Oh hell, we have our fair share up here. Granted many have come and gone and many are just squeaking by but we have them.

Red Lobster has tryed it a few times with no success, just can’t bring that inferior seafood to an area that is rich with great seafood spots all around us. Same story with Olive Garden, too many mom and pop Italian resaraunts serving great fare.
Most of the Sam’s clubs have folded and without notice to employes I might add. They can’t compete with Costco or BJ’s in the area, We do have our Wally worlds though, but then again many communities have been succesfull in holding them off.

Northern New England is prety much a rual area, where the population comes and goes with the seasons. You will find the chains in the bigger citys the Bangors, Burlingtons, Concord and so on. People up in that area tend to make a monthly trip so to speak to stock up on their needs. The seasonal people bring theirs with them for the most part.
Unlike other parts of the country we also don’t have the interstate highway system that many enjoy in other areas. That in it’s self keeps down the urban sprall, wich is a good thing. Keeps the chains at bay. Chow Jim