On our return trip from Florida, we had
decided to explore the back roads along the way. This necessitated an overnight stay in
Valdosta Georgia. Where to eat...local or chain?
We’d eaten at the Cheddar’s restaurant in
Alcoa Tennessee…and we’d liked it. So,
when we noticed a Cheddar’s almost right next to our motel in Valdosta, it was
an easy decision…
Cheddar’s was founded back in 1979 when the
first restaurant opened for business in Arlington Texas. Texas is still the stronghold for this
restaurant group, with over 40 locations throughout the state. Tennessee is the state with the 2nd
largest number of Cheddar’s locations…with 10 open and 1 about to open. All in all, there are 113 Cheddar’s
restaurants in 23 different states…
The interior of the two Cheddar’s that we’ve
dined in are very warm and friendly.
They invested in pleasant surroundings and decorative accents.
Most Cheddar’s locations are company
owned although there are a number of franchised restaurants. Moving forward, the company is not seeking additional
franchise operators.
This is the house salad,
($1.99), that Laurie ordered with her entrée. The ingredients were fresh and given the
price, it would be hard to beat.
There are a number of
appetizers on the menu ranging from $1.99 for chips and salsa on up to $7.19
for the ultimate nachos. Dinner salads
range from $6.99 on up to $7.59. You can
order a lunch combo…with 2 choices ($6.99) or with 3 choices ($7.59) An example
of a 3-piece combo would be a bowl of soup, a house salad and a half double
deck club sandwich.
For her entrée, Laurie ordered the
Chicken Pot Pie ($6.49). She thought
that it was quite good, although she prefers to have crust on the bottom of her
pot pies. For some reason, this same pot
pie costs a dime more at our Alcoa location in East Tennessee…
In addition to the entrees, Cheddar’s
also offers Lunch Combos, i.e., sandwiches with one side ($6.79 to $6.99). The menu also offers a selection of
burgers. A Burger with Fries would only cost
you $6.68.
My dinner selection was
this plate full of Buffalo Chicken Tenders with a side of broccolli. ($7.99) I’m
not too sure that the healthy portion of my dinner completely offset the
unhealthy portion… However, the Buffalo Chicken was certainly plentiful and it
packed the heat that I wanted and expected!
The entrees on the menu
listed under the heading, “The Classics”, started at $6.49 for the Chicken Pot
Pie and they moved up the price scale to a full rack of ribs with 2 sides for only
$12.99. Cheddar’s also offers steaks and
a number of combo entrees. A 12 oz.
Ribeye Steak with 2 sides is only $13.95!
The stated goal of the
founders of Cheddar’s was to create inviting neighborhood restaurants offering
handmade, high quality food at a reasonable price. Laurie and I believe that they’ve achieved
all of their goals. While the food isn’t
gourmet, it is very good and the pricing is definitely right! We enjoyed our meals at both the Valdosta and
the Alcoa locations…
The Valdosta Georgia
location is at 270 Norman Drive. Phone:
229-247-5551. The Alcoa Tennessee
restaurant is located at 250 Hamilton Crossing Drive. Phone: 865-983-5582. Cheddar’s Corporate Website is: www.cheddars.com.
Just click on any photo
to enlarge it…
Thanks for stopping by for
a visit!
Take Care, Big Daddy
Dave
I have never heard of Cheddars...the food looks yummy!! we like to go to the chain restaurants too...the food is always what we expect and with coupons and specials the price is reasonable...
ReplyDeleteI've only eaten there once and enjoyed it - you know it's a good value when the parking lot seems to always be full.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear about the franchise. I was not familiar with their restaurants, so it is nice to add another name to our list of possible eateries when wetravel. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteDear Dave, This sounds like a wonderful place to eat. Their food looks delicious...it reminds me of true comfort food! Happy July 4th to you! Blessings, your friend, Catherine
ReplyDeleteHappy Four July David!:)
ReplyDelete