I recently received a press release for a restaurant chain named BJ’s. Prior to the email I’d never heard of the chain, which started in Southern California as a deep-dish pizza joint. But according to the release, it’s opening in Dayton, Ohio, and there are currently 139 locations nationwide. Who knew BJ’s was so popular? I wonder if they sell t-shirts proclaiming, “I [heart] BJ’s”? And what about T.G.I. Friday’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Claim Jumper? BJ’s is facing some stiff competition!
Also, the CEO of BJ’s is a guy named Greg Trojan. No, I’m not kidding. But I started to wonder if the CFO was named Mike Hunt.
BJ’s is offensive, but only in their intense commitment to mediocrity. They generally have a good number of beers on tap, including their own intensely mediocre creations. The food is least common denominator in every respect. I have the regrettable fortune of working quite close to one and cringe when my co-workers argue over this place or the Macaroni Grill.