Our Boston Market lasted less than 2 years then it became a Kenny Rogers which lasted maybe 3 years. Even the much anticipated new Popeyes isn't doing that well around here. Hardly ever see the parking lot even with a break even amount of cars in it. I suspect there are several factors like really cheap but really good Sam's Club chickens for less than $5 a bird, and Chickfila becoming the mothership for Christians wanting to virtue-signal.
Quiznoes sucks. It deserves to die. Their bread is unchewable. I liked Ruby Tuesdays but I think that was a mismanagement at the corporate level decision not the local performance. They stayed busy here.
Our local market is a tough market for restaurants because of the competition. At one point we were rated the best place to open a chain restaurant because a disproportionate number of people eat out more than they cook at home. One chain that has been really a rockstar from the day it opened is Cook Out. That place is always packed day or evening. Outback has also managed to maintain a good volume here for over 20 years.
Anyway, I agree with the OP that the Olive Garden deserves the Old Yeller treatment. I expect Pizza Hut will probably end up in the boneyard within in the next few years as well.
