These restaurants still exist in the US, in some regions more than others. Usually the placemats are loaded with ads for local businesses now and less interesting.

Placemats have been covered in ads for local businesses since I was a kid. I’m retirement age now, it’s hardly new.

They certainly do, however, there is just a menacing progression of these chains taking over. My parents home town in the UK used to be devoid of chains but now there is KFC, Subway, McDonalds, Dominos, Starbucks and some UK specific chains such as Greggs (sticky buns, sandwiches) and Costa (coffee).

Due to the decline of the High Street, there are always independent cafes, sandwich shops and coffee shops that come and go. These take advantage of the spots that used to be where decent shops that used to be. However, few of them have enough customers to last more than a year or two.

On the surface there is more choice than ever. However, the best bakery in town closed down as they couldn't balance the books any more. There also used to be several fish and chips shops and they went too, although it has to be said that there are no longer any fish in British waters, so that is no surprise.

Retail is always in flux, however, the place is turning into a veritable 'food desert' with a choice between junk food slop and pretentious gentrified expense, with no middle ground.

America is different because you do get places in the sparsely populated West where passing trade will support a diner, gas station and general store but not a gaggle of franchised chains. If the interstate comes to town though, you know that will change.

> Usually the placemats are loaded with ads

Somehow, it doesn't surprise me that is a thing in America.