[mhays]

Store size and chain vs. non-chain are separate topics, though they can influence each other.

Seattle has examples where favoritism works. Laws about putting calories on menus, setting work schedules weeks in advance, and minimum wages are all different depending on the employee count or the number of locations. We've never been as chain-dominated as some cities, but these have helped solidify this fact.

Also I'm a couple blocks from the Pike Place Market, which is run by a public PDA...the only chains are the ones that started there including Starbucks and Sur La Table. Even having two locations is rare...I'm thinking Beecher's.