not that I don't agree that one should venture to find more interesting and unique food, but it takes time. For the students, quick, cheap and convenient is most important.
It will be misleading to say SLM is not expensive, although the selection is fantastic. Those chains often offer some sort of special deal every day, sometimes under $4. I don't think the individual stores are comparable in price. I have a 14 year old nephew who just can't have enough of KFCs, even though there are better food available. Honestly, for kids that age, they can't tell much of a difference in the quality. Nor can many adults.
I know on this forum people general frown upon chains, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with people sticking to chain restaurants. Many are simply risk averse and stingy. I know plenty of people who travel to Paris and Rome and eat subway/McDonald's every day - it is cheap and there is no surprise. For many, food is simply not that much a big deal.
