(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

I love eating at local restaurants, but sometimes, there’s some comfort in hitting up a chain restaurant. Especially when traveling, there’s just something comforting about seeing a familiar brand on the road and stopping in to grab a bite to eat.

When I think about it, many of my favorite chain restaurants have closed down over the years. Do you remember Bill Knapps? That was one of my favorite places to go with my family as a child. I still see their famed chocolate birthday cake for sale at local grocery stores, however. Another big chain I miss is Chi-Chi’s. I actually wasn’t a huge fan of this place, but it was the go-to spot for parties when I was a kid.

Now, TopAgency.com has put together a list of the top five chain restaurants in Michigan. These aren’t just fast-foot places, but actual, sit-down chain restaurants. They actual refer to them as casual-dining restaurants.

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on everything from our work and school schedules to live sports and even the way we greet our friends and neighbors. Not surprisingly, this so-called new normal has also significantly altered American’s dining habits,” TopAgency.com states. “Earlier this summer, we examined the re-rise of carhops and the staying power of fast food during a nationwide pandemic. As a follow up, we wanted to see how some of America’s most popular casual dining chains are fairing in each state, as well as how sit down friendly restaurants are performing against their grab and go counterparts.” Read on for the full list, and for more information, go here. What’s your favorite chain spot? Reach out to me on social media and let me know.

Here Are the Top 5 Chain Restaurants in Michigan:

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Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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