I'm going to tell you that the corporate culture of enshittifying everything wasn't in full swing yet. Olive Garden was on par with Texas Roadhouse or a little nicer than current Outback Steakhouse. McDonald's was pretty much in line with current Chipotle. Pizza Hut was more like Edwardos or a decent sit-down pizza chain.

What I'm getting from your spiel is that you're young. Sushi was not exotic and dangerous in 2006. Your salad example is probably from the 70s.