There is a comfortable consistency that comes with dining out at popular chain restaurants. The neon lights, massive menus, and endless ’80s playlist make them predictable, no matter where you’re dining in the country.
Then COVID-19 thrashed into our lives, upending our expectations of what our lives would be like and ruining our plans for margaritas and nachos with friends.
Now in summer, states have steadily been opening back up and allowing dining rooms to reopen. In Iowa where I’m from, restaurants have been allowed to serve customers inside since May and there are no occupancy restrictions. That means it’s up to local owners and companies to decide whether they want to pack people in or keep customers socially distanced.
Even though my state reopened weeks ago, I’ve hesitated to jump back into the restaurant scene, despite my infatuation with popcorn shrimp and smothered wings.
Will I be safe eating inside? Should I wear a face mask? What are the bathrooms like?
But I’ve also yearned for the return of dining out, sitting at a table and chatting with my friends.
In this new era of unpredictability, I decided to don a face mask and venture out into the world of dining circa COVID-19 at three of America’s most recognizable chain restaurants.
Here’s how my experiences went.
