Frankie and Benny’s

I have nothing against this Frankie and Benny’s, or against the franchise in general… it’s just overpriced for what it is.
A dining experience as close to Italy as Glasgow is, Frankie and Benny’s are usually to be found in recently-​built retail parks, entertainment complexes, or in the middle of nowhere. For the family who have a car loaded with starving kids, it’s a safe bet… but not a cheap one.
My pals and I were out for a drive last week, on the hunt for some food. We stopped by this Frankie and Benny’s at a time when it was fairly quiet, so it was nice and mellow. The service was prompt and the girls catering to our order were pleasant enough. I was just a bit stunned at how expensive it was.
After flicking through a menu, I concurred that I could only really afford soup. My pals got a breakfast that was a little short of 10 pounds, and although I was assured it was nice, it still seemed pricey for what they got. The menu was my main gripe — it constantly tries to upsell when it’s speaking to you of wholesome Italian food. After all, why shouldn’t we add another portion of fries on to our pizza order? Where would we be without an extra portion of salad?
The menu was too in your face, constantly badgering you to eat more, which has the effect of reminding you that you’re not in a cozy wee laid back Italian diner after all. You’re in a corporation that successfully guzzles a massive profit as you stuff your face. Upon realising this I broke out into a sweat, only to find the supposed Frankie and Benny glaring out at me from their mass produced stance on the walls. Above, metal ornaments emblazoned with food names were shouting at me from shelves — CALZONE! PIZZA! PASTA! Even when I commented on enjoying the CD they were playing, my pal replied — «you can buy one at the till if you want».
It’s good fun for families, and I would love it if it was a kid since it’s very friendly. It’s got the vibe that you soak up as a child (remember Fatty Arbuckles?) But sadly, this dining experience only succeeded in reminding me how broke I was, and how I like places where their personality isn’t manipulated by big faceless suits in an office.