“Chain” is usually a negative word for serious diners. Chain restaurants conjure up images of nameless, faceless corporations in faraway states producing bland food for the masses.

Here in the Valley, though, several popular, locally owned restaurants have grown to more than a half-dozen locations. Here are five favorites that are exceptions to my anti-chain mentality:

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro: Fifteen years after debuting his thin-crust pizzas and huge sandwiches at his first Oregano’s in Scottsdale, Mark Russell now has eight Arizona locations, including five in the East Valley. It’s not unusual to find devoted customers waiting in line during the lunch and dinner hours to get into these fun and casual hangouts.

Ra: Scott Kilpatrick, Rich Howland and Taison Obata opened their first sushi restaurant and bar in Old Town Scottsdale in 1997. One of the first places to combine quality sushi with a high-energy, nightclub-like atmosphere, Ra has grown into a nationwide empire, including five often-packed locations in the East Valley.

Pete’s Fish & Chips: Since 1947, this family-owned chain’s eight Valley locations have offered deep-fried fish and shrimp, served with Pete’s Special Sauce. Non-seafood fans can enjoy greasy-good burgers and corn dogs. Prices are very wallet-friendly: Two pieces of fish and chips are $3.55, while a Double Super Burger is $2.

Native New Yorker: Floyd and Judy Anderson arrived from Buffalo, N.Y., in 1978 and bought a pizzeria. After a difficult first year, they were on the verge of bankruptcy when they tried something new: adding Buffalo wings (pictured) to the menu. Today, Native New Yorker’s 24 Valley locations are known for the best wings in the Valley.

Serrano’s: The Serrano family had been operating clothing stores in Chandler since 1919, but it wasn’t until 1979 that Ernie and Eva Serrano decided to get into the restaurant business. The family now has seven Sonoran-style Mexican restaurants in the southeast Valley, as well as the breakfast eatery Brunchie’s.

Posted in: Ahwatukee • Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Phoenix • Scottsdale • Tempe • 5 to Try • Native New Yorker • Oregano's • Pete's Fish & Chips • Ra • Restaurants • Serrano's |

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