For many Canadians living in the suburbs and mid-sized cities far from Toronto, chains (like Milestones, Moxies, Kelsey’s) are where they might be able to order red curry chicken, poke or pad thai. The chains were the first place I saw fish tacos offered in Canada, outside Toronto. Probably not that authentic, but a little more adventurous than a local mom & pop that serves burgers and greasy spoon breakfasts. It really depends on where you live, in terms of what indies or chains offer.
I had been more of an indie person- and when visiting my cousins west of Edmonton, in suburban sprawl land, the options were indie Chinese Canadian, indie Greek-owned family restaurant serving breakfast, steak, club sandwiches, or the chains you see in most suburbs and mid-sized cities. It was more exciting for cousin to try a new chain, than revisit an old favorite. They still visit the standbys, but it is nice to try something new.
There are so many types of chains now. I’m pretty happy about the Japanese chains that have opened in Canada.
