PROVIDING VALUE
* Officials at one local food chain say their focus is value and quality. Brad Wahl, vice president of marketing for Krystal, said the company is committed to selling good food at a low price. The first Krystal restaurant opened in 1932 on the corner of Seventh and Cherry streets by founders Rudy Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherill, according to the company's Web site. Mr. Wahl said Krystal has seen a lot of "good and hard times" but continues to offer a great product at a good value. Company principles continue to be cleanliness, service, quality and low pricing, he said. The customer should leave feeling satisfied. "We want them walking away saying that was a value," Mr. Wahl said. "We don't want them walking away saying that was cheap."
PLENTIFUL FOOD
Fast-food restaurants abound within Chattanooga. Major chains and the number of stores located in and directly around the city are:
* McDonald's: 19
* Taco Bell: 16
* Krystal: 15
* Wendy's: 13
* Burger King: 11
* Hardees: 11 * Arby's: 9
* Sonic: 7 Source: Various store locators
LOOKING FOR DINING?
Visit the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at www,chattanoogafun.com/dining to see a list of some restaurants in the local area.
A variety of restaurants in the Chattanooga area want to stand out amid the wave of the recession and say the attraction they provide keeps customers coming in.
Daniel Lindley, owner of Alleia and co-owner of St. John's Restaurant and St. John's Meeting Place, said he opened both establishments with ideas they would not be the "standard" food experience. The newest establishment is Alleia, he said.
"I felt the concept here was necessary enough," Mr. Lindley said.
The unique experience at Alleia is that all pasta is made by hand and foods are cooked in a wood-burning stove that was made on the premises. He emphasizes buying only local products, he said.
But it does not mean the economy has not taken a hold on what his establishments have been doing, he said.
"I've felt in the last year the stakes are higher," he said. "I think the quality is what keeps us on the short list."
Darah Burkett, spokeswoman for Back Inn Cafe, said the restaurant started focusing on service and wine selection. Now the dining establishment on the river offers "Wine Wednesdays" every week with half-price wine, she said.
"We've focused on making our establishment as good as we can be," she said.
Nathan Lindley, owner of Public House and brother of Daniel Lindley, said he thinks people still want to eat and they want to do it where a great dining experience is offered.
"Regardless of the economy, I think people are willing to pay for quality," he said.
