the blue quasar:Never one to decline a category for that reason, I must confess that restaurants do seem to be getting out of control. I do admit that I lead several of these categories:
A&W,
Dairy Queen,
Hooters,
Johnny Rockets,
Subway and
Tim Horton's.
But even as I look over that list, these are either novelty restaurants or multi-thousand locations. Often they are found anywhere in North America and several locations per city.
Is under 1000 really all that prevalent for a restaurant? Prevalent might not apply as much when the content is of more of an entertainment/education/novelty factor. Another way to look at it is 500 means about 10 per state.
Sure my Hooters and Johnny Rockets likely don't come close to 500 locations, but they do have a schtick.
BQ
I think you bring up very good points about restaurants cats. I don't mind restaurants cats so much, however I do have to agree that those with less than 1,000 locations should be passed unless they are unique in some way (Hooters, Hard Rock Cafe, Cracker Barrel, etc.).
Some things to consider:
1) Including Mimi's Cafe. There aren't any Bob Evans in Colorado, but there are two Mimi's Cafes in Colorado Springs. This would help prevalence, but not by much (only a little more than 100 Mimi's worldwide).
2) Since I am unaware of this, do Bob Evan's stores sell their grocery products in their restaurants? If so, that makes it pretty unique and more in line with Hooters and Hard Rock Cafe.
3) Bob Evans seems similar (based on their website) to Perkins, Village Inn, Denny's, IHOP. If I'm wrong, then disregard this thought. If they are similar, then perhaps a category that covers all of them (excluding Denny's, maybe).
Just some thoughts.