10 Regional Franchise Restaurants You May Not Have Heard Of

Deciding where you’re going to grab a bite to eat can vary depending on where you live in the United States. Each region boasts a variety of signature foods and culinary styles that are often reflected in regional franchises. Here are 10 regional franchise restaurants you may not have heard of. 

1. Culver’s: A Wisconsin favorite, this fast-casual franchise restaurant was founded in the Badger State and is famous for its “butter burgers” and Wisconsin cheese curds. Culver’s locations can be found in most midwestern states, but are few and far between in other regions of the country. 

2. Runza: Founded in Lincoln, Nebraska, this central-midwestern favorite is beloved by many in the Cornhusker State. With locations in Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and Kansas, this chain is named after its signature Runza Sandwiches.

3. Zaxby’s: Popular in the southeastern United States, Zaxby’s was founded in Athens, Georgia. The chicken chain is famous for its Zax sauce and chicken pairing, making it a dominant force in the south. 

4. Wienerschnitzel: Founded in Wilmington, California in 1961 by John Galaridi, Wienerschnitzel became well-known for its hot dogs, burgers and snacks. The brand quickly grew and has staked a significant claim in the southwestern U.S. 

5. Bojangles’: Bojangles’ is known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. Founded in North Carolina in 1977, Bojangles has been a staple in the Southeast ever since. 

6. Giordano’s: Famous for its deep-dish pizza, Giordano’s is a Chicago-area favorite. 

7. Del Taco: Founded in Yermo, California by Ed Hackback, Del Taco is a Mexican-American restaurant franchise chain that has expanded to encompass locations across the southwestern U.S. The brand is most famous for incorporating both traditional Mexican dishes, like tacos, and American food options, like burgers and shakes, on its menu.  

8. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: With roots in the Midwest and Southeast, Freddy’s offers a vast array of fruzen custards and concretes in addition to a menu of American fare in the form of its classic steakburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches.

9. Steak ‘n Shake: This fast-casual restaurant offers burgers and milkshakes in a retro-diner space. After being founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois by Gus Belt, the brand quickly grew to become a staple in the Midwest and currently has most of its locations concentrated in the Eastern half of the U.S. 

10. California Tortilla*: Since being founded in 1995, California Tortilla has grown to become an East Coast favorite for fast-casual Mexican-style food. Most locations are currently in the Northeast, but there has been some expansion west, with a location recently opened in Kansas.

Despite the different cuisines offered by these restaurant chains, the brands all have something in common: Each works to serve its own niche markets based on regional dishes. There are plenty of opportunities for these brands to expand both within the areas they currently occupy and beyond.