Boomers with zero discernment have kept some zombie companies alive for decades beyond their natural sunsetting. The same goes for said Boomers.
I have to imagine these places served real food at some point. Like they have fond memories of eating and drinking there, pre enshitification.
TGI Friday’s used to be a full blown singles bar advertised as a place for young professionals to meet for one night stands and the like. When their core audience got older and started getting married and having kids, they pivoted to a neighborhood family friendly restaurant.