The Cheesecake Factory has been in the headlines after former President Barack Obama joked that President Donald Trump's White House décor looked "like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory." The remark sparked debate over whether the chain is a spot for everyday Americans, and a new analysis of restaurant chains near neighborhoods with higher and lower home values found where it ranks.Home values near Cheesecake Factory restaurants were about 27% higher than in areas in the same region with similar population density, partly because many of them are located in upscale malls, The Washington Sun found.The outlet analyzed data from Overture Maps, Zillow and the Census Bureau using a methodology adapted from housing expert Aziz Sunderji's analysis of businesses near areas with higher and lower home values.5 RESTAURANT CHAINS SERVE UP THE BEST BREAKFAST VALUE AS AMERICANS LOOK TO SAVEThe analysis also found that businesses such as Club Pilates, Whole Foods, Warby Parker and Apple stores were associated with neighborhoods with higher home values, while Five Below, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and Planet Fitness were linked to areas with lower home values.The Cheesecake Factory ranked third among restaurant chains for the highest home values near its locations. Home values within 3 miles of Cheesecake Factory locations were 27% higher than in comparable areas, according to the analysis.
(Myung J.Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Below are the top five, with two chains tied for fifth.For the fast-casual Mediterranean and Greek chain, home values within 3 miles of its locations were 39% higher than in areas in the same region with similar population density.It traces its roots back to 2006, when three childhood friends opened a Greek restaurant honoring their shared heritage.
They began selling dips in grocery stores in 2008 and launched the fast-casual chain in 2011. BELOVED RESTAURANT CHAIN DWINDLES FROM 850 LOCATIONS TO 87, BUT EXPERT SEES 'A LOT OF LIF...