# Regional Fast Food Restaurants **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 14, 2002, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980 "2002-05-14T05:53:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![epolo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@epolo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epolo)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/21 "2002-05-14T13:52:48Z")
I haven’t eaten there but I recently read this [article](http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=1011021) in the Economist about the expansion of a Filipino fast food franchise called Jollibee. In case the article is subscription only: > [@](#): > > **A busy bee in the hamburger hive** > > Feb 28th 2002 > From The Economist print edition > > _If McDonald’s is the Goliath of fast food, Tony Tan’s Jollibee is its Filipino David_ > > THE Philippines is a huge embarrassment to McDonald’s. Filipinos are as mad about American culture as they are about fast food, and in 1981, when the golden arches first went up in Manila, everybody assumed that McDonald’s would rule the Filipino market, as so many others. At the time, Tony Tan was a local entrepreneur who, with his siblings, had just turned a few ice-cream parlours into burger kitchens. He was soon getting friendly advice that he was still young enough to do something else for a living. At best, said his friends, he could buy the McDonald’s franchise. ---
**Author:** ![Yossarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/9de0a6/32.png) [@Yossarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yossarian)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/22 "2002-05-14T14:01:15Z")
I’m pretty sure there’s a **Taco Hut Pizza** in Alpine, Fort Stockton, _and_ Monahans. ---
**Author:** ![Turbo\_Dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ce73a5/32.png) [@Turbo\_Dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turbo_Dog)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/23 "2002-05-14T14:21:13Z")
We have just about everything here including Rally’s and Steak-n-Shake, except for In-N-Out. Nothing tastier than a fresh double double. We had a Checkers in our CA town for a while but it sold to McDonalds after a few years. We also have Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. Across the street from KFC and absolutely incredible. It’s like a mix of the best qualities of KFC and Popeyes. Amazing chicken, regular or spicy, and in addition to standard mashed taters, corn on the cob and mac-n-cheese, the rest of the sides are southern type: cajun rice (real cajun rice that will light you up), collard greens with ham, green beans with onions and bacon, chicken livers, chicken gizzards, and occasionally they have sweet potatoes. ---
**Author:** ![tramp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@tramp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tramp)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/24 "2002-05-14T14:24:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Pantellerite \* > \*\*I’m pretty sure there’s a **Taco Hut Pizza** in Alpine, Fort Stockton, _and_ Monahans. \*\* Oh god, Fort Stockton and Alpine, TX. I had a radiator break there once. It was a horrible experience. In Florida we have Steak N’ Shakes. Mmmmm… good stuff. And here in Virginia we have a Boston Marketesque chain called Chicken Out. ---
**Author:** ![scout1222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/34f0e0/32.png) [@scout1222](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scout1222)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/25 "2002-05-14T14:28:54Z")
Yes, **Shibb** , you’re right. Jack in the Box is here in San Diego. Their headquarters are probably 5 miles from my house. Here in San Diego we also have **Rubio’s** , home of the fish taco, which is slowly expanding to other areas in Southern California. I believe a **Busy Bee** just opened here as well, down in National City or Chula Vista, I think, where there’s a pretty diverse ethnic population. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/26 "2002-05-14T14:32:00Z")
Jack in the Box moved into Texas in the late 1970s. They were out of California, and at the time, their commercials featured the irresistably cute Rodney Allan Ripey (spelling?). They opened a restaurant then in San Angelo, TX, and its food was godawful - the only reason any of us would ever go there was because it stayed open past 10pm. McDonald’s and Burger King closed at 10, and Whataburger closed at 8. Sonics have staged quite a comeback around here over the past few years. Ten years ago, Sonics were old and run-down, now they’re updated, and new ones are in good locations. The great thing about Sonic is their shakes - real shakes, not partially gelatinated non-dairy gum-based beverages. Are Sonics in other parts of the country as well? ---
**Author:** ![Morgainelf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Morgainelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgainelf)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/27 "2002-05-14T14:36:03Z")
In Columbia, SC there is a local chain called **Rush’s**. They make really good sloppy burgers, decent fried chicken, and excellent milk shakes! There’s also a local barbeque chain called **Maurice’s** , that is pretty popular. I don’t go there for political reasons (do a google search and you’ll quickly see why). Besides, they serve mustard based barbeque sauce, which is just an abomination. Here in eastern Massachusetts there is a very small chain called **Kelly’s Roast Beef** , that makes the best onion rings and lobster rolls ever! ---
**Author:** ![Morgainelf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Morgainelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgainelf)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/28 "2002-05-14T14:38:12Z")
[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111538&highlight=fatburger](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111538&highlight=fatburger) Here’s a good discussion on the Fatburger/In 'n Out Burger controversy. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/29 "2002-05-14T14:39:42Z")
There’s some of the big international chains that have either left the U.S. Market wimpering, or never entered our borders to being with. Canada - Harvey’s Hamburgers, Mr. Submarine, Pizza Pizza, 241 Pizza (one location in Buffalo, I believe) United Kingdom - Wimpy’s South Africa - Steer’s, Nando’s, St. Elmo’s Europe - Quick (supposedly awful!) ---
**Author:** ![Payne\_N.Diaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Payne\_N.Diaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Payne_N.Diaz)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/30 "2002-05-14T14:57:27Z")
Here in the El Paso-Las Cruces corridor we got Whataburger, Jack in the Box, Sonic, Wendy’s, etc. We also have Blake’s Lotaburger, only in NM, and Chico’s Tacos, scattered around El Paso. There’s acouple of Blimpies, tons of Subway, but Taco Bells are few and far between (Saints be praised!). Of course, I still prefer a green chile cheeseburger from the Owl Bar in San Antonio, NM! ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/31 "2002-05-14T15:01:37Z")
I can’t believe no one mentioned WHITE CASTLE. I live in Chicago and these things are pretty much everywhere around here. They’re quite tasty (and greasy) - traditionally eaten in the wee hours after too much beer and booze ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/32 "2002-05-14T15:39:27Z")
In ‘n’ Out burger is **incredible**. I was not impressed with Del Taco, but they aren’t bad or anything. Just like Taco Bell better. Here in MA you find Burger King, McDonalds, the odd Wendy’s (not enough, I love Wendy’s), I’ve seen a subway or two. Also we’ve got Taco Bell/KFC. Not enough Taco Bells, either! mmm… I have seen NO chain diners like Denny’s, Shoney’s, etc. Shame. Nothing like a 24 hour diner that serves breakfast all day. But this area friggin’ shuts down at midnight or so. Even bars seem to close at 1AM. Stupid town. ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/33 "2002-05-14T16:08:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dead0man \* > \*\* > > \*\* In and Out Burger\*\* aint bad. In Omaha we have \*\* Cum and Go \*\* gas stations. Yes its spelled that way. > \*\* Actually, it’s “Kum ‘n’ Go”. ---
**Author:** ![Drum\_God](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drum_god/32/44_2.png) [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/34 "2002-05-14T16:15:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sysop \* > \*\* > I’m sure there are a bazillion other places, but I’ve covered the main fast food joints…don’t EVEN get me started on the regular dine-in locations. With my busy schedule, I don’t ever cook, I just go out to eat all the time, fast food or dine-in restaurants. I consider myself an expert on the average dining places, don’t care much for the fancy schmancy, hoity toity places that are too expensive (even though I can afford them). Well, these places can be found in Austin (but I think the Wiener-place was actually in Cedar Park, to the northwest), so now you know where to go. 🙂 \*\* Hey, Sysop, my father in law runs the cafeteria in the LBJ State Office Building (a few blocks north of the Capitol). Duck in there sometime. His cook, Joe, fixes a burger that’ll really stick with you. 😉 Ever been to Chuy’s? Famous for busting W’s daughter for under-age drinking. Their chicken enchiladas are great. Okay, back to our regularly scheduled discussion. Out here in a town between Austin and Houston, we’ve got Taco Bell (inside a gas station!), McDonald’s, Whataburger (not too good), Subway (rumored to have caused far too many food poisonings), Sonic, Dairy Queen (every town in Texas has a DQ, or it’s just not a town), Pizza Hut, and several local burger joints. ---
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/35 "2002-05-14T17:51:54Z")
Check out this map of Sonic distribution: [http://www.sonicdrivein.com/franchise/marketmap.shtml](http://www.sonicdrivein.com/franchise/marketmap.shtml) There’s 686 locations in Texas. And zero in the entire Northeast. Talk about regional. ---
**Author:** ![glilly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/48db29/32.png) [@glilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glilly)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/36 "2002-05-14T18:02:22Z")
Japan has a burger chain called “Mosburger”. Mmmmm, moss. In addition to the **Kum ‘n’ Go** , in Des Moines there is a **Pump ‘n’ Munch** gas station/convienience store. I want to buy a gas station and call it **Fuck 'n Suck**. ---
**Author:** ![Demise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/34f0e0/32.png) [@Demise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demise)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/37 "2002-05-14T19:29:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ShibbOleth \* > **Schlotzsky’s–Austin Texas** Awesome sandwiches. Been eating them since the late 70’s. Round sourdough buns that are split and have cheese melted on each side. The original toasted sandwiches, at least here. 🙂 [quote[**Taco Cabana–San Antonio, TX (never heard of them)**[/quote] That’s a shame. They are the best fast-food tex-mex that I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot. About half of them stay open 24 hours, so they are usually crowded after 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays. > [@](#): > > \*\*Dan’s/Fran’s Hamburgers–(Austin, TX(?): never heard of them and no web presence that I can find) \*\* They all used to be Dan’s Hamburgers, but when Dan and his wife, Fran, got a divorce… Good burgers though. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/38 "2002-05-14T19:42:44Z")
**LSURA** Jack in the Box moved into this area about three years ago, and they’ve been a welcome addition. As of last November, they hadn’t made it past the northern Tennessee state line. There used to be a Whataburger here until about 10 years ago. Its now a florist shop, I think. For regional fast food places we’ve got: Fat Mo’s Burgers, Mrs. Winner’s chicken, and Maggie Moos. Growing up in Ohio we had Arthur Treatchers and Borden’s. Both of which I think are completely gone by now. ---
**Author:** ![Hugh\_Jass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/4da419/32.png) [@Hugh\_Jass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hugh_Jass)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/39 "2002-05-14T20:40:41Z")
I’d like to take this opportunity to ask for a moment of silence for the greatest regional chain that ever existed. I speak, of course, of: ROY ROGERS. Located in the Northeast. Big fat burgers. Fried chicken. Strawberry shakes with big fat pieces of strawberry. The Fix’n’s Bar. The Double R-Bar Burger. They were bought out by Hardee’s in the late 80s, I believe, and converted to Hardee’s. And no one went to the Hardee’s. After it was too late, they changed them back to Roy’s but the magic had been lost. There were a few independent Roy’s along the New Jersey turnpike that made visiting my sister extra sweet. Are they still around? God, I miss the Double R Bar. FIe on you Mr. Hardee. Also, in the Washington area, we had the White Castle knockoff: Little Tavern. We called the burgers “Deathballs.” When my Dad was dating my mom, on his way home from her house, he’d buy a bag (6 of 'em) to eat on the long drive home. ---
**Author:** ![Hugh\_Jass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/4da419/32.png) [@Hugh\_Jass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hugh_Jass)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2002, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980/40 "2002-05-14T20:43:54Z")
Oh, and now that I live in Texas, I have the benefit of Taco Cabana. I can never eat Taco Bell ever again. The Cabana is simply fantastic. They sell beer. They have breakfasts. They make their own tortillas. Magnificent chow. Magnificent. I happened to be outside Joshua Tree National Park a few years back. I can’t remember if I was in 29 Palms or the city of Joshua Tree, but as we drove along the main road, every block had a Del Taco. I counted 7 over the span of a few miles. Never seen anything like that before. Haven’t seen anyone mention Quizno’s subs. Oven toasted. Good subs if you get tired of Subway. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regional-fast-food-restaurants/108980.md?page=3)