# Top U.S. Chain Restaurants - where HAVEN'T you been? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 10, 2009, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674 "2009-12-10T02:17:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/41 "2009-12-10T04:02:56Z")
Never eaten at: #22 Panera Never seen but heard of: #32 Carl’s Jr. Never even heard of: #22 Panera Lowest I’ve eaten at: #400 Spaghetti Warehouse, this one was in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pretty good too. ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/42 "2009-12-10T04:18:50Z")
1. #13 Sonic 2. #73 Logan’s Roadhouse 3. Logan’s ---
**Author:** ![MadTheSwine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MadTheSwine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadTheSwine)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/43 "2009-12-10T04:28:35Z")
1.Panera Bread #24 2.Panera Bread 3.Panera Bread ---
**Author:** ![Suse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@Suse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suse)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/44 "2009-12-10T04:28:41Z")
For me, the answers are: 1. #4, Starbucks - I don’t drink coffee and haven’t found any other reason to visit either. 2. #40, Panda Express. I don’t think there are any in my area. 3. #57, Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Never heard of the place. ---
**Author:** ![Lucky\_13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucky_13/32/13209_2.png) [@Lucky\_13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucky_13)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/45 "2009-12-10T04:28:44Z")
Highest-rated: Never eaten at - Sonic (#13)- went to visit relatives in Georgia, and could have gone to eat there, but declined. Just as well - one of the boys drove into the Sonic sign and knocked it down. Never seen - Cracker Barrel (#25). Never even heard of - LongHorn Steakhouse (#47) Lowest I’ve eaten at: Original Roadhouse Grill (#395) Stupidest name, in my opinion: Cheeburger Cheeburger (#357) ---
**Author:** ![Covered\_In\_Bees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7ab992/32.png) [@Covered\_In\_Bees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Covered_In_Bees)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/46 "2009-12-10T04:33:05Z")
> [@MadTheSwine](#): > > 1.Panera Bread #24 > 2.Panera Bread > 3.Panera Bread Kindred spirit! ---
**Author:** ![sleeping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/47 "2009-12-10T04:35:54Z")
> [@ataraxy22](#): > > I’ve been looking at [this](http://www.rimag.com/info/CA6670228.html) list of the Top 400 Restaurant Chains in the United States in 2009, as ranked by Restaurants & Institutions (R&I) in order of 2008 sales. There are many that I’ve never hear of! > > 1. What is the highest ranking chain that you’ve never eaten at (or otherwise visited)? > 2. What is the highest ranking chain you’ve never seen in person (but may have heard of)? > 3. What is the highest ranking chain you never even heard of? 1. Applebee’s, #11. Though I’ve eaten less than 20 times for #1-10 combined. 2. Jack in the Box, #15. 3. Chick-fil-A, #17. > [@](#): > > Now I feel like I should try to visit all 400 at least once, or at least the ones I haven’t already been to! Not me. Though I might like to visit a Cracker Barrel once. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/48 "2009-12-10T04:37:03Z")
Never eaten at: #13 Sonic (although I’m not 100% sure I’ve been to an Applebee’s. I think I’ve been there for drinks and apps before) Never seen: #33 Golden Corral & Buffet Never heard of: #33 Golden Corral & Buffet ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/49 "2009-12-10T04:39:33Z")
Never eaten at Sonic. (#13) Never seen a Sonic. I’ve seen the commercials, though, so they must be around here somewhere. Never heard of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (#37). I’ve been to Maggie Moos (#399) in Washington, DC. I’ve heard of Spaghetti Warehouse (#400) but never been there. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/50 "2009-12-10T04:40:13Z")
> [@sleeping](#): > > Not me. Though I might like to visit a Cracker Barrel once. Trust me, don’t bother. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/51 "2009-12-10T04:55:45Z")
I’m pretty shocked at the “No Sabe Panera” posts. On my recent road vacation I made note of several on my trip, and even went a bit out of my way to eat at one, after 13 hours on the road and nothing but fried crap available up to then. If you want to avoid the “same old same old” fast food joints, you could do worse. Oh, and… Never eaten at Sonic (not appealing, tho there’s some around here and my dad once had some of their stock). Don’t think I’ve ever seen a Jack in the Box (their distribution has some huge holes in it IIRC), unless it was years ago on some forgotten trip. Carl’s Jr. is the first I’ve never even heard of. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/52 "2009-12-10T04:55:57Z")
My top two are Panera (#22) and IHOP (#27). Of the other top 50, I’ve never eaten at a Ruby Tuesday, Golden Corral, Chipotle (aren’t they owned by McDonald’s?), Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Hooters (yes, I’m a guy and have never been in a Hooters), Longhorn, or Hometown Buffet. Sonic is just edged out of the top spot because I’ve eaten at one once. Once. I intend to find a Cheeburger Cheeburger (#357) and Hot Dog on a Stick (#388)just so I can say I’ve been there. ---
**Author:** ![Kkrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Kkrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kkrose)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/53 "2009-12-10T05:02:50Z")
1. Never eaten at #13 Sonic 2. Never seen #28 Ruby Tuesday 3. Never heard of #43 Bob Evans The lowest number I have ever eaten at is #397 HotDog on a Stick. Sadly. There is one at the Mall in Santa Rosa, CA, **El Kabong**. God Speed. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/54 "2009-12-10T05:15:19Z")
> [@ataraxy22](#): > > 1. What is the highest ranking chain that you’ve never eaten at (or otherwise visited)? > 2. What is the highest ranking chain you’ve never seen in person (but may have heard of)? > 3. What is the highest ranking chain you never even heard of? [ol] [li]Never visited and never will patronize #4 Starbucks and #32 Carl’s Jr.[/li][li]#44 Bob Evans[/li][li]#22 Panera Bread[/li][/ol] ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Love](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Dr.Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Love)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/55 "2009-12-10T05:17:02Z")
Never eaten at #2: KFC Never seen, nor heard of: #38 Buffalo Wild Wings The lowest that I’ve ever seen is #365, Steak Escape. The lowest that I’ve ever eaten at is #290, La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill. ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/56 "2009-12-10T05:20:56Z")
1. Never eaten at a Dunkin Donuts (#10) 2. Never seen a Carl’s Jr. (#32) 3. Never even heard of Church’s Chicken (#39) ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/57 "2009-12-10T05:27:26Z")
The lowest # I’ve been to is 388 (Hot Dog on a Stick) ---
**Author:** ![Weedy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/weedy/32/301_2.png) [@Weedy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weedy)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/58 "2009-12-10T05:28:16Z")
I probably don’t count because I don’t live in the U.S. but my results are: Never eaten at: Burger King Heard of but never seen: Taco Bell (heard of on message boards only) Never heard of: Chili’s Grill & Bar ETA: lowest I’ve heard of is Ground Round Grill & Bar (#360) assuming that is the same Ground Round we went to in Ohio in the '70s. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/59 "2009-12-10T05:37:51Z")
1. I’ve never been to Papa John’s. (26) 2. I’ve never seen a Whataburger, though I think I’ve heard of it, vaguely. (41) 3. I’ve never heard of Romano’s Macaroni Grill. (54) ---
**Author:** ![Neptunian\_Slug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce7236/32.png) [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2009, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674/60 "2009-12-10T05:41:05Z")
1. #15 Jack in the Box 2. #41 Whataburger 3. #58 Zaxbys > [@](#): > > ETA: lowest I’ve heard of is Ground Round Grill & Bar (#360) assuming that is the same Ground Round we went to in Ohio in the '70s. It is and it isn’t the same. The chain went BK a few years ago. Literally started shutting down in the middle of service. A few stores that were franchises stayed open. All the company owned stores were dead meat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-u-s-chain-restaurants-where-havent-you-been/520674.md?page=4)