What it seems like is that they are victims not only of the economy but of their management. I don't recall eating at a Bennigans but I have had dinners at Steak and Ale across the country. Some were excellent some were not. Some began excellent and then went downhill. Some may have been bad and went up, but once burnt I don't go back so I would not know.

This IMO is management. Whoever is in charge of the chain did not do enough to maintain consistency. Most chains are fanatical about it but apparently they either were not or would not pay for staff that would enforce standards.

I love to cook and if I had another go around in this life I might become a professional chef. All my reading on professional cooking emphasizes management. A four year degree at the Culinary Institute of America is two years of cooking and two years of management.

Gotta go - my cheddar potato gnochi need to go into the oven.