3 Reasons Why The Cheesecake Factory Should Open a Location in Maine

When it comes to dining options, Mainers have plenty to choose from.

There are lots of great locally-owned establishments across the state and, of course, plenty of fast food and chain restaurants to choose from.

Speaking of chain restaurants, a friend asked me the other day, "If I could pick one chain restaurant that's currently not in the state, which one would I pick?"

My answer: Cheesecake Factory.

Why a Cheesecake Factory Should Come to Maine

Here are three reasons why the popular chain restaurant should open a place in Maine.

Generous portions

Often when I go out to eat, there's that moment when I can see the waiter or waitress approaching my table with a tray full of food.

When I see them coming, my eyes lock onto the food, following it until it's put on the table in front of me.

This is the moment of truth. Does it look like I'm getting what I paid for?

Part of the answer to that question depends on whether they're giving me enough food to make me feel satisfied.

I don't need to eat like a pig, but if I leave the restaurant and feel like I need to stop at McDonald's on the ride home, I clearly didn't get my money's worth.

This is never a problem at Cheesecake Factory, which is known for its generous portions.

Extensive menu

According to the Cheesecake Factory's website, their menu has "more than 250 dishes, freshly prepared and from scratch, to order, every day."

When you discuss their menu, naturally, you're going to start with their cheesecake.

Their website shows that they offer about 30 different types of cheesecake, which has always been one of my favorite desserts.

If I had to choose one, it would be a tough choice, but as I write this, I'm leaning toward the Triple Berry Bliss.

In addition to delicious cheesecakes and other specialty desserts, they offer quite a variety of other tasty foods, including flatbread pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, breakfast foods and glamburgers, which are burgers that are more elaborate than a typical hamburger.

They're already in New England

Cheesecake Factory has well over 200 locations in the U.S., and they're in every part of the country, including New England.

There are locations in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

They're so close. They just have to keep moving north.

I could picture them in Portland or the surrounding area, especially by the mall in South Portland.

If there's one in Burlington, Massachusetts, why not have one in Portland, which has more than twice the population of Burlington. Or bring it to Bangor!

Chain Restaurants Not Yet in Maine

There are many possible answers to this question: "If you could have one chain restaurant expand into Maine, which one would you choose?"

You could go with In-N-Out Burger, Jack in the Box, Waffle House, Raising Cane's, etc. They're all great choices.

When I asked my friend which one she would pick, she picked Sonic because of their selection of Slushes.

READ MORE: The ‘Best Chain Restaurant in America’ Has 2 Locations in Maine

For me, the extensive menu and generous portions at Cheesecake Factory are too much to deny.

If I get to make the call, Cheesecake Factory opens up shop in the state of Maine. You are welcome.