I didn't know so many NTers lived areas where spots like these are the only options. It has nothing to with price, convenience, or being bougie; I can spend $10-15 at my local Applebees or get good Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Peruvian, Vietnamese, BBQ, non-chain pizza, etc for the same price or less down the street. I would literally have to walk/drive past ALL of those options if I wanted to eat at Applebee's.
Either you live in the middle of nowhere, or you have terrible taste (which most Americans do).