Local Pep Boys closed down a few years ago when the company was trying to reorganize or whatever the corporate folk call it. Building still sits empty. Wish they were still open, I like to browse the aisles and see what's new. However, I'm not sure I'd let em work on my car.
If you know your brakes and know exactly what you need done and you really don't want to drive to your trusted mechanic, then I suppose they would be alright. If you just ask for a brake job, prepare to pay (probably true of most shops). A better alternative, IMHO, would be to ask your trusted mechanic for a recommendation for someone closer by.