames the millenials for the decline in the casual dining chains such as Chili's, Applebees, and similar restaurants.  Back when I was in my early twenties, (which was only just over 15 years ago) I used to frequent these establishments.  Of course, this was back before the recession happened.  The food was more bang for your buck, and the food was also delicious and not quite as mainstream.  So why now, the decline? Why are we blaming the millenials for the sudden decline?  The article stated that more millenials are opting to cook at home, or opting for more of the fast casual stuff like Chipotle, Cafe Rio, or Panera.  I started thinking about other reasons for the decline and my reasons for not going to these establishments anymore.  One, and this is a big one for me, is that the cost has skyrocketed.  Ever since the recession has landed me in a smaller town, I no longer have $15 to drop down on just one meal.  That's $15 that I can spend on at least 4 meals to cook at home. I usually budget with price points, once a thing or meal hits above that price point, I no longer can afford it.  I guess I'm thrifty that way. The next reason I don't go to these establishments anymore is that the quality, quantity, and taste of the food has gone downhill.  You don't get much for your money, and with more cultural dining on the rise, the food at these establishments have gone mainstream, meaning they all start to taste the same.  The last reason I don't go to these establishments anymore is that I now live in a smaller town with not much in the way of variety when it comes to eating out.  In fact, all we have is just a few fast food joints, and Wingers and a Costa Vida.  I mean, they are all really good, but there's not enough of a population here to support much more. (Buuut, we have a Starbucks here finally!)  I guess the moral of this story is, that every 10 years, theres always something to blame for a decline, but in reality, the core has always stayed the same. We do what we need to do to survive.