I certainly do understand the opinion that chains and franchises are not the most authentic and close to the ground ways to as a traveler experience culture. But on the other hand in cumulative years of of Europe trips over many decades, I've found that there are some chains and franchises to which I am always happy to return.
My favs below are predictably food focused, partly because I need to stack calories and quickly move along on cycle tours, and partly because I just love stuffing my face. But of course chains come in many different sectors.
Your favorite chain businesses in Europe? I'd love to have a list in case I'm missing something.
PAUL I have to say, the first time a went into a Paul I thought it was a snazzy independent boulangerie cum coffee shop. I never feel bad about what I walk out of a Paul with, whether in a bag or cup. My guilty Paul pleasure is their gut-bomb hot dog with mustard encased in hot cheesy pastry. Your cardiologist would pass out just looking at it.
Nordsee I love Nordsee restaurants, and sorely wish we had them in the USA. I particularly like their cold seafood like the rollmop sandwich, and appreciate that their offerings range from briney and steamed to deep-fried - I can eat like a grown up and my kid is still happy.
Amorino They have consistently excellent ice cream, and the cones being sculpted into rose shapes is a very nice touch.
Vappiano Great concept, affordable, stylish and fast. I wouldn't eat at Vappiano in Italy but for that 5th in row restaurant dinner when you no longer care to sit and be waited on in a formal setting Vappiano is fun.
FEBO I can't really defend myself here, other than to say that it's a gas pulling your snack out of the wall. And in a Holland where now I see more and more upscale yuppie-standard snack bars, there's something comfortingly old school about Febo. It's about like Dicks Drive In in the Puget sound area. Yep, you can get a better burger, but there's nothing quite like walking up to the window at Dicks.