Have you ever traveled to another state and stumbled upon a fantastic food spot, only to find out it’s a local favorite not widely available anywhere else? It’s both exciting and a little frustrating, right? You think, “This place is amazing—why isn’t it everywhere?” Well, there are a bunch of regional food chains out there that have nailed their recipes and should definitely expand beyond their local borders.
Contents
- 1 Bojangles’
- 2 Culver’s
- 3 Raising Cane’s
- 4 In-N-Out Burger
- 5 Whataburger
- 6 Portillo’s
- 7 Cook Out
- 8 Zaxby’s
- 9 El Pollo Loco
- 10 Schoop’s Hamburgers
- 11 Runza
- 12 El Fenix
- 13 Farmer Boys
- 14 Biscuitville
- 15 More From RetailShout
- 16 15 Reasons Why Aldi`s Bakery Section Is a Hidden Gem
- 17 15 Top Instant Noodle Brands, Ranked
Bojangles’
Originating in North Carolina, Bojangles’ is famous for its Cajun-spiced fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. Their Southern-style comfort food, including Bo’s Special Sauce and seasoned fries, offers a unique dining experience. The breakfast menu, featuring the Bo-Berry Biscuit, is a local favorite. Expanding nationally would allow more people to enjoy these delicious meals.
Culver’s
Based in Wisconsin, Culver’s is renowned for its ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. The chain uses high-quality ingredients, including never-frozen beef and daily-made custard. Their cheese curds, another local specialty, are a must-try. With a family-oriented atmosphere and friendly service, Culver’s would likely be a hit across the country.
Raising Cane’s
Specializing in chicken fingers, Raising Cane’s is popular for its simple yet flavorful menu. Originating in Louisiana, the chain offers a limited selection focused on quality – crispy chicken fingers, Texas toast, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s Sauce. Their dedication to freshness and quality, along with a fun, energetic atmosphere, makes Raising Cane’s a strong contender for national expansion.
In-N-Out Burger
Although In-N-Out Burger has expanded beyond its California roots, it remains a primarily West Coast phenomenon. Known for its fresh ingredients, secret menu, and animal-style burgers, In-N-Out has a cult following. Its simple menu and dedication to quality make it a strong candidate for nationwide expansion.
Whataburger
A Texas icon, Whataburger is known for its oversized burgers and extensive customization options. The chain offers a wide variety of menu items, including breakfast options like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. Known for its friendly service and community involvement, Whataburger has a loyal customer base that would likely embrace its presence in new regions.
Portillo’s
Chicago-based Portillo’s is famed for its Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and chocolate cake shakes. With its roots in a small hot dog stand, Portillo’s has grown into a beloved regional chain. Their diverse menu and unique offerings, combined with a nostalgic, 1950s-style atmosphere, make it a prime candidate for nationwide expansion.
Cook Out
Cook Out, based in North Carolina, offers a diverse menu featuring char-grilled burgers, over 40 flavors of milkshakes, and Southern-style sides like hushpuppies and corndogs. Known for its late-night service and affordable prices, Cook Out has become a favorite among college students and night owls. Expanding nationally could bring its unique fast-food experience to a broader audience.
Zaxby’s
Originating in Georgia, Zaxby’s specializes in chicken fingers, wings, and salads. Known for its Zax Sauce and creative menu items, such as the Chicken Finger Plate and the Zensation Zalad, Zaxby’s has a loyal customer base in the Southeast. Their emphasis on flavorful, high-quality food in a casual dining environment makes them a prime candidate for national growth.
El Pollo Loco
Starting in Los Angeles, California, El Pollo Loco is known for its flame-grilled chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices, and citrus juices. Their menu offers a healthy alternative to traditional fast food with items like burritos, bowls, and salads made with fresh ingredients. El Pollo Loco’s unique flavors and focus on health-conscious options make it an appealing choice for nationwide expansion.
Schoop’s Hamburgers
Based in Indiana, Schoop’s Hamburgers is renowned for its classic diner-style burgers with crispy edges and fresh ingredients. Their nostalgic dining experience, complete with milkshakes and hand-cut fries, makes them a beloved regional favorite. Expanding nationally could introduce a wider audience to their high-quality, delicious burgers and unique dining atmosphere.
Runza
Based in Nebraska, Runza is known for its signature Runza sandwich, a bread pocket filled with beef, cabbage, and onions. The chain also offers a variety of burgers, fries, and other comfort foods. With its unique and hearty menu, Runza could appeal to a broad audience looking for a new take on fast food.
El Fenix
Based in Dallas, Texas, El Fenix is one of the oldest Mexican restaurant chains in the U.S., known for its Tex-Mex cuisine. Their famous enchiladas, tacos, and margaritas have been a staple in Texas for decades. Expanding nationally could bring their authentic Tex-Mex flavors to a broader audience.
Farmer Boys
Based in California, Farmer Boys is known for its farm-to-table approach, offering a menu filled with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their hearty breakfasts, burgers, and salads are popular among those seeking high-quality, flavorful meals. Expanding nationally could introduce more people to their delicious, wholesome food.
Biscuitville
Based in North Carolina, Biscuitville is a beloved breakfast and lunch spot specializing in fresh, scratch-made biscuits. Their menu features a variety of biscuit sandwiches, platters, and Southern-inspired sides. Known for their commitment to using local ingredients and making everything from scratch, Biscuitville offers a unique, high-quality dining experience that would likely be well-received across the country.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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