20 American fast food chains you might not know about yet

Taco John’s is a Tex-Mex joint with locations in about half of the United States, concentrated mainly in the Midwest. In some places, Taco John’s serves as major competition for Taco Bell. The chain is known for its tacos (of course) and its Potato Oles. 

Anyone who’s been to Nebraska knows about Runza. The chain started in the Cornhusker state and is known for its eponymous menu item: A loose-meat sandwich with various toppings. Nebraskans take their allegiance to this restaurant seriously. 

Raising Cane’s started in Louisiana, and it’s slowly made its way throughout the United States (and beyond - it’s got a location in Dubai) thanks to its delicious chicken. Still, it’s not quite as popular as Chick-fil-A or even Popeyes, despite having some similar menu items. 

Culver’s has locations in just over half of the United States, but there are still plenty of people who haven’t tried the tasty restaurant — much less heard of it. The chain is known for its Butter Burgers and frozen custard, but there’s plenty more on the menu that might strike your fancy. 

Go to the South, and you can find a Krystal just about anywhere. Venture outside of the region, and it becomes a little harder. Krystal serves a litany of classic fast food menu items, but it’s best known for its breakfast menu. 

If you love chili and you love fast food, you’ve got to try Skyline Chili. The fast food chain is known for its signature menu item, with lots of satisfied customers vouching for its excellence. Unfortunately there aren’t locations in very many states, so you may have to travel for a bowl. 

Ohio knows what it’s doing when it comes to fast food. Skyline Chili was founded in the Buckeye State, as was Marco’s Pizza. The latter is a little more popular, but it still doesn’t have quite the reach of Domino’s or Pizza Hut. 

As far as fast food chains go, Teriyaki Madness is relatively new. It’s only been around since 2004, but it’s steadily making a name for itself in the fast food world thanks to its massive growth. It’s only becoming more and more popular

The Midwest has loads of fast food chains that the coasts and the South are missing out on. Freddy’s, also known as Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, is steadily expanding, but it’s still unknown to loads of hungry customers. 

You might’ve seen First Watch in the South or possibly in the Midwest, but it’s still making its way beyond those regions. The restaurant started in an effort to offer healthier breakfast options than its competitors. 

Jack in the Box has loads of locations, but there are still plenty of people who have yet had the opportunity to have the fast food chain. The chain’s menu is unique, featuring classic fast food options as well as unexpected items like egg rolls and tacos. 

New Yorkers know all about Shake Shack because the fast food chain started there. But its burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes have yet to make it to every state. There are, however, several Shake Shacks in countries across the globe, including China, Singapore, and Israel. 

White Castle was founded nearly 20 years before McDonald’s, but it never gained traction quite like the Golden Arches and hasn’t ventured much beyond the Midwest. There are locations in the Southwest, though, so patrons there can get in on the square hamburgers. 

Whataburger has hundreds of locations and it’s been in service for ages, but it still isn’t quite as popular as some of the fast food chains that began operation at the same time, like Burger King. People love Whataburger for its burgers, some of which even come in meatless options.

The name Biscuitville is enough to get anyone intrigued by this fast-food chain. Biscuitville is only available in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, so you’re going to have to travel to taste those biscuits.

More fast food restaurants should adopt the approach of Burgerville and Biscuitville - name establishments so consumers know exactly what they’re getting. Burgerville is available in Portland, Oregon, only, but those who’ve had it will tell you it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area. 

If you’ve had Jimmy John’s, it’s hard to imagine that there are people who haven’t. But unfortunately, that’s a reality for some people. Jimmy John’s is quite popular, but it still hasn’t hit Subway status. 

There are an incredible number of chicken restaurants in the United States, especially in the South. All those regionally-specific fast food chains make it hard for some to stand out, but Bojangles is making noise. Still, if you haven’t been to the South or neighboring Midwestern states, you haven’t had Bojangles. 

Portillo’s started in Chicago and it’s made its way to some other metropolitan areas, too. The chain serves about what you’d expect for a Chicago-based restaurant: Hot dogs, beef and sausage sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches, among other menu items. 

Cook Out is a restaurant that draws you in immediately because of its name. Unfortunately, it can only draw in so many customers because it’s only available in certain states in the South.